Gavin Howe
Canon law is a set of ordinances and regulations made by ecclesiastical authorities for the governance of a Christian organisation or church and its members. In the Catholic Church, it is the system of laws and legal principles made and enforced by the church's hierarchical authorities to regulate its external organisation and government and to order and direct the activities of Catholics toward the mission of the church. Canon law applies to those baptised in the Catholic Church. Catechumens are those who are not yet baptised but who have expressed their desire to become Christians. They are united with the Church, which already cherishes them as its own and already grants them various prerogatives which are proper to Christians. Therefore, canon law does apply to catechumens, albeit in a more limited way than to baptised members of the Church.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Canon law is a set of ordinances and regulations made by ecclesiastical authority (church leadership) for the government of a Christian organization or church and its members. |
| History | Canon law has been in existence since the first century and has developed into a highly complex legal system. |
| Purpose | To organize and govern the Catholic Church, regulate its external organization, and direct the activities of Catholics toward the mission of the Church. |
| Jurisdiction | Canon law applies to the Catholic Church, including the Latin Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches, as well as the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Anglican Communion churches. |
| Sources | The sources of canon law include ecclesiastical positive law, natural law, divine law, and the Code of Canon Law (both the 1917 and 1983 versions). |
| Enforcement | Canon law is enforced by the hierarchical authorities of the Catholic Church, including the Pope and the College of Bishops. |
| Academic Study | The academic study of canon law leads to degrees such as the J.C.B., J.C.L., and J.C.D. |
| Catechumens | Catechumens are those who are not yet baptized but have expressed their desire to become Christians. They are "united with the Church" and granted "various prerogatives which are proper to Christians." |
What You'll Learn
Canon law and catechumens' participation in the Church
Canon law is a set of ordinances and regulations made by ecclesiastical authorities for the governance of a Christian organization or church and its members. It is the system of laws and ecclesiastical legal principles made and enforced by the Catholic Church's hierarchical authorities to regulate its external organization and government and to direct and order the activities of Catholics toward the Church's mission. Canon law applies to all Catholics, including catechumens, who are those preparing for baptism.
The Code of Canon Law is divided into several sections, with Book II, "The People of God," and Book IV, "Function of the Church," being the most relevant to the participation of catechumens in the Church.
Book II: The People of God
Book II of the Code of Canon Law outlines the rights and obligations of all members of the Christian faithful, including catechumens. It recognizes the fundamental status of the faithful, who are those baptized into the Catholic Church and have received a participation in the mission entrusted to the Church by Christ. This includes catechumens, who are preparing for baptism and are "united with the Church, which already cherishes them as its own."
Chapter I of Book II, "The Christian Faithful in General," establishes the equality of all the faithful, including catechumens, and outlines their fundamental rights and duties, such as the right to worship, receive the sacraments, and participate in the mission of the Church.
Book IV: Function of the Church
Book IV of the Code of Canon Law outlines the sacraments of the Catholic Church, including baptism, which is the sacrament by which catechumens become full members of the Church.
Chapter I of Book IV, "Baptism," covers the celebration of baptism, the minister of baptism, those to be baptized, sponsors, and the proof and registration of baptism. It establishes the requirements for valid baptism and the rights and obligations that come with it.
In addition to these specific sections, other parts of the Code of Canon Law may also be relevant to catechumens' participation in the Church, such as those pertaining to catechesis and the role of catechists in teaching the principles of the faith to those preparing for baptism.
Overall, while canon law does apply to catechumens, their participation in the Church is primarily focused on preparing for and receiving the sacrament of baptism, after which they become full members of the Catholic Church with the same rights and obligations as all other members of the faithful.
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Canon law and the catechumen's relationship with the Church
Canon law is a set of ordinances and regulations made by ecclesiastical authorities for the governance of a Christian organization or church and its members. The canon law of the Catholic Church is the system of laws and ecclesiastical legal principles made and enforced by the Church's hierarchical authorities to regulate its external organization and government and to order and direct the activities of Catholics toward the Church's mission.
Canon law applies to those baptized in the Catholic Church. Catechumens are those who are not yet baptized but have expressed their desire to become Christians. They are "united with the Church, which already cherishes them as its own" and "already grants them various prerogatives which are proper to Christians." However, they are not yet bound by merely ecclesiastical laws.
The Code of Canon Law is divided into several books, the second of which is dedicated to "The People of God." This book includes a part on "The Christian Faithful," which defines who the Christian faithful are, their obligations and rights, and the obligations and rights of lay Christian faithful. It also includes a section on sacred ministers or clerics, their formation, enrollment, obligations, rights, and loss of clerical state.
The third book of the Code of Canon Law is dedicated to the teaching function of the Church. It includes titles on the ministry of the divine word, catechetical instruction, the missionary action of the Church, Catholic education, instruments of social communication and books, and the profession of faith.
The fourth book is about the function of the Church and includes parts on the sacraments, other acts of divine worship, and sacred places and times. The fifth book is about the temporal goods of the Church and the acquisition, administration, contracts, and pious wills and foundations regarding these goods.
