Licentiate in Canon Law

 

Program Overview

The Licentiate in Canon Law degree (JCL) is an ecclesiastical program governed by the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium and other norms of the Holy See. The program consists of 75 course credits, covering the fundamental principles and specific canons of the Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church.

Throughout the program of studies, emphasis is placed upon the practical application of law. Students are required to do a major research project accomplished in the research seminar under the guidance of a professor of the Faculty of Canon Law.

The JCL degree enables clergy, religious, and lay persons to hold a variety of roles in tribunals and diocesan curias. It also prepares them to serve as key leaders and advisors in dioceses, religious institutes, societies of apostolic life, and various Catholic organizations.

The JCL is always pursued concurrently with the Master in Canon Law.

Admission Details

Program length: 6 terms (2 years, full-time); 12 terms (4 years, part-time).

Program delivery method: On campus and online.

Language: This program is also available in French.

For more information about admission deadlines, please click here.

Scholarships

Students registered in this program may be eligible for a limited number of scholarships. For more information, please click here. 

• ASSELIN Anne, Adjunct professor
• DEMASURE Karline, Professor Emeritus
• GLENDINNING Chad, Dean
• KOWAL Wojciech, Associate Professor
• LABRÈCHE Chantal, Assistant Professor
• MARIA JAMES Jesu Pudumai Doss, Full Professor
• NKOUAYA MBANDJI Valere, Associate Professor
• NOBEL Michael-Andreas, Associate Professor
• RENKEN John, Full Professor

• An applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent with at least a B (70%) average, and a minimum of two years of study in philosophy and theology, either at the undergraduate or graduate level, which should include the study of philosophical anthropology, metaphysics, ethics, Sacred Scripture, fundamental theology, Trinitarian theology, Christology, grace, ecclesiology, sacramental theology (general and particular), moral theology (general and particular), and an introduction to canon law. They also need to have an adequate knowledge of Latin. An applicant who lacks sufficient preparation in philosophy and theology or Latin may be admitted provisionally, but must complete the prerequisites, under the direction of the Dean, before final acceptance into the program.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation by persons who know the applicant and can attest to the applicant’s capacity to pursue graduate studies. In addition, a letter of permission from the applicant’s bishop (for secular clergy) or superior (for members of institutes of consecrated life or societies of apostolic life).
• A curriculum vitae.
• Excellent knowledge of English or French and, for DCA 6921 Canonical Latin, a passive knowledge of the other language.

Some additional documents, and in some cases specific forms, are required. For more information, please see the page Step 4: Gather the documents needed for the assessment of your application.

Compulsory Courses (66 units)

DCA5103 Universal and Supra Diocesan Church Structures (3u)
DCA5127 Particular Churches (3u)
DCA5128 Sanctifying Office (3u)
DCA5129 General Norms (3u)
DCA5130 Matrimonial Law (3u)
DCA5131 Christian Faithful (3u)
DCA5132 Administrative Institutes (3u)
DCA5133 Procedures I (3u)
DCA5134 Eastern Canon Law (3u)
DCA5135 Matrimonial Jurisprudence (3u)
DCA5136 Introduction to Canon Law (3u)
DCA5137 Teaching Office (1.5u)
DCA5138 Special Matrimonial Cases and Procedures (1.5u)
DCA5203 Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (3u)
DCA6112 Administrative Procedures (3u)
DCA6113 Temporal Goods (3u)
DCA6114 Procedures II (3u)
DCA6115 Penal Law (3u)
DCA6116 Foundations of Canon Law (3u)
DCA6117 Institutes of Law (3u)
DCA6321 Seminar on Tribunal Practice (3u)
DCA6394 Research Seminar – Preparation (0u)
DCA6395 Research Seminar (3u)
DCA6921 Canonical Latin / Latin canonique (3u)

Optional Courses (9 units)

