Author Archives: Cathy Caridi

Why Would I Need an Annulment, Since My Civil Marriage Was Obviously Invalid?

Q:  I am Catholic, and was married with civil ceremony to my ex-husband…and we divorced the following year.  Now older and hopefully wiser, I want to share the rest of my life with my current partner.  We want to get … Continue reading

Posted in Marriage, Sacraments | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Why Would I Need an Annulment, Since My Civil Marriage Was Obviously Invalid?

Who’s in Charge of the Diocese When There’s No Bishop?

Q: We have a lot of confusion in our parish…. Complicating the equation, our diocesan bishop has retired and the Pope has yet to name his successor.  We have a diocesan administrator, but he is also currently the bishop of … Continue reading

Posted in Clergy Issues, Parish Life, The Pope | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Who’s in Charge of the Diocese When There’s No Bishop?

Can I Attend the Marriage of a Catholic Outside the Church?

Q: My brother and I have a disagreement. We are both Catholic and have a decent understanding of what is required for a Catholic to marry outside the Church, including canonical form (which is well explained in some of your … Continue reading

Posted in Marriage, Sacraments | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Can I Attend the Marriage of a Catholic Outside the Church?

Canon Law and the Marriage of the Virgin Mary to Saint Joseph

Q:  Out of academic curiosity I thought of asking this: how can we describe the marriage between the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph in the light of present Canon Law?  I’m not certain, but I have heard that the Church … Continue reading

Posted in Marriage, Sacraments | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Canon Law and the Marriage of the Virgin Mary to Saint Joseph

Sex-Abuse Scandals, Transparency, and the Right to a Good Reputation

Q:  In a previous article, you stated that under canon law we all have the right to privacy and a good reputation.  I’m having a hard time reconciling these rights with the need for transparency in the Church regarding sexual … Continue reading

Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Sex-Abuse Scandals, Transparency, and the Right to a Good Reputation