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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
When Can You Get a Dispensation, and Who Can Grant It?
Q1: I have a question regarding St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), when it falls on a Friday in Lent. A friend says that although a dispensation may or may not be given, one may dispense oneself due to the fact … Continue reading
Posted in Other Canonical Questions, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, dispensation, sacrament
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When Can You Have a Catholic Wedding Without a Mass?
Q: I’m engaged to an evangelical Christian. He’s very open to the Catholic Church though, he attends Mass with me sometimes and is okay with raising our children Catholic. The problem is his evangelical parents, who are convinced that Catholics … Continue reading
Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Marriage, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, marriage, Mass, wedding
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How Can You Tell a Real Catholic Monastery From a Fake?
Q: There is a “monastery” of two men [in my diocese]. They SAY they are Roman Catholics and that they abide by Catholic dogma. I’m pretty sure most people would assume they are legitimate Catholics. [One of them] has stated … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, diocese, monastery, monk, parish
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Canon Law and the Private Ownership of Relics (Part II)
Q1: I have a question after your article “Canon Law and the Private Ownership of Relics, Part I” was shared with me. A few weeks ago, I was in Rome on pilgrimage. I received from a Passionist priest at a … Continue reading
Posted in Other Canonical Questions, Parish Life
Tagged canon law, Catholic, relic, reliquary, saint
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Is My Confession Valid, If the Priest Changes the Words of Absolution?
Q: Could you please go over the laws and minimum requirements for the valid celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation. I fear that a lot of Catholics go to confession and hear all kinds of things in place of the … Continue reading
Posted in Confession, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged absolution, canon law, Catholic, confession, penance, sacrament, valid
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