Privacy in Religious Life

Privacy in Religious Life

Published on Jul 1, 2015

Privacy is an important notion in modern society and in modern law. It may come as a surprise to learn that the right to privacy, enshrined in canon law, in modern human rights law and in many nations' Constitutions is of relatively recent vintage in the course of human history. Democracy and national Constitutions have only been around for a [...]

PhD / JCD

I am happy to announce the completion of my doctorate in Canon Law, for which I completed a dissertation entitled The Role of Law in the Life-Cycle of a Religious Institute. Beginning with an historical case study of my own community, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the project explored the notion of the life-cycle of an organization, applying this concept to the historical case study to shed light on the dynamics of the evolution of a religious institute from foundation and growth, through change and adaptation, to decline, and even death. The study then moved to a theological analysis of the nature of a religious institute in the various stages of its life-cycle.

With this as a basis, the project critiqued the role that law plays in the course of the life-cycle of a religious institute. It reviewed particular points of canon law and civil law that come in to play in the various stages in the life-cycle of the institute, and it sought to provide guidance for those who find themselves in the states of foundation or decline in the United States in the early 21st century. Law in religious institutes establishes governance, organizes activities, guides relations within and without the institute in justice and charity, and orients and sustains the entire life of the institute, so that all together, the institute and its members may “follow Christ with greater freedom... under the action of the Holy Spirit.” (Perfectae Caritatis, 1)

I also wish to thank all the religious in the USA and beyond with whom I have worked over the past many years. As I assisted your institutes in working with a myriad of vexing legal issues, you shared your stories, your homes and your insights into the living of the religious life. This experience forms an integral part of the development of my thinking about law and religious life. I look forward to sharing the results of my research, both in writing, and in working with congregations as they face the challenges of our times.

If there is any way I can be of service to you or your community, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Community in Civil and Canon Law

Religious form community in that house, a community that is supportive of the commitment that they have made, particularly to a life of prayer, to gospel living, to ministry and to justice. Traditionally, the local house of religious has been seen as a witness to and support of the vows of poverty and chastity. Religious live simply and joyfully in mutual support. Read more....

Mystics & Prophets: NEW RELEASE: Religious Life at the Crossroads

Mystics & Prophets: NEW RELEASE: Religious Life at the Crossroads: This book explores the movements in religious life today and the currents that are emerging among the smaller cohorts of younger religious...

Vow of Poverty in Civil and Canon Law

The vow of poverty has many dimensions: spirituality, simplicity, solidarity, work, sustainability, interdependence. The vow of poverty binds members to one another in a common economic unit. Our actions affect one another, for better or for worse. The vow also has raises legal issues under both Civil and Canon Law. Canon 600 gives a theological [...]

Transitioning Sponsorship

A fundamental part of the life and work of religious is carrying on the mission of Jesus in the world of today. Most institutes have a specific mission or a particular way of doing ministry that inspired their founding members, and that continues to animate generation after generation.... Read more...

Alienation

The amount for alienation of real property and for acts of extraordinary administration (financial transactions that could be adverse to the patrimonial condition of a religious institute, such as indebtedness) is presently $5,705,000. This amount is set pursuant to an indult granted on December 5, 2003, by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life to the three Conferences of Religious Superiors in the United States (CMSM, LCWR, and CMSWR). The indult established a base amount of $5,000,000 with an annual adjustment linked to the consumer price index as determined by the three Conferences. Only CICLSAL has authority in this matter and has not withdrawn or modified the 2003 indult, nor issued a new indult.

Covenant Project Workshops

Announcing:
Covenant Project Workshop
February 4, 2013, 9am-5pm
2311 S. Lindbergh, St. Louis, MO

This workshop is part of the Covenant Project which provides comprehensive service to religious institutes that wish to explore their options in an uncertain and changing future. In this difficult but grace-filled time, a community can live today's challenges with the same courage, fidelity and creativity that have marked its entire history. We assist communities exploring options, in identifying the covenant(s) and/or partnership(s) that will be helpful along the way, and in developing a timeline and putting the necessary documents in place regarding:

Sponsorship
Health-care and retirement resources
Administration, Temporal Goods and Finance
Pastoral Care of Members, Communities, Ministries
Governance and Legal Matters

More Information - Registration - Printable Flyer

Webcast on New Member Legal Issues

November 20, 2012: New Members Legal Issues - This updated webcast will discuss the various issues in screening and incorporating new members. New members are diverse in age, education, experience, culture and ethnicity. For this reason flexibility practices and policies is necessary. Participants will receive a newly revised Screening Workbook for use with new members; it is available in English and Spanish. For more information & to register...

Covenant Project

This newly launched project provides comprehensive service to religious institutes that wish to explore coming to their historical completion. In this difficult but grace-filled time, a community can live today's challenges with the same courage, fidelity and creativity that have marked its entire history. We assist communities in developing a time-line, in identifying the covenant(s) and/or partnership(s) that will be helpful along the way and in putting the necessary documents in place. Click here....

Canon Law Resource

Amy Hereford has been posting and updating the Canon Law Wiki for about 5 years. It provides a basic online resource for canon law.
A wiki is an online platform that allows multiple editors to contribute to the project. Currently it boasts about a thousand visitors each month from around the globe. Each flag on the map at the right indicates that visitors from that country have used the resource.
You may wish to use the resource the next time you have a canon law question. Writers are also welcome and invited to share their expertise.

Webcast on Associates

November 15, 2011: Associates of Religious Institutes This one hour webcast will propose models for understanding the evolving relationship of religious institutes and societies to their associates. It will discuss the civil and canonical issues raised and explore best practices. For more information...

Alienation Limit for 2011

ALIENATION/ADVERSE BUSINESS TRANSACTION LIMITS
The amount which requires the approval of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated life and Societies of Apostolic Life in cases of alienation of stable patrimony or business transactions which could have an adverse effect on the patrimonial condition of an institute/society remains at $5,705,000.
This amount applies only to an alienation or a business transaction within the United States. Alienation and business transactions in other countries must follow the amount set for institutes and societies in each particular country or region. [See canon 638.3].
Informational Note:
Alienation: the present tax usually charged for approval of an alienation is .1% of the actual selling price. Payment must be made in euros and presented to the Congregation prior to receiving the document of approval. Up to now, wire transfers have not been acceptable.
Adverse Business Transaction: the tax now charged seems to be 50 euro.

Annual Increase in Alienation Limit - Canon Law

The amount which requires the approval of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated life and Societies of Apostolic Life in cases of alienation of stable patrimony or business transactions which could have an adverse effect on the patrimonial condition of an institute/society is raised to $5,475,000. This amount refers to the appraised value not the actual selling price.

Group Ruling Letter for the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops

The annual Group Tax Exemption Letter for Catholic Organizations has been issued and is available on the USCCB website at http://www.usccb.org/ogc/groupruling.pdf

Canon Law for Religious: Alienation Limit for 2006

For the year 2006, the amount which requires approval of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic life in cases of alienation of stable patrimony or business transactions which could have an adverse effect on the patrimonial condition of an institute or society is raised to $5,341,000 [the amount in 2005 was $5,165,000]. This amount applies only to alienation or business transaction within the United States. Alienation and business transactions in other counties must follow the amount set for institutes and societies in each particular country. [See canons 638.3 and 1292]