-
If the information on this website has helped you, please consider making a contribution so that it can continue to help others.
-
Subscribe to Blog via Email
Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
Thanks for subscribing!
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.
-
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: priesthood
Can a Laicized Priest Return to the Priesthood?
Q: I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of X, and then left the priesthood to get married. Here I am sixteen years later, the marriage ended, no children. I have been reassessing my life … [and concluding that] … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Holy Orders, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, holy orders, laicization, laicized, ordination, priest, priesthood
Comments Off on Can a Laicized Priest Return to the Priesthood?
Why Would a Bishop Refuse to Ordain a Seminarian?
Q: I was a seminarian for nearly five years, and in fifth year I was suddenly and unexpectedly dismissed as a seminarian by the bishop. He gave me three reasons for the dismissal, each of which I protested. For example, … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Holy Orders, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, ordain, ordination, priest, priesthood, seminarian, seminary
Comments Off on Why Would a Bishop Refuse to Ordain a Seminarian?
Why Would an Illegitimate Man be Barred from the Priesthood?
Q: I heard about a boy who wept when he found out that he could not be admitted to our local seminary. The reason I heard was because he was an illegitimate child. I also read in the Catholic Encyclopedia … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Holy Orders
Tagged bishop, canon law, Catholic, illegitimate, ordination, priesthood, seminarian
Comments Off on Why Would an Illegitimate Man be Barred from the Priesthood?
Am I Permanently Barred from Ordination to the Priesthood?
Q: I have been discerning my vocation, trying to determine whether or not I am called to be a priest. I happened to find a commentary on canon law in my school library… it says that a person is barred … Continue reading
Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Clergy Issues, Holy Orders
Tagged canon law, Catholic, ordination, priesthood
Comments Off on Am I Permanently Barred from Ordination to the Priesthood?
Could the Pope Change the Law to Allow Women Priests?
Q1: Why did Pope John Paul II claim that he can’t allow women to be priests? If he’s the Pope, and has absolute authority, who can prevent him from changing the current rule? –Jennifer Q2: How can it be that … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Holy Orders, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, priesthood, women's ordination
Comments Off on Could the Pope Change the Law to Allow Women Priests?