Introduction to Canon Law

THE MARRIAGE TRIBUNAL

Introduction to Canon Law

Pastoral Leadership Program

Text Box: Objectives: At the completion of this course the students will have a basic understanding of the legal system of the Catholic Church (canon law), its origins, and its importance. They will be familiar with the rules for applying canon law and the sources where such laws can be found. They will be able to relate universal and particular law to concrete situations in their ministry, and explain the application of the law in such cases to interested parties. They will also be familiar with the canonical procedures of the Diocese of Crookston (Marriage Tribunal, etc). Method of Evaluation: The expectation will be that each student comes to class prepared to discuss the reading materials assigned for that day. At the beginning of the class the students will be given the opportunity to ask questions about the material and then a lecture/discussion will follow. Class participation will account for 20% of the total course grade. By the end of the first semester the students will be expected to have identified an area of interest for their course paper. This should be presented in the form of a written proposal which will be submitted by 2 December. An outline of the essay and a working bibliography should be submitted by 3 March. The final version of the essay (8-10 pages, double-spaced) must be submitted by the final class period. The proposal will count for 5% of the final grade, the outline/bibliography for 15%, and the paper for 60%. More details about the process of writing the paper will be provided at the 4 November class.

Reathel Giannonatti

1200 Memorial Drive

PO Box 610

Crookston, MN 56716

Contact:

Phone: 218-281-4533

Fax: 218-281-3328

E-mail: rgiannonatti@crookston.org

Text Box: The primary text for this course is the 1983 Code of Canon Law. Students are expected to purchase a copy of the Code prior to the first class (October 14), and should bring it with them every time the class meets. In addition, other articles and reading materials will be provided by the course instructor. Students are expected to read the materials prior to the class session, and should come to class prepared to discuss. The reading materials for the October 14 session have been mailed to the students enrolled in the course. In addition, they can be accessed by clicking on the link below. Readings: Oct. 14

Text Box: Course Outline September 16- No class Reading: Assignment: October 14- Introduction to Canon Law: History and Theology Reading: ‘Towards a Theological Conception of Canon Law’, L. Orsy. ‘The History of Canon Law’, James Coriden. ‘The Code of Canon Law’ (first half of article, through ‘Relationship to Council’), James Coriden. Assignment: Complete questionnaire. November 4- General Principles of Canon Law Reading: ‘Canonical Sources, Forms, and Distinctions’, James Coriden. ‘The Code of Canon Law’ (second half) Assignment: Access course website. December 2 Book Two: The People of God (Rights/Obligations of Christian Faithful and Clerics, Incardination, and Parishes) Reading: ‘Introduction to Book Two’ Canons 224-231, 265-272, 273-289, 515-544 Assignment: Identify area of interest and possible paper topic. February 3- Books Three and Four: The Teaching and Sanctifying Function of the Church (Preaching, Baptism, Eucharist, and Orders) Reading: Canons 756-780, 849-878, 897-958, 1008-1054 Assignment: Decide on paper topic March 3- Processes and Procedures (Marriage Cases, Dispensations, etc) Reading: Canons 1055-1165 Assignment: CLASS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER March 24- Particular Law: National and Diocesan Reading: Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People Essential Norms Safe Environment Policy of the Diocese of Crookston Assignment: CLASS CANCELLED DUE TO SCHEDULING April 28- Diocesan Policy Manual Reading: Selections from the Diocesan Policy Manuel Assignment: Declarations of Nullity (course notes)