-
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: Baptism
What Happens if Catholic Parents Have Their Child Baptized in a Non-Catholic Church?
Q: My sister-in-law recently baptized her youngest daughter in a Presbyterian church. She is Catholic, her husband is non-denominational, and he is uneasy with the Catholic Church although they were married in a Catholic ceremony. My father-in-law insists “a baptism … Continue reading
Posted in Baptism, Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Sacraments
Tagged baptism, canon law, Catholic, RCIA
Comments Off on What Happens if Catholic Parents Have Their Child Baptized in a Non-Catholic Church?
Laypeople Can Always Baptize–But When Should They?
Q: My son was married to a non-Catholic girl for 7 years, and they have three boys. Just after she gave birth to the third, my daughter-in-law snapped and ran out on my son, taking the children with her and … Continue reading
Posted in Baptism, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged baptize, canon law, Catholic, Edgar Mortara, laypeople
Comments Off on Laypeople Can Always Baptize–But When Should They?
Excommunication and the Authority of the Parish Priest
Q: What course do parishioners have to ask the bishop to correct, reprimand or otherwise relocate a priest who refuses to baptize children of parents that he doesn’t “recognize” as parishioners, even though they are on the parish roll? He … Continue reading
Posted in Baptism, Catholic Education, Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions, Holy Mass, Parish Life, Rights of the Faithful
Tagged canon law, Catholic, excommunication, pastor
Comments Off on Excommunication and the Authority of the Parish Priest
Canon Law and Non-Infant Baptism
Q: My neighbors are Catholics who didn’t practice the faith for years, but now they are returning to the Church. Their children were never baptized, so they went to the parish priest to arrange for their baptism. But he refused, … Continue reading
Can a Baby be Baptized Against the Parents’ Wishes?
This column was already written, and set for publication, before Pope Benedict’s resignation announcement on Monday. The next column–to be published a week from today, hopefully–will address issues pertaining to the upcoming conclave. Q: Some Jewish people in my city complained to … Continue reading
Posted in Baptism, Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics
Tagged baptism, canon law, Catholic, unbaptized
Comments Off on Can a Baby be Baptized Against the Parents’ Wishes?