The School of Canon Law
The School of Canon Law is an ecclesiastical faculty preparing students for licentiate and doctorate degrees authorized by the Apostolic See. The school is a community of students, faculty, and staff working together for the purpose of the study of canon law in service to the Catholic Church, with particular attention to the needs and opportunities of the Church in the United States.
The purpose of instruction in this school is to familiarize students with the body of law of the Catholic Church, its development, interpretation, and application. The courses are planned to prepare for the professional practice of canon law in diocesan and religious administration, in ecclesiastical tribunals, and in the teaching of canon law, and for scientific canonical research. In accord with this purpose, the canonical degrees, Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.) and Doctorate in Canon Law (J.C.D.), are awarded.
The primary focus of courses offered in the school is the Code of Canon Law for the Ecumenical Latin Church.. Attention is also given, as appropriate, to the Code of Canons of Eastern Churches, promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1990. A proper understanding and implementation of the provisions of the current law of the Church require not only acquired skill in the technicalities of legal interpretation but also a broad grasp of the historical, theological, and sociological factors which have contributed to its development and a sensitivity to the law’s pastoral application. Proper service to the Church as a canonist also requires skill in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the law in order to contribute to its ongoing development.
In keeping with the Declaration on Christian Education (n. 11) of the Second Vatican Council, the curriculum affords clergy, religious, and lay persons a thorough, contemporary, scholarly, and pastoral preparation for service to the Church in positions of canonical responsibility.
The personal guidance of the faculty is directed at every level of instruction and inquiry to the practical needs of canonists at the present time, as well as to thesis and dissertational work which will acquaint and equip students with the applied methods of canonical research and writing needed by both practitioners and scholars.
JCD License Prerequisite & Program Levels
licentia ad practicandum
The study of canon law requires an adequate understanding of the Church, its life and ministry. A preliminary background, evidenced by a master’s degree in theology or its equivalent, such as the completion of the philosophical and theological program required for priestly ordination, is required before being admitted to the regular licentiate program. For persons who do not yet have this background, the School in conjunction with the Seminary School of Theology and Religious Studies, offers the First level.
For those who have no previous training in philosophy or theology the First level lasts for 2 semesters or one year. The following disciplines are obligatory:
a. Elements of philosophy: philosophical anthropology, metaphysics, ethics.
b. Elements of theology: an introduction to Sacred Scripture; fundamental theology; the transmission and credibility of divine revelation; Trinitarian theology; Christology; divine grace; in a special way, Ecclesiology; general and special sacramental theology; fundamental and special moral theology.
c. Fundamental institutes of canon law.
d. Latin
The First level does not itself result in a degree, but qualifies a student to enter the Second level.
Graduate credits from other universities or theologates in the above areas of study and related areas may be transferred with the approval of the Dean.
If the requirements of the First level have been satisfied, an applicant may be admitted directly to the Second level. In individual cases minor deficiencies may be supplied during the regular course of studies in the Second level.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the four semester or 2-year licentiate program is to help the student become familiar with the whole corpus of Church law, understand it in terms of its theological, philosophical, and historical background, and learn the method and practice of scientific research. The level of research for the licentiate is that expected of professional canonists, specifically the exacting investigation of canonical questions encountered in curial, tribunal, and similar practice, and the articulation of one’s findings in written opinions, briefs, and the like.
RESIDENCE
The Second level lasts for a maximum of three years or six semesters which fulfill the residence requirements for the licentiate. The actual time necessary to complete the requirements of the degree program will, of course, vary from student to student. Continuous enrollment is required unless an authorized leave of absence has been granted.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Canon Law is an international law. The official texts of the law and of many documents with canonical importance are in Latin. Other texts appear from time to time in various modern languages. Many of the significant commentaries on the law, and studies about canon law topics, appear in languages other than English.
In order to understand this law more accurately, to interpret and apply it more fully, and to instruct others more effectively as to its meaning and proper application, it is important to have access to more than the limited amount available in English translations or studies concerning canon law. The development of an ability to use canonical Latin or the canonical literature in a modern language is an integral dimension of formation as a canon lawyer and subsequent professional work.