9 units from:
DCA5139 Canon Law on Safeguarding Minors and Vulnerable Persons (3u)
DCA5304 Comparative Particular Law (3u)
DCA5396 Directed Studies I (3u)
DCA5397 Directed Studies II (3u)
DCA5398 Directed Studies III (3u)
DCA6301 Special Problems in Canon Law I (3u)
DCA6302 Special Problems in Canon Law II (3u)
DCA6315 Liturgical Law Outside the Code (3u)
DCA6316 The Laity and the Power of Governance in the Church (3u)
DCA6363 Special Problems in Canon Law III (1.5u)
DCA6364 Special Problems in Canon Law IV (1.5u)
DCA6365 Special Problems in Canon Law V (1.5u)
DCA6366 Special Problems in Canon Law VI (1.5u)
DCA6367 Special Problems in Canon Law VII (1.5u)
DCA6396 Selected Topics in Canon Law I (3u)
DCA6397 Selected Topics in Canon Law II (3u)
DCA6398 Selected Topics in Canon Law III (3u)
DCA6922 Field Practicum / Stage en milieu de travail (3u)
DCA6961 Study Visit to the Roman Curia / Voyage de formation à la curie romaine (1.5u)
DCA6962 Special Issues in Consecrated Life / Questions spéciales relatives à la vie consacrée (1.5u)
HTP5101 Victims of Sexual Abuse in Society and the Church (3u)
HTP5102 Perpetrators of Sexual Violence in Various Contexts and Prevention (3u)
HTP5103 Special Topics in Safeguarding Minors and Vulnerable Persons (3u)

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DCA 5103 - UNIVERSAL AND SUPRA DIOCESAN CHURCH STRUCTURES

Supreme authority of the Church: Roman Pontiff, College of Bishops and Ecumenical Council. Synod of Bishops, College of Cardinals, Roman Curia, legates. Groupings of particular Churches: ecclesiastical provinces and regions, metropolitans, particular councils (plenary and provincial), conferences of bishops. (cc. 330-367; 431-459)

DCA 5127 - PARTICULAR CHURCHES

Particular Churches. Bishops: bishops in general, diocesan bishops, coadjutor and auxiliary bishops. Impeded and vacant see. Diocesan synod; diocesan curia: vicars general, episcopal vicars, chancellor, finance committee, financial officer; presbyteral council; college of consultors; chapter of canons; pastoral council. Parishes, pastors, parochial vicars. Vicars forane. Rectors of churches. Chaplains. (cc. 368-430; 460-572) [Previously: DCA 5123, DCA 5124]

DCA 5128 - SANCTIFYING OFFICE

Sanctifying function of the Church and the sacraments. Communicatio in sacris. Baptism. Confirmation. Holy Eucharist. Penance. Anointing of the Sick. Order. Other acts of divine worship: sacramentals, liturgy of the hours, funerals, veneration of saints, sacred images and relics, vows and oaths. Sacred places: churches, oratories, private chapels, shrines, altars, cemeteries. Sacred times: feast days, days of penance. (cc. 834-1054, 1166-1253) [Previously: DCA 5204]

DCA 5129 - GENERAL NORMS

Fundamental concepts in canon law. Ecclesiastical laws. Custom. Statutes and rules of order. Physical and juridic persons. Juridic acts. Power of governance. Prescription. Computation of time. (cc. 1-28, 94-144, 197-203) [Previously: DCA 5102]

DCA 5130 - MATRIMONIAL LAW

Canonical notion of marriage. Marriage preparation. Impediments: in general and specific. Matrimonial consent. Canonical form. Mixed marriages. Marriages celebrated secretly. Effects of marriage. (cc. 1055-1140) [Previously: DCA 5125]

DCA 5131 - CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL

The Christian Faithful, their obligations and rights. Obligations and rights of the laity. Clergy: formation, incardination, obligations and rights. Personal Prelatures. Associations of the Christian faithful, public and private. (cc. 204-289, 294-327) [Previously: DCA 5208]

DCA 5132 - ADMINISTRATIVE INSTITUTES

General decrees and instructions. Singular administrative acts: singular decrees and precepts, rescripts, privileges, dispensations. Ecclesiastical offices. Presentation and drafting of singular and general decrees, precepts, and rescripts for routine and exceptional matters. Practical application: internal and external diocesan structures, sacraments, finances, civil law. (cc. 29-93, 145-183) [Previously: DCA 5306, DCA 6322]

DCA 5133 - PROCEDURES I

Trials in general. Competent forum. Different grades and kinds of tribunals: first instance, second instance, tribunals of the Apostolic See. Discipline to be observed in tribunals: duties of judges and tribunal ministers, order of adjudication, time limits and delays, place of the trial, persons to be admitted to the court, manner of preparing and keeping the acts. Parties in a case. Actions and exceptions. Oral contentious process. (cc. 1400-1500, 1656-1677)

DCA 5134 - EASTERN CANON LAW

History of Eastern canon law. Overview of the Codex canonum Ecclesiarum orientalium. Structures of the patriarchal, major archiepiscopal, and metropolitan churches. Eparchies and exarchies. Select consideration of particular canons. Rapport between the Eastern Churches and the Latin Church. [Previously: DCA 5207]

DCA 5135 - MATRIMONIAL JURISPRUDENCE

Study of jurisprudence focusing on the grounds of nullity of matrimonial consent, with special focus on the jurisprudence of the Roman Rota. [Previously: DCA 6321]

DCA 5136 - INTRODUCTION TO CANON LAW

Methodology for canonical research and writing. History of canonical sources. History of canonical institutions.

