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About the author
Cathy Caridi, J.C.L., is an American canon lawyer who practices law and teaches in Rome. She founded this website to provide clear answers to canonical questions asked by ordinary Catholics, without employing all the mysterious legalese that canon lawyers know and love. In the past Cathy has published articles both in scholarly journals and on various popular Catholic websites, including Real Presence Communications and Catholic Exchange.- 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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canonlawmadeeasy@yahoo.com
Please check the Archives first–it’s likely your question was already addressed.
Unsigned/anonymous questions are not read, much less answered (why is it necessary even to mention this?).
Author Archives: Cathy Caridi
What Makes a Mass Invalid? (Part I)
Q1: My book-study group started talking about what constitutes a valid Mass. One person is under the impression that as long as the consecration is completed properly, the Mass would be valid. Another person suggested that even if a part … Continue reading
Discovering an Impediment Right Before the Wedding
Q: My sister has an upcoming marriage in our Catholic Church in the USA. She is divorced for about 8 years now from her civil marriage. She did not tell her priest she was civilly married because she did not … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, impediment, marriage, validity, wedding
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What Happens when Canon Law Conflicts with Social Custom?
Q: My boyfriend and I are Catholics, living in [an Asian country]. I am 33 years old. We have wanted to get married for 8 years. However, due to strong cultural issues … my parents are against my marriage. Now … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage, Rights of the Faithful, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, custom, marriage, parents, wedding
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If I Become a Catholic, What Happens to My Marriage? (Part II)
Q: I was married in a civil marriage, and we are still happily married. At the time, my husband was a baptized protestant (Baptist), and I was not baptized. Recently I became a Catholic. When I converted, it was my … Continue reading
Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Marriage, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, marriage, non-catholic, valid, wedding
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How Does an Excommunicated Catholic Have the Sanction Lifted? (Part II)
Q: A man at our parish took the Eucharist home and [desecrated It], and now refuses to hand the Host over to the priest or even admit that what he did is wrong. We know that our clergy are actively … Continue reading
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions
Tagged canon law, Catholic, confession, excommunicate, excommunication, sanction
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