The sixth and final book of the Code of Canon Law covers penal sanctions in the Church, including offences and punishments, the application of penalties, and trials.
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Canon law and the catechumen's rights and obligations
Canon law is a set of ordinances and regulations made by ecclesiastical authorities (church leadership) to govern a Christian organization or church and its members. The canon law of the Catholic Church is contained in two Codes that legislate on how the Church is organized and carries out its activities in the world.
Rights and Obligations of Catechumens
Catechumens are those who are not yet baptized but who have expressed their desire to become Christians. They are "united with the Church, which already cherishes them as her own" and "already grants them various prerogatives which are proper to Christians". The Code of Canon Law establishes that catechumens have the right to a formation that provides them with suitable instruction in the Christian life. This formation includes catechesis, or teaching the principles of the faith, and is the responsibility of pastors, parents, godparents, and others.
Catechumens also have the right to choose a godparent to assist in their formation and to participate in liturgical rites, such as the celebration of the Eucharist. They are to be "initiated into the mystery of salvation through the rites established by the Church" and are to be "joined to the Church by sacramental bonds".
The Code of Canon Law further outlines the rights of catechumens to due process in canonical trials and protection from harm. They are to be "defended against any unjust intrusion and protected against any kind of oppression".
In addition to these rights, catechumens also have certain obligations. They are expected to participate in the mission of the Church and to adhere to the magisterium, or the teachings, of the Church. They are also subject to the laws and regulations of the Church, including those related to marriage and other sacraments.
In conclusion, canon law outlines the rights and obligations of catechumens, including their right to formation, participation in liturgical rites, and due process, as well as their obligations to participate in the mission of the Church and adhere to its teachings and laws.
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Canon law and the catechumen's relationship with sacred ministers
Canon law is the system of laws and regulations made by the Catholic Church's leadership to govern the Church and its members. It is the oldest continuously functioning legal system in the West. Canon law is "how the Church organizes and governs herself". The law is made and enforced by the Church's hierarchical authorities, with the supreme legislator being the supreme pontiff, who possesses the totality of legislative, executive, and judicial power.
Canon law applies to all Catholics, and therefore to catechumens, who are those preparing for baptism. Catechumens are taught the principles of the faith by catechists, who are defined in law as part of the Church's missionary work. Catechists are lay members of the Christian faithful who devote themselves to setting forth the teachings of the Gospel and performing other tasks under the direction of a missionary.
Catechists are distinct from sacred ministers, who are those who have received, in sacramental ordination, legal capacities for action and decision-making that underpin their hierarchical power. Sacred ministers are consecrated and deputed to serve the people of God by fulfilling the three functions of Christ the priest, prophet, and king, especially in terms of teaching and sanctification. Sacred ministers include bishops, priests, and deacons.
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Canon law and the catechumen's relationship with the Pope
Canon law is a set of ordinances and regulations made by ecclesiastical authorities for the governance of a Christian organization or church and its members. It is the system of laws and legal principles made and enforced by the Catholic Church's hierarchical authorities to regulate its external organization and government and to direct the activities of Catholics toward the mission of the Church. Canon law is the oldest continuously functioning legal system in the West.
Catechumens, in the early Church, were those who had not been initiated into the sacred mysteries but were undergoing a course of preparation for that purpose. Catechumens were instructed in the basic elements of the faith, such as the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the sacraments, in preparation for baptism. The term is most often used by Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Orthodox, Reformed/Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic Christians.
The relationship between canon law and catechumens is that canon law provides the framework for the catechumenate process, which is the period of preparation and instruction for those seeking to become baptized members of the Catholic Church. During this time, catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes they need to make in their lives, and what baptism means. This period can last for several years or a shorter time, depending on the individual's faith journey and spiritual growth.
The Pope, as the supreme legislator in the Catholic Church, has the authority to promulgate universal laws within canon law. While canon law applies to all members of the Catholic Church, including catechumens, the Pope has recognized the unique nature of the catechumenate process and has allowed for flexibility in its application. For example, during the catechumenate period, catechumens are not bound by all the same rules and regulations as baptized members of the Church. They have a special relationship with the Church, even before their baptism.
In summary, canon law establishes the guidelines for the catechumenate process, which is overseen by the Pope and the Church's hierarchical authorities. The catechumenate is a period of preparation and instruction for catechumens, who are seeking to become baptized members of the Catholic Church. The duration of this period and the specific rules applied to catechumens may vary depending on the individual's faith journey and the discretion of the local ordinary.
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Frequently asked questions
Canon Law is a set of ordinances and regulations made by ecclesiastical authorities (church leadership) for the government of a Christian organization or church and its members.
Canon Law applies to those who have been baptized in the Catholic Church or received into it.
Canon Law is a complete order that deals with all aspects of community life, managing conflicts between people by establishing an internal judicial system that delivers sentences, some of which are penal.
