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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?).
Category Archives: Crimes and Sanctions
When Does Disobedience Constitute Schism?
Q: I am president of a student organization associated with our local diocese, which is served by a chaplain, and occasionally Mass is celebrated. In the past, the Mass has been celebrated on our college campus, in a general-use chapel, … Continue reading
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions, Parish Life
Tagged canon law, Catholic, disobey, excommunication, schism
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Why Would a Catholic Cleric Desecrate an Altar?
Q: Probably you already know all about the priest in New Orleans who desecrated the altar of his parish together with a couple of prostitutes…. The bishop announced that he had the altar burned and would consecrate a new one. … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions, Parish Life
Tagged altar, Bella Dodd, canon law, Catholic, desecrate, infiltrate, infiltration, priest, suspension
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When Can a Pastor be Removed From Office?
Q: In this article you mentioned in passing that a bishop can’t remove the pastor of a parish just because the pastor does something the bishop doesn’t like. Can you elaborate? I ask because in Wales a pastor was castigated … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions, Parish Life
Tagged canon law, Catholic, ecclesiastical office, parish, parish priest, pastor
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Are We Under Interdict? Sanctions, Part V
Q: Are we under interdict, and if so what kind? This website taught me everything I know about interdicts. They way I read the article, here in [my diocese] we are under particular local interdict: Public liturgy cancelled, throughout the whole … Continue reading
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions, Rights of the Faithful
Tagged canon law, Catholic, excommunication, interdict, sanction
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How Does an Excommunicated Catholic Have the Sanction Lifted? (Part II)
Q: A man at our parish took the Eucharist home and [desecrated It], and now refuses to hand the Host over to the priest or even admit that what he did is wrong. We know that our clergy are actively … Continue reading
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions
Tagged canon law, Catholic, confession, excommunicate, excommunication, sanction
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