Why Canon Law?

The purpose of this Blog is to talk about law, canon law, and Catholic things from my perspective of law and canon law. If you are a canon lawyer, you probably will not like it.  I am gearing this to the folks in the pews and maybe a few who are interested in getting into one in a Catholic Church.  I have never held any job or office or position in the Catholic Church that actually pays. I found the best part of that is that the Church could never fire me and so never had a financial leverage over me. That was always important to me. I have done a lot of work on cases for different bishops, religious orders, dioceses and individuals, but never drew down a salary in any diocese.  I hung up my shingle the day I passed the PA Bar exam, on the first try! So, in my civil practice, where I have also never worked for anyone but my clients, I have found that professional non-affiliation works just fine for me.  I hope it does for you too.

Canon Law 101 Blog

Patricia M. Dugan Patricia M. Dugan

Instruction in Canon Law

One of the most important documents to come out of the Holy See this summer is an Instruction on the merger or suppression of parishes.  It is named Instruction on “The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish Community in the Service of the Evangelizing Mission of the Church”. 

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Patricia M. Dugan Patricia M. Dugan

Do NOT ask me this Q

There is one question I get as a canon lawyer that sets my teeth on edge. “Can they make me wear a mask at Mass?” I cannot imagine a question less Christian and I marvel that someone who thinks they are a great, Mass-going Catholic would even think to ask this.

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