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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 Baptism Catholic?
Q1: What makes a Catholic baptism Catholic? I’m a lay Roman Catholic who just started working as a hospital chaplain, which means I may be called upon to administer emergency baptisms in some cases. If I baptize, for example, an … Continue reading
Posted in Baptism, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged baptism, baptize, canon law, Catholic, validity
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Can the Pastor Set a Minimum Age for Baptism?
Q: Canonically speaking, may the pastor/parish set a minimum age of 4 months old for the baptism of an infant? If not, what steps should be taken by parents who want their child baptized before that age? We have a … Continue reading
Posted in Baptism, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged baptism, canon law, Catholic, infant, parish, pastor
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When Does a Catholic Book Need an Imprimatur?
Q: I have questions regarding books that are supposed to have Church approval on them. If a book deals with religion/morals and is being sold in a church, does it only need the Imprimatur, or does it need the Imprimatur … Continue reading
Posted in Other Canonical Questions
Tagged canon law, catechism, Catholic, imprimatur, nihil obstat
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(Repost:) Confession and General Absolution
Unfortunately, reposting this piece is almost becoming a Christmas tradition, since reports continue to surface of abuses of the Sacrament of Penance during this busy season. For that reason it may be worth reading it once again. A very … Continue reading
Posted in Confession, Parish Life, Rights of the Faithful, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, confession, general absolution, penance
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When Can the Parish Priest Postpone a Wedding?
Q: My 26-year-old daughter is pregnant. She has been dating her boyfriend for over 4 years. They now want to marry when she completes the first trimester. All their documents are in place. The parish priest will not grant them … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage, Rights of the Faithful, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, marriage, pregnant, wedding
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