Please make a note of the new address and share the information with your finance office. Our staff emails will not change, but we will have a new telephone number as indicated below.

Canon Law Society of America

Gowan Hall #200

620 Michigan Avenue NE

Washington, DC 20064

(202) 238-1460

In announcing the award, CLSA President Very Rev. Patrick Cooney, OSB, JCL, pointed out that Dr. Ritty’s firm, Canon Law Professionals, has 25 years of dedicated service to the Church, providing advice and representation in all aspects of canon law. “Michael has been especially recognized for his strong advocacy on behalf of priests, religious communities, lay associations, and the laity—always with a deep commitment to the right of defense of all the Christian faithful,” Rev. Cooney said.

In accepting the award, Dr. Ritty reflected on the lessons learned in three decades of canonical work, especially with respect to the rights of the accused, whom he frequently accompanies. “I have worked with many bishops and diocesan personnel, and sadly, at times, I have seen disrespect for the law and for the accused. Thankfully, more often than not, I have seen a desire to try to do the right thing. I have found many who want to work with advocates, not against them.” He cautioned about placing inadvertent stumbling blocks, such as less-qualified advocates or financial constraints. “A guilty person deserves to be treated as a human being, made in the image and likeness of God,” Dr. Ritty said. “As we read in Paul’s Letter to the Romans (5:8), “But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”

Each year the CLSA presents its distinguished Role of Law Award to an individual considered to be outstanding in the field of canonical science. The Board selects a person who demonstrates a pastoral attitude and a commitment to research and study; who participates in the development of law; who is willing to respond to needs or practical assistance; who facilitates dialogue and the interchange of ideas within the Society and with other groups.

The full text of Dr. Ritty’s remarks will be published in the 2025 Proceedings.

Dr. Diane Barr, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, assumed the office of President, and Rev. Msgr. Robert Oliver, Judicial Vicar in the Archdiocese of Boston, was elected Vice President/President-Elect. Rev. William C. Palladino, Pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Dorchester, MA, was elected to a three-year term as Treasurer.

In addition, CLSA members elected two new consultors, who will serve three-year terms: Rev. Msgr. Jason Gray, Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in Peoria Heights, IL, and Judicial Vicar in the Diocese of Peoria, IL; and Mr. Benjamin Roodhouse, Chancellor of the Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri.

Rev. Patrick Cooney, OSB, a Monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Owensboro, KY, assumes the office of Past President. Additional members continuing on the Board of Governors are Sister Rose Marie Timmer, RSM, Toledo, OH, Secretary; and Consultors Dr. Jeannine Marino, Washington, DC; Dr. Felix Menendez, Hartford, CT; and the Very Rev. Peter Mottola, Rochester NY.

Meet the 2025-2026 Board of Governors here.

Contents

Abbreviations ....................................................................................................... v

Introduction ......................................................................................................... ix

1  Principles Governing Processes and Procedures Concerning Clerics

(Beal) ................................................................................................................ 1

PART ONE: Foundational and Relational Matters

2  Incardination of Clerics (Bradley) ................................................................. 25

3  Administration of Sacraments and Public Ministry (Laschuk) ..................... 43

4  Ecclesiastical Offices (Hansen) ..................................................................... 65

5  Suitability and Restrictions (Barr/Doktorczyk) ............................................. 91

6  Departure and Readmission

Part A: Departure from the Clerical State (Bazzel) ..................................... 123

Part B: Readmission to the Sacred Ministry (Agley)................................... 153

7  Recourse Against Administrative Acts (Montini) ....................................... 165

PART TWO: Penal Law and Penal Processes

8 Grave Delicts Reserved (Kimes) ................................................................. 181

9 Essential Norms (Renken)............................................................................ 207

10 Penal Judicial Processes (Gray) ................................................................. 227

11 Special Faculties (Mottola/Olson).............................................................. 271

PART THREE: Special Considerations

12  Religious Clergy (Pietrzyk) ....................................................................... 315

13 Immigration Issues (Glover) ...................................................................... 329

14 Access and Maintenance of Files (Mulheron)............................................ 343

Index ................................................................................................................ 355

Sample Documents .......................................................................................... 367

Authors and Editors ......................................................................................... 373

“Over the last thirty years, much has changed in Church law,” says CLSA President Rev. Patrick Cooney, OSB, JCL. “During those years, the Church adapted and refined procedural mechanisms to address challenges that were unforeseen and unclear in the law that was originally promulgated. Thus, the CLSA saw a need to update its previous published Clergy Procedural Handbook in order to address these developments.” Cooney points out the necessity of engaging canonists in many circumstances and roles, but says, “it is CLSA’s hope that this handbook will aid both canonists and non-canonists who find themselves entrusted with assisting in the areas of administrative and penal disciplines of the Church.”

