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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: Other Canonical Questions
Canon Law and Making Private Vows
Q1: I was hoping you could answer a burning question of mine regarding vows and promises. Background info: I’m a young guy with OCD [obsessive-compulsive disorder], I have a nasty habit of doing things I think are good and then … Continue reading
Posted in Other Canonical Questions
Tagged canon law, Catholic, commutation, dispensation, spiritual director, vow
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What Are the Church’s Current Rules on Indulgences? (Repost)
(On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis will give the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing in St. Peter’s Square, and under the proper conditions Catholics can gain a plenary indulgence. So it seems appropriate to repost the Church’s rules on indulgences at … Continue reading
Posted in Other Canonical Questions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, indulgences, papal blessing
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Founding New Religious Institutes: Pope Francis Changes the Law (Episcopal Authority, Part II)
Q: A group of us Catholics in our diocese have a lawfully erected lay institute that’s now almost 15 years old … [and] from the beginning it was our understanding that if it prospers, it might later be formed into … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Other Canonical Questions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, diocesan right, pontifical right, Pope Francis, religious institute
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Retranslating the Liturgy: Pope Francis Changes the Law (Episcopal Authority, Part I)
Q: Some ladies at our parish are all aflutter because they read somewhere that the Vatican has changed the rules on translation of liturgical rites into the vernacular. Specifically, bishops are now permitted to translate the Mass and other rites … Continue reading
Posted in Holy Mass, Other Canonical Questions, Sacraments, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, Liturgiam authenticam, liturgical books, Magnum principium, translation
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Using (And Misusing) Donations to the Church
Q1: Suppose a parishioner donates an article, such as a crucifix, for the church’s main Crucifix, and it is accepted for that use and purpose. Does canon 1300, or any other canon, say anything about whether another pastor can decide … Continue reading
Posted in Other Canonical Questions, Parish Life
Tagged canon law, Catholic, donation, Peter's Pence
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