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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: Sacraments
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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If My Ex-Spouse Dies, Does That Make My Second Marriage Valid?
Q1: My first husband and I were married in the Church but then we divorced. I later married again in a non-Catholic ceremony. My first husband just passed away. Does that mean my second marriage is now valid? –Carrie Q2: … Continue reading
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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Why is This Method of Baptizing Illicit?
Q: I have recently discovered that my Presbyterian baptism was invalid (improper matter—baptizing with no flowing water). No investigation was done at the time of my conversion [to Catholicism], only a request for a baptismal certificate and so it was … Continue reading
Posted in Baptism, Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Sacraments
Tagged baptism, canon law, Catholic, illicit, sprinkling, valid
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Can a Lapsed Catholic Be a Godparent?
Q1: Is it written anywhere, or in any authoritative text from the Holy See (or Bishops Conference), that being in an irregular marriage bars one from being a godparent? The canon seems vague. One could argue that living in a … Continue reading
Posted in Baptism, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged baptism, canon law, Catholic, godparent
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