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Showing posts with the label canon law

The Pope's Mandatum

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On Maundy Thursday the Pope just outside Rome where he celebrated the Mass of the Last Supper at the Casal del Marmo Juvenile Detention Centre where he washed the feet of 12 jailed teens. I have thought carefully before posting on this event and read as much as I can so that I can understand both sides of the argument. My initial reaction was one of deep joy and appreciation, but on hearing of the concerns of many I love and respect, many who know far more than I do on the subject, I began to feel worried and concerned. This post constitutes a broad survey of the issue.



From the reaction of the media, what seems clear is that this has been seen as an act of great humility and practically all the reaction I have read from outside the Church has been positive, almost shocked that this man would do this. Of course, all our priests did this on Thursday, but it is Pope Francis choice of venue and participants that have drawn the attention of the world's media to the essential message o…

Canon Law and Catholic Schools

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I have reflected before on what makes a school Catholic. Education based on the premise that there is such a thing as truth, and that truth can be accessed and understood. Fundamentally, knowing the truth and living in accordance with it will make you better equipt for life and facilitate a confident, happy, family based society which values every member.

The essential element that will facilitate delivery of this ideal must be educators who know, love, and live Catholic lives. Truly Catholic teachers are our schools greatest asset.

Here are some clarifications regarding the legitimate expectations of Catholic schools regarding their teaching staff based on the CES contract and Canon Law.

The CES contract of employment for teachers in Catholic schools, in its general terms and conditions (section 4) states:

4.1 You are to exercise the ministry and professional duties and maintain the professional standards of a Teacher in the School under the directions of the Governing Body …

Valid & Invalid Consent in Marriage

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Stuart James at eChurch blog (@eChurchBlog on Twitter) has asked a question: "does Canon Law forbid the mentally ill to marry?"

The answer is no, but this post is an attempt to address that question in a little more detail, however in order to understand the answer, we need to layer a bit of information first; we need to understand what the Church considers marriage and what it deems valid and invalid consent to marriage, as well as a little about what canon law is for.

Marriage is a natural right and it includes the right to contract marriage and the right to choose a partner freely. As marriage is a state of life sanctified by a special sacrament it is obviously of great importance (cf. LG 35). By choosing to marry according to the teaching and precepts of the Catholic Church, and holding to the rights and responsibilities such a covenantal relationship conveys the married couple are free to adhere fully to Jesus. For example, Joseph Ratzinger, in his book Daughter of Zion (…