COURSE WORK
The course of studies is divided into 4 semesters (1-2-3-4). Semester 1 is a prerequisite for the other semesters. These courses include required courses, and various elective courses offered in the school of Canon Law or in other schools of the Seminary.
The course of studies normally is as follows:
Semester 1:JCL 801History of Canon Law
JCL 812General Norms I
JCL 823Particular Church
JCL 837Juridic Structure of Marriage
LANG 105LATIN I
CL 811 General Norms II
CL 817American Law
CL 720Ordained Ministry
CL 731 Sacramental Law
Semester 2:LANG 210LATIN II
CL 727Consecrated Life
CL 753Procedural Law
CL 724Temporal Goods
ELECTIVE
LANG 305LATIN III
CL 766 Lay Ministry
CL 726 Supradiocesan Structures
Semester 3:CL 757 Matrimonial Jurisprudence
CL 741Protection of Rights
\JCL 821 Religious Liberty
JCL 930 Teaching Office
JCL 841 Sanctions
ELECTIVE
Semester 4:JCL 833Philosophy and the Theology of Law
JCL 815 Roman Law
JCL 847 Oriental Law
Thesis
Comprehensive Exam
THESIS
In the last year of the Second level, the student is to write a thesis which investigates a minor but significant problem. It must demonstrate the student’s familiarity with basic methods and techniques of research, technical mastery of a limited subject matter, and ability to exercise sound canonical judgment and formulate accurate conclusions.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
Besides the regular course examinations or equivalent tests in the various disciplines, at the end of the Second level there is a comprehensive oral examination whereby the student is expected to demonstrate mastery of the whole corpus of Church law. A student who twice fails the comprehensive examination is no longer eligible to receive the licentiate.
Copyright © 2009 The President and Fellows of Petrus Fidei Canonnici Law School.
The School of Canon Law is an ecclesiastical faculty preparing students for licentiate and doctorate degrees authorized by the Apostolic See. The school is a community of students, faculty, and staff working together for the purpose of the study of canon law in service to the Catholic Church, with particular attention to the needs and opportunities of the Church in the United States.
The purpose of instruction in this school is to familiarize students with the body of law of the Catholic Church, its development, interpretation, and application. The courses are planned to prepare for the professional practice of canon law in diocesan and religious administration, in ecclesiastical tribunals, and in the teaching of canon law, and for scientific canonical research. In accord with this purpose, the canonical degrees, Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.) and Doctorate in Canon Law (J.C.D.), are awarded.
The primary focus of courses offered in the school is the Code of Canon Law for the Ecumenical Latin Church.. Attention is also given, as appropriate, to the Code of Canons of Eastern Churches, promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1990. A proper understanding and implementation of the provisions of the current law of the Church require not only acquired skill in the technicalities of legal interpretation but also a broad grasp of the historical, theological, and sociological factors which have contributed to its development and a sensitivity to the law’s pastoral application. Proper service to the Church as a canonist also requires skill in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the law in order to contribute to its ongoing development.
In keeping with the Declaration on Christian Education (n. 11) of the Second Vatican Council, the curriculum affords clergy, religious, and lay persons a thorough, contemporary, scholarly, and pastoral preparation for service to the Church in positions of canonical responsibility.
The personal guidance of the faculty is directed at every level of instruction and inquiry to the practical needs of canonists at the present time, as well as to thesis and dissertational work which will acquaint and equip students with the applied methods of canonical research and writing needed by both practitioners and scholars.
JCD License Prerequisite & Program Levels
licentia ad practicandum
The study of canon law requires an adequate understanding of the Church, its life and ministry. A preliminary background, evidenced by a master’s degree in theology or its equivalent, such as the completion of the philosophical and theological program required for priestly ordination, is required before being admitted to the regular licentiate program. For persons who do not yet have this background, the School in conjunction with the Seminary School of Theology and Religious Studies, offers the First level.
