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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: Rights of the Faithful
Canon Law and Arriving Late for Mass
Q1: If you’re late for Mass on Sunday, how late is too late? As a child I was told you can’t miss the Gospel. Later in life I heard you can’t miss the Offertory. If you do miss the Gospel/Offertory, … Continue reading
Posted in Holy Mass, Parish Life, Rights of the Faithful
Tagged canonlaw, Catholic, Communion, late, Mass
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The Virus and the Bishops: Twisting a Vatican Document to Further an Agenda
Q: The priests of our parish have been [illegally refusing us the sacraments], so we wrote respectfully to our Bishop. We quoted some canons which you discussed in your articles. The Bishop replied to our letter and defended the priests. … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Rights of the Faithful, Sacraments
Tagged bishops, canon law, Catholic, episcopal conference, GIRM, Mass, sacraments
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Refusing First Holy Communion to Children Who Are Ill-Prepared
Q: I am a volunteer in our parish’s catechism program, and I help run the First Holy Communion preparation…. As has unfortunately become very common, we get a LOT of uncatechized children and an ever-increasing number of uncatechized parents in … Continue reading
Posted in Parish Life, Rights of the Faithful, Sacraments, The Eucharist
Tagged canon law, Catholic, First Communion, First Holy Communion, properly disposed, sacrament
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Can We be Required to Wear Masks at Mass?
Q1: My question is simple. There is no requirement by my diocese that we must wear masks at Mass. Can a parish priest require it? –Bill Q2: We just received an email from our parish communications director stating that we … Continue reading
Posted in Holy Mass, Parish Life, Rights of the Faithful
Tagged canon law, Catholic, masks, Mass, parish, parishioners
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Refusing a Funeral Mass, Because of the Virus
Q: The Archbishop of New York City announced at the beginning of the virus crisis that funeral Masses will NOT be conducted during this time for the victims of COVID19 or for the recently deceased…. How is this possible? I … Continue reading
Posted in Holy Mass, Parish Life, Rights of the Faithful
Tagged canon law, Catholic, funeral, funeral Mass, Purgatory
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