-
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.
- Now available in paperback!
Category Archives: Clergy Issues
Can a Laicized Priest Return to the Priesthood?
Q: I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of X, and then left the priesthood to get married. Here I am sixteen years later, the marriage ended, no children. I have been reassessing my life … [and concluding that] … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Holy Orders, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, holy orders, laicization, laicized, ordination, priest, priesthood
Comments Off on Can a Laicized Priest Return to the Priesthood?
Episcopal Celibacy and the Case of Bishop Antony
Q: Many priests and people of Mysore Diocese [in India] begged the Vatican for years to investigate the scandalous activities of their Bishop William Antony. The Bishop has many different mistresses and illegitimate children, and has [allegedly] stolen money from … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues
Tagged bishop, canon law, Catholic, celibacy, william antony
Comments Off on Episcopal Celibacy and the Case of Bishop Antony
How Can You Obey a Law, If You Don’t Even Know It Exists?
Q: Our Archbishop issued a Decree requiring the St. Michael prayer be prayed after all scheduled Masses. For a variety of reasons, not every parish implemented the Decree and some don’t pray the prayer as directed. Now, after four years, … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Other Canonical Questions, Parish Life
Tagged administrative, bishop, canon law, Catholic, decree, executive
Comments Off on How Can You Obey a Law, If You Don’t Even Know It Exists?
What’s the Difference Between a Pastor, and a Parish Administrator?
Q: I read your piece about the pastor of a parish having to be a priest, not a layperson. That leads me to ask another question, what’s the difference between a pastor, and a “parish administrator”? The pastor of our … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Parish Life
Tagged canon law, Catholic, clergy, parish administrator, parish priest, parochial administrator, pastor
Comments Off on What’s the Difference Between a Pastor, and a Parish Administrator?
When Can a Layperson Be a Pastor of a Parish?
Q: My sister-in-law and I were having an innocent conversation about our parishes, and ended up in a huge fight. I made some comment like, “the pastor of a parish always has to be a priest,” and she went ballistic, … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Parish Life
Tagged canon law, Catholic, layperson, moderator, parish, pastor
Comments Off on When Can a Layperson Be a Pastor of a Parish?