Canon Law
and
Catholic Social Teaching
This day is broken into two half-day classes.
In the morning, we will be introduced to the Code of Canon Law, including a brief overview of its history its purpose in
the governing of the Church.
In the afternoon we will explore Catholic social teaching.
The Church’s social teaching comprises a body of doctrine, which is articulated as the
Church interprets events in the course of history, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit,
in the light of the whole of what has been revealed by Jesus Christ (The Social Concern of the Church, # 1).
We will examine the fundamental principles of Catholic social teaching using primary texts such as:
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, On the Condition of Working Classes,
Peace on Earth, Constitution of the Church in the Modern World, One Hundred Years and the Gospel of Life.
Preparatory Homework
To prepare for the session on Canon Law, Jay asks that everybody read the introduction to the 1983 Code of Canon Law
written by Pope John Paul II when he promulgated the revised code. It can be found here in
English,
and here in
Latin.
As homework in preparation for the session on Catholic social teaching, Connie is assigning John Paul II's
Sollicitudo Rei Socialis
and
Centesimus Annus (links above). For those able to handle the extra reading,
she also highly recommends Leo XIII's
Rerum Novarum.
These assigned documents, as well as a number of other significant Church documents
related to Catholic social teaching can be found here:
Practicum in Spiritual Formation
The Catholic Church traditionally honors Mary, the mother of Jesus (and therefore rightly
called "The Mother of God"), during the month of May. In keeping with this,
this month's "practicum" focuses on Marian devotions, particularly that of May crownings.
Class Notes
Jay Conzemius will use this
PowerPoint presentation during his presentation on Canon Law.
He also will make use of this set of
case studies.
Connie Nielsen will be using
this outline in her presentation of Catholic social teaching.
She has gathered pertinent excerpts from Church documents into
this file.
Audio Recordings
Biography and outline (8:58)
Reasons or canon law (15:21)
History of canon law (14:58)
Schema (22:05)
Procedures (18:03)
Questions (3:00)
Evaluating documents (6:41)
Case Studies-validity (6:42)
Case Studies-leaving the faith (10:49)
Case Studies-records (18:01)
Case Studies-marriage (24:26)
Case Studies-alienation of property (8:49)
Introduction (6:18)
Liberals and conservatives (3:29)
Economics (5:12)
Rerum Novarum (2:50)
Marriage (10:19)
The poor (17:27)
Labor (4:40)
The Church aims higher still (8:37)
Universal destination of goods (5:06)
Right use of goods (13:12)
Interdependence (5:35)
Spiritual Formation Homework
Consecrate yourself and family to Mary each day. The prayer below can be used.
My Queen, my Mother, I give myself entirely to you,
and to show my devotion to you,
I consecrate to you this day, my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart,
my entire self without reserve. As I am your own, my good mother,
guard me and defend me as your property and possession. Amen.