Written and edited by practicing canonists, the Clergy Procedural Handbook is designed to be of immeasurable assistance in the day-to-day work relating to the various procedural aspects of clerical life. The authors drew on their diverse experiences and knowledge to provide guidance that is rooted in both the canonical tradition and concrete praxis. Numerous templates and sample documents are provided throughout the text to assist practitioners in drafting and adapting documents for a specific case.

CLSA members can purchase the Clergy Procedural Handbook for $100 when logged into their online account at clsa.org. The price for non-members is $150. Prices are exclusive of shipping.

Click here to purchase. Shipping begins in late September.

“The Tribunal Handbook is an indispensable tool designed to assist canonists and tribunal personnel in handling marriage nullity cases effectively and in accordance with Church law,” explains CLSA President Rev. Patrick Cooney, OSB, JCL. “It covers various aspects of the process, including initial inquiries, case options, roles of tribunal staff, grounds for nullity, and the stages of the trial.”

Also included in the new Tribunal Handbook are summaries of the stages of the first instance marriage nullity process and the second instance process, providing a clear and structured approach to handling these cases. “So much has changed not only in canon law but also in the way work is conducted since the Handbook was published in 2005,” Rev. Cooney says. “This edition provides essential and practical information for all tribunal personnel including staff roles and job definitions as well as organizational options for tribunals. Whether you’re a canon law student, a seasoned canonist, or a member of a tribunal staff, you will want this Handbook in your personal library.”

CLSA members can purchase the Tribunal Handbook for just $50 when logged into their online account at clsa.org. The price for non-members is $80. Prices are exclusive of shipping.

Read more about this new edition and place an order on CLSA’s website at clsa.org.

Rev. Patrick Cooney, OSB, a Monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Owensboro, KY, assumed the office of President. Dr. Diane Barr, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, was elected Vice President/President-Elect.

In addition, CLSA members elected two new consultors: Dr. Felix Menendez, Diocesan Judge of the Metropolitan Tribunal of Atlanta, and the Very Rev. Peter Mottola, Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Rochester.

The Very Rev. Kenneth Riley, a priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO, assumes the office of Past President. Additional members continuing on the Board of Governors are the Very Rev. Jamin S. David, Baton Rouge, LA, Treasurer; Sister Rose Marie Timmer, Toledo, OH, Secretary; and Consultors the Rev. Msgr. Stephen S. Doktorczyk, Washington, DC; Mr. Benedict T. Nguyen, Houston, TX; Dr. Jeannine Marino, Washington, DC; and the Rev. Msgr. Robert Oliver, Boston, Massachusetts.

CLSA's 2024  Role of Law Award

WASHINGTON, DC – The Canon Law Society of America (CLSA) named Most Reverend Thomas J. Paprocki, JCD, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, the recipient of the 2024 Role of Law Award at the organization’s 86^th Annual Convention in Albuquerque earlier this month.

In announcing the award, CLSA President Very Rev. Kenneth A. Riley, JCL, spoke of the breadth of the Bishop’s work for CLSA and other organizations: “A member of the Canon Law Society of America since 1985, Bishop Paprocki chaired the CLSA’s task force on issues related to marriage and undocumented persons in 2002-2003 and was a member of the Canon Law-Civil Law committee those same years,” Riley said. “More recently, Bishop Paprocki served as a member of CLSA’s working group on Vos estis lux mundi in 2020-2021. He is also Chairman of the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Additionally, and of importance to canonists, Bishop Paprocki has also served as Episcopal Moderator of the Association of Catholic Diocesan Archivists since 2004.” In addition, he is widely known as a speaker, seminar presenter, homilist for the Red Mass in many (arch)dioceses, keynote speaker on canonical and civil legal issues, ethics, conscience and freedom, among so many others.

In accepting the award, Bishop Paprocki recalled several people influential to his ministry, including his parents; Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, who first suggested studying canon law; and Pope Saint John Paul II, who promulgated the Code of Canon Law in 1983. “As Pope John Paul II used to say, there are no coincidences, only God’s providence. Thus, I think it is providential that I am receiving this Role of Law Award today on the forty-sixth anniversary of the election of Karol Wojtyła as Pope John Paul II,” Bishop Paprocki noted.

