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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: Confession
Is My Confession Valid, If the Priest Changes the Words of Absolution?
Q: Could you please go over the laws and minimum requirements for the valid celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation. I fear that a lot of Catholics go to confession and hear all kinds of things in place of the … Continue reading
Posted in Confession, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged absolution, canon law, Catholic, confession, penance, sacrament, valid
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Can a Priest Refuse to Hear Your Confession if He Knows You?
Q1: I’d like to know if a priest can hear the confession of a Catholic who is married, but not in the Catholic Church? If not, why not? –Joseph Q2: I am an active parish volunteer at my local parish. … Continue reading
Posted in Confession, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged absolution, canon law, Catholic, confession, parish, volunteer
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When Can a Non-Catholic Go to Confession?
Q: A close friend of mine was baptized in an evangelical church, but he plans to become a Catholic. But he has not yet been officially received into the Catholic Church because his evangelical family disapproves. He’s been through RCIA, … Continue reading
Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Confession, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, confession, non-catholic
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Granting Absolution to an Accomplice in Sin
Q: Many young ladies have approached me with this question: they were taught that a woman who breaks the 6th commandment with a Catholic priest, if she goes to confession to the priest, that her sins will never be forgiven and that … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Confession, Crimes and Sanctions, Sacraments
Tagged absolution, accomplice, canon law, Catholic, confession
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(Repost) Confession and General Absolution
(The post below was written many years ago, but it addresses an issue which unfortunately is still with us, particularly before Christmas. That’s why it seems feasible to post it again. Have a happy and holy Christmas!) Q: Last year, … Continue reading
Posted in Confession, Parish Life
Tagged absolution, canon law, Catholic, confession
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