DCA 5137 - TEACHING OFFICE

Ministry of the Divine Word: preaching the word of God, catechetical instruction. Missionary activity. Catholic education: schools, Catholic universities and other institutes of higher studies, ecclesiastical universities and faculties. Instruments of social communication and books in particular. Profession of faith. (cc. 747-833) [Previously: DCA 5208]

DCA 5138 - SPECIAL MATRIMONIAL CASES AND PROCEDURES

Separation of the spouses with the dissolution of the marriage bond (dissolution of ratified and non-consummated marriages, dissolution in virtue of the Pauline privilege, dissolution in favour of the faith). Separation of the spouses with the bond remaining. Convalidation of marriage. Procedure in presumed death of a spouse. (cc. 1141-1165, 1692-1707) [Previously: DCA 5133]

DCA 5139 - Canon Law on Safeguarding Minors and Vulnerable Persons

A comprehensive and practical study of the “proactive” and “reactive” canonical responses of the Church to the sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable persons. Development of laws, universal and particular, and their practical application.

DCA 5203 - INSTITUTES OF CONSECRATED LIFE AND SOCIETIES OF APOSTOLIC LIFE

Common norms. Religious institutes: religious houses, governance of institutes, admission of candidates and formation of members, obligations and rights of the institutes and of their members, apostolate of institutes, separation of members from the institute, religious who are bishops, conferences of major superiors. Secular institutes. Societies of apostolic life. (cc. 573-633; 641-717, 719-740, 742-746)

DCA 5304 - COMPARATIVE PARTICULAR LAW

Comparative study of the development of particular canon law at the level of conferences of bishops.

DCA 5396 - DIRECTED STUDIES I

DCA 5397 - DIRECTED STUDIES II

DCA 5398 - DIRECTED STUDIES III

DCA 6112 - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Loss of ecclesiastical office: resignation, transfer, removal, privation. Loss of the clerical state. Declaration of the nullity of sacred ordination. Methods of avoiding trials. Administrative recourse. Procedure in the removal or transfer of pastors. (cc.184-196, 290-293, 1708-1716, 1732-1752)

DCA 6113 - TEMPORAL GOODS

Ecclesiastical goods. Acquisition of goods. Administration of goods, ordinary and extraordinary. Contracts: alienation, threatening transactions, leases. Pious wills. Pious trusts. Pious foundations: autonomous and non-autonomous. Goods of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life. (cc. 1254-1310, 634-640, 718, 741)

DCA 6114 - PROCEDURES II

Introduction of a case: the libellus, citation and notification of judicial acts. Joinder of the issue. Trial of litigation. Proofs. Incidental cases. Publication of the acts. Conclusion of the case. Discussion of the case. Pronouncements of the judge. Challenge of the sentence: complaint of nullity, appeal. Res iudicata and Restitutio in integrum. Judicial expenses and gratuitous legal assistance. Execution of the sentence. The documentary process for marriage cases. (cc. 1501-1655, 1678-1691)

DCA 6115 - PENAL LAW

Punishment of delicts. Penal laws and penal precepts. Subjects of penal sanctions. Penalties and other punishments: censures, expiatory penalties, penal remedies, penances. Application of penalties. Cessation of penalties. Penalties for individual delicts. Penal process: preliminary investigation, development of the judicial and extrajudicial process, action to repair damages. (cc. 1311-1399, 1717-1731)

DCA 6116 - FOUNDATIONS OF CANON LAW

Theology of Law. Philosophy of Law. Elements of Roman Law. [Previously: DCA6415]

DCA 6117 - INSTITUTES OF LAW

An introduction to the juridical system of civil law (common law). A comparison of selected themes of civil law to principles established by canon law. An examination of the tension that between Church and State, with an analysis of civil law court judgments. [Previously: DCA6415]

DCA 6301 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW I

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or of specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law.