Each year the CLSA presents its distinguished Role of Law Award to an individual considered to be outstanding in the field of canonical science. The Board selects a person who demonstrates a pastoral attitude and a commitment to research and study; who participates in the development of law; who is willing to respond to needs or practical assistance; who facilitates dialogue and the interchange of ideas within the Society and with other groups.

The full text of Bishop Paprocki’s remarks will be published in 2024 Proceedings.

 CONTACT:  Donna Miller, Executive Coordinator

CLSA Publishes New Edition of

Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches

WASHINGTON, DC – The Canon Law Society of America (CLSA) is pleased to announce the publication of the second printing of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, Latin-English Edition.

This second printing of the CLSA’s Latin-English translation of the Codex Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium contains all of the new legislation that has been promulgated since the code’s promulgation in 1990 by Pope John Paul II. This translation, which was prepared under the auspices of the CLSA and approved by the Eastern Catholic eparchs in the United States, improves upon the previous translations of 1992 and 2001. It presents the Latin and English texts of the canons in parallel columns. Also included is an English translation of the apostolic constitution Sacri canones, the Preface of the official Latin edition, updates to the fontes (sources) of the individual canons, an index and tables of corresponding canons, the Latin and English texts of the laws for the Causes of Saints, Divinus perfectionis Magister, and Pope Francis’s apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium on the Roman curia issued in 2022.

“It has been more than 20 years since a new translation of the Eastern code was published,” explains Donna Miller, Executive Coordinator. “We have worked closely with the Holy See—through the Secretary of State and the Dicastery for Communications—to secure permissions to publish the Latin text alongside our own English translation. This new edition is a comprehensive improvement upon the CLSA’s previous English translation, and it corrects a number of errors in the text. This makes it an even more useful resource for canonists because it is the most recently approved English translation of the Eastern code.”

The Eastern code is available to order in the CLSA online store at clsa.org. The price for CLSA members is $120, and the non-member price is $165. Shipping is additional. Orders begin shipping in late November.

October 28, 2024                                                                        

CONTACT:    Donna Miller, Executive Coordinator

CLSA Rolls Out New Benefit for Members

with Access to Online Database of Canonical Publications

WASHINGTON, DC – The Canon Law Society of America (CLSA) has entered into a licensing agreement with HeinOnline, a premier online research platform to provide members free access to HeinOnline’s “Religion and the Law” library of materials.

Composed of fully searchable image-based PDFs, the HeinOnline database provides CLSA members access to authoritative, true-to-print digital material. The “Religion and the Law” library provides a research platform for the development, history, organization, and fundamental principles of various world religions. The database includes Christian Legal Society publications, an assortment of Canon Law, and rare historical bibles. Also included are more than 40 periodicals, as well as hearings, scholarly articles, bibliographies, and other related books.

“Often, people are looking for just one article from a previous CLSA convention seminar,” says Donna Miller, CLSA Executive Coordinator. “Rather than having to buy an entire book, which may not even be in print any longer, CLSA members can now browse, read, download and print more than 500 articles from previous convention seminars dating back to 1969 as well as thousands of unique titles. This online resource will be a robust complement to our current Research Database, which members can also access as a benefit of their membership.”

One of the features members may especially appreciate, says Miller, is the one-stop shopping access to HeinOnline. “There is no need to create an account or remember another password,” she explains. “CLSA members simply log into their CLSA account and access HeinOnline right from their online Member Center.”

To access the HeinOnline database or to view a tutorial on the features, please visit https://clsa.org/page/heinonline.

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The Canon Law Society of America promotes the pastoral ministry of the Church by responding to the practical canonical needs of all the people of God and by cooperating in the continuous revision and renewal of the universal law of the Church and encouraging its members worldwide to participate in canonical research and study toward a constant renewal of canon law. More information is available at www.clsa.org.

The Very Rev. Kenneth Riley, a priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO, and Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia, and Chancellor for the diocese was elected President. Very Rev. Patrick Cooney, OSB, a Monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Owensboro, KY was elected Vice President/President-Elect. Sister Rose Marie Timmer, a perpetually professed member of Institute of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan, and Chancellor of the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, was elected Secretary, a three-year term.

In addition, CLSA members elected two new consultors: Dr. Jeannine Marino, a laywoman from the Archdiocese of Washington, DC and Secretary of Pastoral Ministry and Social Concerns for the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, and the Rev. Msgr. Robert Oliver, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts, and Judicial Vicar for the Archdiocese of Boston.

