Category Archives: Rights of the Faithful

When Can a Catholic Church Charge Visitors an Entrance Fee?

Q:  During a visit to a city in Europe, we went to attend evening Mass at the city’s cathedral. During the day, it is visited by many tourists and has an entrance fee to support the maintenance of the building. … Continue reading

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How Are Religious Institutes Obliged to Support Members Who Leave?

Q: My work includes much interaction with women religious. Is there any guidance in canon law that provides for a religious who professed vows with their institute and then had to leave?  I thought that canon law required a certain … Continue reading

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Obedience and Canon 1752

Q: Could you elaborate on Canon 1752, and whether it can legitimately be used to argue that “what is illicit in ordinary times, can in a time of crisis be a good and holy act”?  I ask because of what … Continue reading

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Bishops Interfering in Parish Ministry, Part II

Q:  The bishop of [a diocese in the US] is giving an annual retreat which nearly every priest in the diocese must attend, leaving parishes without priests, daily Mass, and access to the sacraments for four days.  He stated that … Continue reading

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Refusing a Funeral Mass to a Non-Parishioner

Q: At our parish the priest is very strict.  If you aren’t registered as a parishioner, he won’t say a funeral Mass for you.  However, he will let you have a funeral service with the deacon if you pay hundreds … Continue reading

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