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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?).
Tag Archives: parish
Why Can’t You Change the Name of a Church?
Q: If a church was consecrated by the diocesan bishop in the name of a particular saint, can a different bishop later change its name? I ask because my parish church was consecrated 150 years ago to the Mother of … Continue reading
Posted in Other Canonical Questions, Parish Life
Tagged bishop, canon law, Catholic, church, dedicate, dedication, parish
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Establishing Dioceses and Parishes in Mission Lands
Q: While doing some historical research, I found that my parish church which is 152 years old, when its foundations were laid, had belonged to the Apostolic Vicariate of [X] and the mission of [Y]. I understood these terms as … Continue reading
Posted in Other Canonical Questions, Parish Life
Tagged apostolic administration, apostolic vicariate, canon law, Catholic, diocese, missionary, parish, prefecture
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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
Posted in Parish Life, Rights of the Faithful
Tagged canon law, Catholic, funeral, funeral Mass, parish, parishioner, registered
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When Can a Layperson Be a Pastor of a Parish?
Q: My sister-in-law and I were having an innocent conversation about our parishes, and ended up in a huge fight. I made some comment like, “the pastor of a parish always has to be a priest,” and she went ballistic, … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Parish Life
Tagged canon law, Catholic, layperson, moderator, parish, pastor
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Do Children Have to Make Their First Communion at Their Own Parish?
Q1: My youngest daughter is ready for first communion. She has attended the catechism classes, she has done all the required steps. Our priest is also a friend and knows that very well. He has given communion to our five older children. Yet, … Continue reading
Posted in Parish Life, Rights of the Faithful, Sacraments, The Eucharist
Tagged canon law, Catholic, First Communion, First Holy Communion, first penance, parish
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