Greetings in Christ! I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support during my first year of canon law studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. I am grateful to all the faithful of our local church for their generous contributions to the Catholic Charities Appeal over the years, which made it possible for me to study today. The goal of continuing education for a priest is not for himself, but to hopefully apply his knowledge in future pastoral practice. In this article, I want to share what exactly is canon law, the purpose of a canon lawyer, and offer personal reflections.
What is Canon Law?
Simply put, it is the body of laws which govern the church. Every society or institution needs laws or statutes. Without laws, the institution’s end could be catastrophic. It could mean the loss of organization, procedures, no safeguard of rights, no just penalties for transgressions etc… This reality is also true in the church. Certainly God has given us divine law, as evident in the 10 commandments and the scriptures. In addition, we also have ecclesiastical laws which give our church structure and direct us to fulfill our duties in the ecclesial society. In An Introduction to Canon Law James A. Coridenwrites, “the canons have to do with church order and discipline rather than doctrine or dogma…Canon law governs the external order of the church, the public life of the faith community” (4). Canon law is where theology/faith hits the road. It provides concrete ways by which we live our faith, promote our Christian values and standards, and contribute to the common good of our Catholic family.
Canon law likewise lays out the rights and obligations we have members of the Church. They are comparable to the rights and obligations found in civil society. For instance, we have a right to free speech, freedom of religion, and a fair trial. However, we also have obligations such as paying taxes and obeying the laws. Each right implies an obligation. Similarly, as members of the church society we have corresponding rights and obligations. For example, “the Christian faithful have the right to receive the word of God and the sacraments” (c.203). This implies that a minister cannot charge you for a sacrament or make it impossible/unreasonable for you to receive one. Nor may a minister deny you from receiving a sacrament, so long as you ask for them at the appropriate times, are properly disposed, and not prohibited by law (c.843).
You also have the right to make your needs and concerns known to pastors of the church. You are a part of our church just as much as I am. You have a right to be heard. Canon 212 §2 states, “The Christian faithful have the right to make their needs and desires known to their bishops”.
As members, we must not forget our obligations. These are ways by which we help others and contribute to the common good of the community. One example is, “the Christian faithful are obliged to promote social justice and to assist the poor from their own resources” (c.222 §2). The obligation flows from Jesus’ command to show mercy to the needy, to feed the hungry, visit the sick, and clothe the naked (MT 25). Since we are one family, we are called by Jesus and the Church to do what we can for those in need. The obligations direct us towards living out our faith concretely.
Canon law makes up the norms which govern the life of our church. It directs all members whether they are clergy, laity, or religious. In addition, it lays out the rights and obligations we have as Christian faithful. All the laws aim towards helping us grow in holiness.
What does a Canon lawyer do?
I can assure you that a canon lawyer does not charge as much as a civil lawyer. Not even close!
A canon lawyer/canonist has a variety of clients whom he advises, such as those in church administration (diocesan bishops and parish pastors), those who assist church leaders (diocesan or parish staff, members of various diocesan or parish councils), and thirdly the lay faithful. Some examples of a canonist helping his clients include 1) Advise the diocesan bishop, who is the sole legislator in diocese, in drafting or updating particular law for the diocese 2) Assist pastors if they have questions regarding sacramental law, canonical procedures, or other pastoral situations 3) Assist laity who petition for annulment 4) Represent the lay faithful to vindicate their rights if necessary 5) Serve as a judge in a contentious (e.g. annulment) or penal case in a church tribunal.
The work of a canon lawyer is varied. It ultimately depends on the circumstances of the local church and persons involved. As a priest studying canon law, I see this is as one more way I can serve the community.
Reflection
After 7 months of living here in the District of Columbia (D.C.), two words that best describe my experience so far are growth and trust. I recall in my first two weeks of classes, we had to submit several case studies, do latin tests, and complete mind-numbing readings on legal theories. I recall jokingly telling a classmate, “Man, I thought this was supposed to be a break ministry!” Despite the demands of study, I find it to be a rewarding experience. I have the opportunity to learn from renowned experts in canon law and forge relationships with the future canonists of America. In addition, living in D.C. also has its perks. I also get a taste of the Universal Church living near the Basilica of National Shrine, see how other dioceses are facing pastoral challenges or promoting new movements for evangelization, and learn from all the history D.C. has to offer. It is a privilege to be here, gaining insights on the Universal Church and life in general. I pray this growth will help me in future pastoral ministry.
Currently, many of you are engaged in the Lenten works of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These practices help us grow in the spiritual life. Perhaps it’s more time in prayer, giving up certain foods and drinks, or sharing more time and resources with the needy. You are making some sacrifice, not for its own sake, but for your growth in holiness. The church gives us lent, as a mere seasonal challenge. Perhaps we know people who made a sacrifice for lent, but come Easter Sunday, they returned right back to former ways. May our Lenten practices urge us towards growth in the spiritual life and conformity to Jesus Christ.
Trust
This academic year has given me the opportunity to renew my trust in the Lord. In my former life as a pastor, it was easy for me to slip into a routine. As the administer, I knew our mass schedules, what to do for CCD matters, sacramental preparation, and finance council to name a few. I even memorized the “resibe anti-ña” gi i missan enteru kilusyanu after many funerals. But as God sometimes does, He brings us out of our comfort zones. He called me out from my routines to embrace a new place, new people, new study etc… To me, I see this change of space as God saying, “Will you trust in me? Don’t you know I’ll take care of you? I am still with you despite the changes? Move forward with faith. God shakes things up, not because He wants to bring us down, but because He gives us the opportunity to become stronger, more mature, resilient, and I dare say to trust in His providence. If we truly believe that God is our Father, then we must trust that he will never abandon us. He will always provide. As Jesus said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18:3). Jesus invites us to not be childish, but childlike! To be like a child who trusts that the good parent will provide.
I realize that everyone back home is going through a difficult time. People are dealing with the stresses of financial security, family life, health concerns, loss of a loved one or other circumstances. Perhaps your faith in God is shaken at the moment and it’s difficult to focus on your relationship with Him. There are many theories about why God permits suffering, but whatever your situation may be, trust in the Lord. On one hand, we must do our part and work hard. Doing so provides a courageous example to others and to our children. But let us trust that God loves us deeply and He will give us our daily bread. Most of all, he offers us life eternal, when every tear will be wiped away. Recall that powerful gospel story when Jesus invited Peter to walk on water. As long as Peter kept his focus on Jesus, he was able to walk above the waves and withstand the winds. However, the moment he took his eyes off Christ, he started to sink. May we keep our gaze on Jesus, most especially when the waters get rough. Stay close to Him. Focus on Him. He will raise us up above the raging waters that occur in life. Trust.
May God bless you and as we Latinists say, “Oremus pro invicem”. Let us pray for each
other.
