Graduate Diplomas in Canon Law

Graduate Diplomas in Canon Law

The Church today is confronted with enormous challenges. In the face of changing circumstances, Church leaders must, perhaps now more than ever, ensure good governance, clear decision making, conformity with ecclesiastical discipline, and appropriate accountability. In order to assist these Church leaders, the Faculty of Canon Law of Saint Paul University, Ottawa, will be offering two Graduate Diplomas in Canon Law. Typically, persons interested in acquiring university education in canon law over a short period of time already hold a position of responsibility or employment, and cannot be excused from their professional obligations for several months at a stretch. To accommodate these persons, the diplomas offer courses both online (in the Fall and Winter sessions) and on campus (for two weeks in the Winter session).

Graduate Diploma in Sacramental and Liturgical Law

2012–2013

This diploma is intended for those whose ecclesial ministry requires canonical competence in matters liturgical and sacramental. It is especially designed to assist vicars general, vicars for worship, chancellors, directors of worship offices, members of diocesan liturgical commissions, diocesan coordinators of the RCIA process, pastors, parochial vicars, pastoral associates, parish life coordinators, members of parish liturgical committees, parish RCIA coordinators, religious educators, and other members of parish staff.

Graduate Diploma in Conflict Resolution*

2013–2014

This diploma is intended for those whose ecclesiastical ministry requires canonical competence in various areas of dispute resolution: e.g., recourse against administrative decisions, penal aspects of Church governance, the transfer and removal of unwilling pastors, allegations of clerical misconduct, etc. It is especially designed for vicars general, vicars for clergy, chancellors, personnel board members, collaborators in conciliation and arbitration processes, diocesan civil attorneys, leaders of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life.

Prospective participants must hold an honours baccalaureate, or complete an equivalent program, with an average grade of at least “B”. Typically, participants must have 18 credits in theology or religious studies. The Faculty of Canon Law reserves the right to assess individual applications and stipulate specific prerequisites for a concentration or a course, or to waive one or more prerequisites in view of proven pastoral or professional experience. Credits earned in a Graduate Diploma may later be applied toward a licentiate in canon law (JCL).

*Subject to Approval