Author Archives: Cathy Caridi

Clergy and Summer Vacation (Repost)

Q: Our pastor seems to go on vacation constantly. This year, he already spent one week at a retreat house, left on numerous short trips to see his relatives, and now he’s going away for two weeks to Florida—and it’s … Continue reading

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What’s Required for a Valid Ordination?

Q1.  Can a deacon be ordained to the priesthood, less than six months after his ordination to the diaconate?  For example, a congregation or diocese is urgently in need of priests, can their ordinary actually anticipate it and release an … Continue reading

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Addiction and Marriage Validity

Q: Can alcoholism, or some other addiction, invalidate a Catholic marriage? I’m asking this question because my divorced daughter is starting the annulment process.  She spoke with someone at the marriage tribunal, who I gather is expected to help her … Continue reading

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When Can One Priest Validly Delegate Another to Celebrate a Wedding?

Q:  If a pastor grants general delegation to a parochial vicar to assist at marriages within the parish, does the parochial vicar have the authority to subdelegate this power to another priest or deacon to witness a specific marriage, or … Continue reading

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The Validity of the Upcoming Conclave

Q:  Perhaps you could offer some insight on the issue of the maximum number of electors allowed in a Papal Conclave.  It seems clear from the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominci Gregis that the maximum number of electors is 120. Yet, … Continue reading

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