For those who have no previous training in philosophy or theology the First level lasts for 2 semesters or one year. The following disciplines are obligatory:
a. Elements of philosophy: philosophical anthropology, metaphysics, ethics.
b. Elements of theology: an introduction to Sacred Scripture; fundamental theology; the transmission and credibility of divine revelation; Trinitarian theology; Christology; divine grace; in a special way, Ecclesiology; general and special sacramental theology; fundamental and special moral theology.
c. Fundamental institutes of canon law.
d. Latin
The First level does not itself result in a degree, but qualifies a student to enter the Second level.
Graduate credits from other universities or theologates in the above areas of study and related areas may be transferred with the approval of the Dean.
If the requirements of the First level have been satisfied, an applicant may be admitted directly to the Second level. In individual cases minor deficiencies may be supplied during the regular course of studies in the Second level.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the four semester or 2-year licentiate program is to help the student become familiar with the whole corpus of Church law, understand it in terms of its theological, philosophical, and historical background, and learn the method and practice of scientific research. The level of research for the licentiate is that expected of professional canonists, specifically the exacting investigation of canonical questions encountered in curial, tribunal, and similar practice, and the articulation of one’s findings in written opinions, briefs, and the like.
RESIDENCE
The Second level lasts for a maximum of three years or six semesters which fulfill the residence requirements for the licentiate. The actual time necessary to complete the requirements of the degree program will, of course, vary from student to student. Continuous enrollment is required unless an authorized leave of absence has been granted.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Canon Law is an international law. The official texts of the law and of many documents with canonical importance are in Latin. Other texts appear from time to time in various modern languages. Many of the significant commentaries on the law, and studies about canon law topics, appear in languages other than English.
In order to understand this law more accurately, to interpret and apply it more fully, and to instruct others more effectively as to its meaning and proper application, it is important to have access to more than the limited amount available in English translations or studies concerning canon law. The development of an ability to use canonical Latin or the canonical literature in a modern language is an integral dimension of formation as a canon lawyer and subsequent professional work.
COURSE WORK
The course of studies is divided into 4 semesters (1-2-3-4). Semester 1 is a prerequisite for the other semesters. These courses include required courses, and various elective courses offered in the school of Canon Law or in other schools of the Seminary.
The course of studies normally is as follows:
Semester 1:JCL 801History of Canon Law
JCL 812General Norms I
JCL 823Particular Church
JCL 837Juridic Structure of Marriage
LANG 105LATIN I
CL 811 General Norms II
CL 817American Law
CL 720Ordained Ministry
CL 731 Sacramental Law
Semester 2:LANG 210LATIN II
CL 727Consecrated Life
CL 753Procedural Law
CL 724Temporal Goods
ELECTIVE
LANG 305LATIN III
CL 766 Lay Ministry
CL 726 Supradiocesan Structures
Semester 3:CL 757 Matrimonial Jurisprudence
CL 741Protection of Rights
\JCL 821 Religious Liberty
JCL 930 Teaching Office
JCL 841 Sanctions
ELECTIVE
Semester 4:JCL 833Philosophy and the Theology of Law
JCL 815 Roman Law
JCL 847 Oriental Law
Thesis
Comprehensive Exam
THESIS
In the last year of the Second level, the student is to write a thesis which investigates a minor but significant problem. It must demonstrate the student’s familiarity with basic methods and techniques of research, technical mastery of a limited subject matter, and ability to exercise sound canonical judgment and formulate accurate conclusions.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
Besides the regular course examinations or equivalent tests in the various disciplines, at the end of the Second level there is a comprehensive oral examination whereby the student is expected to demonstrate mastery of the whole corpus of Church law. A student who twice fails the comprehensive examination is no longer eligible to receive the licentiate.
Copyright © 2009 The President and Fellows of Petrus Fidei Canonnici Law School.
PETRUS FIDEI
CANONNICI LAW SCHOOL
Ecclesiam Dei Fide Aedificabo
Canon law School
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |