ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH LAW - SIMPLIFIED GUIDE

Timetable

I welcome the opportunity to talk with the students about theri academic and research interests before or after class, or at other times by appointment.

Module aim (aims)

DESCRIPTION
An introduction to law nof the Roman Catholic Chiurch in its historical context, with a view to its pastoral application. Special attention is given to the canons on the sacraments of baptism, eucharist, and marriage. Because of its focus on Roman Catholic Canon Law, this course fulfills part of the requirements for the Catholic Studies Concentration.

ASSUMPTIONS
Students will have a basic understanding of the sacraments and structures of the Roman Catholic Church. 

OBJECTIVES
Through the successful completion of this course, a student will become able to:
• Find the pertinent sections in the Codex to evaluate a difficult pastoral situation
• Describe the roles of the basic divisions of the institutional Church
• Make fruitful use of the basic research tools for analysis of canonical questions
• Demonstrate understanding of the theological foundations for and context of the canonical provisions pertaining to the Sacraments

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

General understanding of basic concepts.

Syllabus

I. ECCLESIASTICAL LAWS

II. PERSONS IN GENERAL AND JURIDIC ACTS

III. ECCLESIAL GOVERNANCE

IV. MINISTERS AND MINISTRIES

IV. CHURCH ADMINISTRATION

V. CHURCH FINANCE

 

Reading list

REQUIRED TEXTS

1. Beal, John P., James A. Coriden, and Thomas J. Green, eds. New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law. Study Edition. New York/Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist, 2002. ISBN 0809140667.
2. Coriden, James A. An Introduction to Canon Law. New York/Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist, 1991, 2004. ISBN 0809142562.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

1. Huels, The Pastoral Companion. Franciscan, 2003. ISBN 0819909688.
2. McKenna, Kevin E. A Concise Guide to Canon Law. Notre Dame, Ind.: Ave Maria Press, 2000. ISBN 0877939349.
3. Hite, Jordan, and Daniel J. Ward. Readings, Cases, Materials in Canon Law: A Textbook for Ministerial Students, Revised Edition. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1992. ISBN 0814610811.
4. Örsy, Ladislas. Theology and Canon Law: New Horizons for Legislation and Interpretation. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1992. ISBN 0814650112.
Also, students with limited background in Roman Catholic Church history and theology (especially as mentioned in "Assumptions," above) are encouraged to consult the following:
1. The Documents of Vatican II: The Conciliar and Post-Conciliar Documents, New Revised Edition. Two volumes. Ed. by Austin Flannery. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1975, 1984. Repr. Costello, 1996. ISBN 0918344379 & 0918344166. See especially the constitutions on the Church and on the Liturgy.
2. Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2d edition. U.S. Catholic Conference. ISBN 1574551094. See especially Part 1, Art. 9–10; Part 2 (entire); Part 3, chpt. 3, Art. 3; Part 4.2, Art. 1.