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Anthony2112
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I realize this will require some seminary and more legal education. I have spoken to a priest about it…but I will ask you…where should I start?
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TimothyH
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Start in the adoration chapel on your knees.
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Anthony2112
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Thanks, and I am doing that. However the Holy Spirit in the meantime is leading me towards getting information on what do to do. I’ve been praying about this for three years.
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sancte_joseph
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I don’t want to discourage you away form it, especially if you feel called to it, but few lay people do this because it takes a lot of time and commitment… that’s why usually priests do it.
Also, I’m assuming you no longer want to practice law? The commitment will be such that it won’t be feasible to do it part time.
All that being said, it is possible.
You should talk with the administration at your diocese.
Also, I’m assuming you no longer want to practice law? The commitment will be such that it won’t be feasible to do it part time.
All that being said, it is possible.
You should talk with the administration at your diocese.
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tawny
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Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance, direction, strength, fortitude & wisdom in your discernment.
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SAVINGRACE
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malphono
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There are two possibilities here. One is to be a lay canon lawyer, while the other is to be a priest.
The first case, is not a particularly big deal. There are even lay women who are canon lawyers. One would need to investigate schools of canon law (e.g., CUA), obtain the degree, and then to practice one would also need to be accepted by a diocese.
The second case is more complex. One would first have to discern a vocation to the priesthood. I personally know one civil lawyer who did it. He’s also still a member of the Bar in several States.
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angelic06
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I do not know where you live, but I have posted some links to canon law schools and faculties. As you already know, there are some theological requirements for admissions, which appear to be slightly different in each case.
United States:
Catholic University of America
Canada:
St. Paul University
Belgium:
Catholic University of Leuven
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Don_Ruggero
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No, it does not require seminary – unless you are saying you want to be a lawyer who becomes a priest and then studies canon law. That does happen.
Otherwise, as a layman, you can become a canon lawyer. Faculties are not abundant. In the United States, I believe the only canon law faculty is in Washington, DC…at the Catholic University of America. There is also one at the University of Saint Paul in Ottawa, Canada.
The JCL, the licentiate in canon law, should take you about 3 years to complete and is the minimum degree required. One can go forward for the doctorate after the licentiate, if one is so inclined and has the time and resources.
One thing, depending upon where you live, is that there are tribunals which lack a full complement of staff with the JCL. Since you already have a background in civil law, you may be able to volunteer in your diocesan tribunal. Such might fulfill your interest, give you the opportunity to see if you really do want to do further study, and it would give you contact with those who are using canon law every day. You could contact the judicial vicar of the diocese through the chancery/pastoral center of the diocese.
You would need to think about what you would do with the degree. Do you aspire to work for the Church full time? It is a very real possibility. A number of chancellors in the United States are laity who are both civil and canon lawyers. Or do you want to remain in civil practice and do canon law on the side?
At one time, the Catholic University, at least, offered a summer only option for working professionals. Of course, it takes longer to fulfill the requirements.
Here is something to read:
canonlaw.cua.edu/programs/
canonlaw.cua.edu/programs/LicentiateinCanon.cfm
ustpaul.ca/canon-law.php
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Wampa
Guest
Great info in this thread! I’ve been in a similar spot as the OP. When I investigated it and realized that the Catholic U. in DC was the only option in the U.S., I gave up on the idea since I’m not in a position to go there for 3 years.
This in particular is a fine idea - I might just do this:
This in particular is a fine idea - I might just do this:
Thanks!
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Anthony2112
Guest
I am no longer inclined to practice in the civil or common law courts, except as a means to obtain the degree to practice ecclesiastical law. As I understand it, Most programs require some background in theology. I have the equivelant of a minor in Biblical studies but from an evangelical college which I don’t think would fulfill the admission requirement to a canon law school. So I would need to take 8 classes from a catholic institution. I imagine I could do this while still practicing law online from an established seminary. The canon law program I would expect to be more demanding than what I experienced in law school so that would require three years uninterrupted study. I have no problem with that. I don’t think I need to become a priest but I am not opposed to it either. I know there is a need in the United States. I also know I would need some kind of scholarship otherwise it would not be possible.
If there is anything I am misunderstanding, please let me know. Thanks for the replies.
If there is anything I am misunderstanding, please let me know. Thanks for the replies.
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dans0622
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Hello,
Here are the requirements for obtaining a canon law degree (you can skip down to the “decree” section): vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_20021114_decree-canon-law_en.html
You’d have to get in touch with particular schools to get information on schedules and costs. Some schools are more affordable than others. Personally, I was able to get a degree with just one smallish scholarship…and doing work-study…
Dan
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dans0622
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Marysann
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Thank you for you interest in canon law. So many people would like to return to the Church, but have to wait months or even years to get their marital situations straightened out. With the Holy Father’s changing the regulations, more people will be applying for annulments. We do not have enough priests with the time and expertise to staff the tribunals. We need lay people, men and women, to step up, obtain the necessary educations, and get into this work. Canon lawyers help save souls.
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Anthony2112
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Thanks. I have decided to look for some place to start the one year of Theological Courses when I start a new job I should be starting later this Winter. I’ll use my income to pay for the classes and begin to save for attending Catholic University of America. I guess I’ll look for sponsors from my parish and scholarships to attend canon law school. Also I’ll be taking latin…
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otjm
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Scanning through the three universities, it does not appear that you would need to attend a seminary in order to obtain the necessary background in theology, although asking them specifically what they require might be advisable.
Why? Seminaries are offering Masters in theology; there are also a number of Catholic Universities offering undergraduate degrees in theology, and if you don’t need a Masters in theology for entrance to a Canon Law program, then this would open up more possibilities for getting the required background in theology. Not to mention that it might not be so costly to get the groundwork.
It was not clear that you would even need a baccalaureate degree in theology; it may be that you would only need to obtain passing in the coursework. Asking the admissions office for clarification would be a good place to start.
And St. Paul looks like it is a two year degree… and I am not convinced it would be any more rigorous than a JD (as I have one).
Why? Seminaries are offering Masters in theology; there are also a number of Catholic Universities offering undergraduate degrees in theology, and if you don’t need a Masters in theology for entrance to a Canon Law program, then this would open up more possibilities for getting the required background in theology. Not to mention that it might not be so costly to get the groundwork.
It was not clear that you would even need a baccalaureate degree in theology; it may be that you would only need to obtain passing in the coursework. Asking the admissions office for clarification would be a good place to start.
And St. Paul looks like it is a two year degree… and I am not convinced it would be any more rigorous than a JD (as I have one).
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Anthony2112
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You are correct. I need 8 classes in theology and philosophy.
Saint Paul is in Canada? I was looking at CUA. Do I need to have a latin background? I was looking at purchasing Rosetta stone to learn latin
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dans0622
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Hello,
Yes, it is in Ottawa and is where I obtained my canonical education (pretty cold for a Floridian but a classmate of mine was from the Tampa area…he (we) survived one of the snowiest winters in Ottawa history). You do not need any Latin background but Latin is a required part of the curriculum. The more of it you can learn, the better.
Dan
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Anthony2112
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So I am assuming latin is a required class? Are there any beginning latin books you might recommend?
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dans0622
Guest
Yes, it is required. You’d take at least 4 semesters of it. A commonly recommended book is “A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin” by…somebody…Collins. A good, Latin dictionary (preferably with an ecclesiastical focus, such as the dictionary put together by Stelten…although his is not quite comprehensive enough) is also a must.
Canon Lawyer Ed Peters has further information here: canonlaw.info/catholicissues_ecclatin.htm
Dan
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