Rev. John P. Donovan, Syracuse, NY, assumes the office of Past President. Additional members continuing on the Board of Governors are the Very Rev. Jamin S. David, Baton Rouge, LA, Treasurer; and Consultors Dr. David Castronovo, Beaumont, TX; Sister Tracey Sharp, SCRH, Rolling Hills, CA; the Rev. Msgr. Stephen S. Doktorczyk, Orange, CA; and Mr. Benedict T. Nguyen, Houston, TX.

Each year the CLSA presents its distinguished Role of Law Award to an individual considered to be outstanding in the field of canonical science. The Board selects a person who demonstrates a pastoral attitude and a commitment to research and study; who participates in the development of law; who is willing to respond to needs or practical assistance; who facilitates dialogue and the interchange of ideas within the Society and with other groups.

Sister Nancy drew from the Benedictine charism in her acceptance remarks. “The ancient monastic rules were among the earliest forms of legislation within the Church, and the Rule of Benedict is among the few still in use today,” she pointed out. “The Rule is a hybrid sort of document. It is a spiritual text. It is wisdom literature. It contains a liturgical ordo. But it is also a code, a book of rules or regulations to order a community toward its proper end. As someone who has lived according to this Rule for more than 40 years, I am convinced it does have something significant to contribute to our understanding and practice of church law.”

Concluding her remarks with the first word of the Benedictine Rule, audire, Sr. Nancy said, “Listen. Listen carefully. Listen with the ear of your heart. Listen for the voice of Christ in the voice of petitioners, respondents, witnesses, and clients. Listen for the voice of Christ in all those who call on you for canonical assistance.”

The full text of Sister Nancy’s remarks will be published in the 2023 Proceedings.

The Morrisey Membership category is designed to ensure that canonists with limited financial resources outside of North America have access to CLSA’s rich library of materials. Two two-year, non-voting memberships may be awarded to up to three people from a single Diocese, Eparchy, Institute of Consecrated Life or Society of Apostolic Life each year by a subcommittee of the CLSA Board specifically convened for this review. To honor the spirit of Fr. Morrisey’s work, preference will be given to applicants outside of North America, although applications will be accepted from all areas of the world. Unlike the CLSA scholarships, applicants are not required to be U.S. citizens.

The Very Rev. Kenneth Riley, CLSA President, notes, “Fr. Morrisey was a giant in our canonical community. His selfless gifts of time and mentorship around the world will live on through this named membership. Not only was Fr. Morrisey a vital member of CLSA, but he traveled extensively, even when ill, to instruct canonists around the world, sometimes even at risk of physical danger in parts of the world hostile to Catholicism.”

The first two-year Morrisey Memberships will be awarded beginning with the July 2024 membership year. Applications are due March 1 of each year, although they may be submitted at any time. Click here for full details of the membership, including qualifications.

The results of this survey will be shared at Listening Lunches at the 85th Annual Convention in Milwaukee in October. Task Force members will engage attendees to hear their vision for how to make CLSA stronger and more effective in its work.

You can see the results of the survey here. 

This fourth edition of the 1983 Code of Canon Law has updates added from November 1, 2020 through April 23, 2023, including Authenticum charismatis, Spiritus Domini, Pascite gregem Dei and the new Book VI, Competentias quasdam decernere, Recognitum Librum VI, and Expedit ut Iura. The apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium replaces Pastor bonus. Additionally, CLSA has updated the index and tables and restored the fontes, including references to derogations made by Imparare a congedarsi and Cor orans and citations for the locations of canons that were moved or changed, particularly by Mitis Iudex and the new Book VI.

Rev. John P. Donovan, CLSA President, notes, “For the canonical community, it has been a long wait for this fourth edition. CLSA has been working on it for several years as updates and changes have been promulgated by the Holy Father. Moreover, we have worked extensively with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on translations, licensing, publication, and copyright issues, and we are pleased that the fourth edition is fully in compliance.”

The fourth printing is available for purchase here. CLSA members may purchase the book for $80, and non-members may purchase it for $125.

Rev. John P. Donovan, a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse, NY, and the Vicar for Canonical Services and Adjutant Judicial Vicar, was elected President. The Very Rev. Kenneth Riley, a priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO, and Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia, and Judicial Vicar for the diocese was elected Vice President/President-Elect. The Very Rev. Jamin S. David, a priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, LA, and Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the diocese was elected Treasurer, a three-year term.

