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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
Laypeople Can Always Baptize–But When Should They?
Q: My son was married to a non-Catholic girl for 7 years, and they have three boys. Just after she gave birth to the third, my daughter-in-law snapped and ran out on my son, taking the children with her and … Continue reading
Posted in Baptism, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged baptize, canon law, Catholic, Edgar Mortara, laypeople
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If the Church Has Never Permitted Divorce, Why Did Henry VIII Expect the Pope to Give Him One?
Q: I understand that the Catholic Church does not approve of divorce. But I do not understand why Henry VIII asked the Pope to grant him a divorce from his wife, and expected the Pope to grant it. Was there … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage, Sacraments, The Pope
Tagged annulment, canon law, Catholic, divorce, Henry VIII, marriage
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Marriage and Quasi-Domiciles
Q: For four years our son was away at college, over 500 miles from home. He just graduated and is now engaged to a girl he met at school, and they want to get married in our parish here. Our … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, college, domicile, marriage, quasi-domicile
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Do Catholics Have to be Confirmed Before Getting Married?
Q: In our parish RCIA program, I have a couple that were married civilly, but plan to marry next year in the Catholic Church back in her hometown. Both are baptized Catholic and have received Holy Communion, but neither has … Continue reading
Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Confirmation, Marriage
Tagged canon law, Catholic, confirmation, marriage, RCIA
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Canon Law and Getting What You Want
Q1: My fiancé and I wish to be married in a chapel [instead of the parish church]. This chapel… has been the most pivotal part of our faith life and relationship with one another. However, we were informed that we … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage, Other Canonical Questions, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged bishop, canon law, Catholic, marriage, Mass
Comments Off on Canon Law and Getting What You Want