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Category Archives: Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics
Can a Baby be Baptized Against the Parents’ Wishes?
This column was already written, and set for publication, before Pope Benedict’s resignation announcement on Monday. The next column–to be published a week from today, hopefully–will address issues pertaining to the upcoming conclave. Q: Some Jewish people in my city complained to … Continue reading
Posted in Baptism, Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics
Tagged baptism, canon law, Catholic, unbaptized
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If a Catholic Marries a Non-Christian, How is it a Sacrament?
Q: An unbaptized person can’t receive any of the other sacraments unless he gets baptized first, right? So how is it possible for a Catholic to marry a non-Christian in a Catholic ceremony? I don’t see how the non-Christian spouse … Continue reading
Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Marriage
Tagged canon law, Catholic, marriage, non-Christian
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The Validity of Anglican Holy Orders
Q: Everyone says that in the near future lots of Episcopalians, including some of their clergy, are going to become Catholics. I’ve read some comments in the papers by members of their clergy who want to become Catholic priests. I … Continue reading
Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Clergy Issues, Holy Orders
Tagged Anglican, canon law, Catholic, holy orders, ordination
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Episcopalians Entering the Catholic Church
Q: I didn’t understand the purpose of the Pope’s document last year on Episcopalians becoming Catholics. I mean, every year there are always some Episcopalians who convert, aren’t there? So did the Pope say something new? –Jim A: Yes, very … Continue reading
Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Clergy Issues
Tagged Anglican, canon law, Catholic, convert, Episcopal
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Do Converts Have to be Rebaptized?
Q: My coworker is in an RCIA program, and is going to become a Catholic at Easter. She was raised Presbyterian. She told me that she doesn’t need to be baptized in the Catholic Church, because she already was baptized … Continue reading