canon law

Q:  What does canon law really say about divorced people receiving Holy Communion?  –Sean
A: The issue of who may, and who may not, receive the Eucharist lawfully is a canonical question with deep theological roots. Consequently, the Church has…

Q: Could you explain the terms “coadjutor bishop” and “auxiliary bishop” for us? I’m thinking particularly of the new Archbishop of Los Angeles. Originally he was an auxiliary bishop in Denver. Then he became coadjutor bishop of Los Angeles, and…

Q: My late uncle was a Dominican priest. When we were kids he used to tell us stories about being a Dominican. I remember one story involving somebody who asked him to hear his confession, but my uncle told him…

Q: My wife and I both remember as children that when our siblings were born, our parents had to give them a saint’s name. If their first name wasn’t a saint’s name, at least their middle name had to be.…

Canon Law and the SSPX

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. October 5, 2011

Q: Can you explain the status of the Society of St. Pius X within the Catholic Church today? My family and I know that Pope Benedict undid the excommunication of the bishops who head it up. Does that mean it’s…

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Index of Forbidden Books

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. March 24, 2011

Q: Since there isn’t an Index of Forbidden Books any more (or at least I assume there isn’t), does canon law say anything about books that Catholics are not supposed to read?  Or does the Church hold that we can…

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When Does the Pope Speak Infallibly?

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. February 17, 2011

Q: There was a lecture at our parish and the guest-speaker said something in passing about the Pope making infallible decisions. He claimed that it has only happened twice in history! Do you know what he was talking about? I…

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The Validity of Anglican Holy Orders

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. January 20, 2011

Q:  Everyone says that in the near future lots of Episcopalians, including some of their clergy, are going to become Catholics. I’ve read some comments in the papers by members of their clergy who want to become Catholic priests. I…

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The Eucharist and Sacramental Validity, Part II

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. January 6, 2011

Q: How are some priests who are recovering alcoholics permitted to use grape juice instead of wine at Mass? Don’t you have to use wine to have a valid consecration? –Doug
A: Doug’s question is, in a sense, related to…

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Episcopalians Entering the Catholic Church

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. December 9, 2010

Q: I didn’t understand the purpose of the Pope’s document last year on Episcopalians becoming Catholics. I mean, every year there are always some Episcopalians who convert, aren’t there? So did the Pope say something new?  –Jim
A: Yes, very…

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