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Canon lawyers are not responsible for the content of canon law. The Supreme Legislator is. Only Pope Francis can change the Code of Canon Law, so if you're not happy with what the law says, please take it up with him.
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Author Archives: Cathy Caridi
Canon Law and Making Private Vows
Q1: I was hoping you could answer a burning question of mine regarding vows and promises. Background info: I’m a young guy with OCD [obsessive-compulsive disorder], I have a nasty habit of doing things I think are good and then … Continue reading
Posted in Other Canonical Questions
Tagged canon law, Catholic, commutation, dispensation, spiritual director, vow
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Does an Excommunicated Priest Administer Valid Sacraments? (Part II)
(Part I of this article was posted on April 28, 2022, and can be read here.) We have been discussing a scenario described to us by John, who wanted to know if his confirmation was administered invalidly. John was concerned … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions, Sacraments
Tagged baptism, canon law, Catholic, confirmation, excommunicate, invalid, marriage, priest, schism, validity
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Does an Excommunicated Priest Administer Valid Sacraments? (Part I)
Q: I was confirmed as an adult convert by a priest who had faculties to do so. Recently, I have noticed that this priest has voiced his personal opinions about Pope Francis that are arguably schismatic. For example, that the … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions
Tagged canon law, Catholic, excommunicated, Pope Francis, priest, schism
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What Are the Church’s Current Rules on Indulgences? (Repost)
(On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis will give the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing in St. Peter’s Square, and under the proper conditions Catholics can gain a plenary indulgence. So it seems appropriate to repost the Church’s rules on indulgences at … Continue reading
Posted in Other Canonical Questions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, indulgences, papal blessing
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Can Divorced Catholics Date, While Waiting for Their Annulment?
Q: I am a Catholic and recently divorced. I’m in the process of working through an annulment. The internet has a lot of opinions about whether divorced Catholics can/should date prior to annulment. From what I’ve read, I see nothing … Continue reading