In addition, CLSA members elected two new consultors: Rev. Msgr. Stephen S. Doktorczyk, a priest of the Diocese of Orange, CA, Vicar General, and Moderator of the Curia for the diocese, and Mr. Benedict T. Nguyen, a layman from the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, TX and Associate VP for Student Affairs & Dean of Students, University of St. Thomas in Houston.

Dr. Lynda Robitaille, a laywoman from Vancouver, BC, assumes the office of Past President. Additional members continuing on the Board of Governors are Reverend Greg Luyet, Little Rock, AR, Secretary; and consultors Reverend Luke Millette, Houston, TX; Dr. Siobhan Verbeek, a laywoman from the Archdiocese of Washington, DC; Dr. David Castronovo, a layman from the Diocese of Beaumont, TX; and Sister Tracey Sharp, SCRH, a religious sister of the Sisters of Charity of Rolling Hills, CA.

Father Mbuyisa was born on February 13, 1973 in Exobho, in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, Archdiocese of Durban. He entered the Congregation of Mariannhill Missionaries in 1992, making perpetual vows on February 2, 1997. He studied philosophy (1994-96) and theology (1996-99) at St. Joseph's Theological Institute in Cedara in the South Africa.

Ordained a priest on 4 March 2000, he subsequently held the following positions: Parish Vicar of St. Michael's Mission, Chaplain of Mangosuthu University of Technology and of St. Francis College of Mariannhill and Vice-Director of Novices (2001-2002); Licentiate in Canon Law from Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada (2002-2004); Chaplain of Mangosuthu University of Technology and Vice-Director of Novices (2005-2007); Superior and formator at the Nivard House Formation House in Nairobi, Kenya (2007-2010); Provincial Superior of the Mariannhill Missionaries in East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya (2010); Councilor and Secretary General (2010-2012), Vicar General and Procurator of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill (2012-2016). From October 2016 up to now he has been Superior General of the same Congregation.

We offer Father Mbuyisa our prayers, support and well wishes as he returns to South Africa and enters this new phase of ministry and service to the People of God.

A synopsis of Dr. Nobel's publications are available at the links below for those who want to know what is included in each of the series before purchasing.

CIC Synopsis content

CCEO Synopsis content

“Part of the CLSA’s mission has always been to promote the use of every method of serving God’s people that comes under the concept of law,” explains Dr. Lynda Robitaille, CLSA President. “Our office routinely fields calls from people who need someone to help with a canonical question or case. Until now, we have not had an efficient way to provide this information. This new listing will be available 24/7 for anyone who needs it.”

The dynamically generated Find a Canon Lawyer listing includes only those Active CLSA members who have self-selected to be listed. Active members hold at least a licentiate in canon law (JCL), and many have earned a doctorate in canon law (JCD). Active members may be clergy, members of religious institutes, or laypeople with knowledge of and experience in navigating the various aspects of Catholic Church law. Unlike civil lawyers, canon lawyers may practice anywhere, so those needing assistance are not limited to searching for a canon lawyer in a certain location when using the Find a Canon Lawyer tool.

Inclusion in this listing of canon lawyers attests that the person is an Active member of the CLSA; it is not an endorsement by the CLSA. Users should exercise due diligence when engaging a canon lawyer. More details are available here.

We extend our warmest congratulations to him on this appointment. 

The new motu proprio was issued in Italian, and as of this writing there is no Latin text available on the Vatican website. An English translation has been published at this link: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio/documents/20220211-motu-proprio-assegnare-alcune-competenze.html.

The motu proprio makes changes to a number of canons in both the Latin code and the Eastern code. We have prepared a chart containing the changes to the Latin code. It compares the original CLSA translations of the modified canons in the CIC with the Vatican’s English translation posted on its website. There are strikethroughs in the second column (CLSA text) and underlines in the third column (new Vatican text) for ease in highlighting the differences. The document is available in our Documents and Downloads section of the website for CLSA members, and is available by clicking here.

Father Hartmann graduated from Marquette University with a double major in Communications and Philosophy. He attended St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee and was ordained to the priesthood in 1994. He has a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America and has served as Judicial Vicar for the Metropolitan Tribunal in Milwaukee since 2003, along with assignments as pastor of various parishes and as president of a Catholic high school.

We wish Father Hartmann all the best in his new position and look forward to welcoming him to our neighborhood in DC!