DCA 6302 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW II

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or of specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law.

DCA 6315 - LITURGICAL LAW OUTSIDE THE CODE

Selected Praenotanda of liturgical books and post- Code legislation on the Liturgy.

DCA 6316 - THE LAITY AND THE POWER OF GOVERNANCE IN THE CHURCH

Collaboration of the lay faithful in the exercise of the power of governance: law, theory, and practice.

DCA 6321 - SEMINAR ON TRIBUNAL PRACTICE

Jurisprudence. Practical application: introduction of a marriage nullity case, instruction, conclusion, decision, appeal. Drafting of decrees, advocate’s pleas, remarks of the defender of the bond, sentences.

DCA 6363 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW III

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or of specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law. Each academic year the details of the course will be made available in advance to the students.

DCA 6364 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW IV

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or of specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law. Each academic year the details of the course will be made available in advance to the students.

DCA 6365 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW V

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law.

DCA 6366 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW VI

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law.

DCA 6367 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW VII

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law.

DCA 6394 - Research Seminar - Preparation

Development and approval of a topic, table of contents and bibliography. Preliminary research and drafting of the research seminar paper, observing the methodology of the faculty.

DCA 6395 - RESEARCH SEMINAR

Research on a particular canonical subject resulting in its presentation to the seminar group and director, and in submission of a written project.

DCA 6396 - SELECTED TOPICS IN CANON LAW I

DCA 6397 - SELECTED TOPICS IN CANON LAW II

DCA 6398 - SELECTED TOPICS IN CANON LAW III

DCA 6921 - CANONICAL LATIN

Etude du latin ecclésiastique de niveau avancé. Traduction de textes canoniques: Codex iuris canonici, Codex canonum ecclesiarum orientalium, autres sources canoniques. (Préalables : DCA 3509 ou une connaissance équivalente au jugement du doyen de la Faculté du droit canonique ; connaissance passive de l’anglais.) / Advanced level of ecclesiastical Latin. Translation of canonical texts: Codex iuris canonici, Codex canonum ecclesiarum orientalium, other canonical sources. ( Prerequisite: DCA 3109 or equivalent knowledge in the judgment of the Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law; passive knowledge of French)

DCA 6922 - FIELD PRACTICUM

A six-week (minimum 18 hours per week) of supervised internship in canonical practice at an approved site. Assessment based on a written report as well as the evaluation of the internship supervisor. Graded S/NS.

DCA 6961 - STUDY VISIT TO THE ROMAN CURIA

Seminar on the Roman Curia involving on-site interchange with personnel from a variety of Roman congregations, tribunals, and pontifical councils. ( Prerequisite: passive knowledge of French)

DCA 6962 - SPECIAL ISSUES IN CONSECRATED LIFE

Seminar on legal and canonical issues concerning consecrated life, especially in the context of Canada. Includes the summer session: ''Legal Education for Leadership of Religious Institutes'' and the submission of a research paper. (Restricted Registration. Prerequisite: DCA 5203 or equivalent knowledge as determined by the Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law; passive knowledge of French)

DCA 7998 - Licentiate Comprehensive Examination

DCA 8101 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW I

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or of specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law.

DCA 8102 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW II

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or of specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law.

DCA 8396 - DOCTORAL DIRECTED STUDIES I

DCA 8397 - DOCTORAL DIRECTED STUDIES II

DCA 8398 - DOCTORAL DIRECTED STUDIES III

DCA 8981 - Readings in Latin Canonical Sources

Interpreting canonical sources in the original Latin. ( Prerequisite: DCA 6921 or equivalent knowledge in the judgment of the Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law; passive knowledge of French.)

DCA 9997 - Thesis Proposal

DCA 9998 - Comprehensive Examination

DCA 9999 - Doctoral Thesis

HTP 5101 - Victims of Sexual Abuse in Society and the Church

Definitions and contextualization. The issues of victims of sexual abuse: disclosing the abuse and the short and long term physical, relational and spiritual consequences, as well as the different therapeutic models.

HTP 5102 - Perpetrators of Sexual Violence in Various Contexts and Prevention

The dynamics of sexual violence in various contexts. Recognizing signs of imminent sexual abuse. Clinical and spiritual care for perpetrators. Prevention.

HTP 5103 - Special Topics in Safeguarding Minors and Vulnerable Persons (3u)

Study of a particular theme in the field of safeguarding of minors and vulnerable persons.

Contact Us

Office of the Associate Vice-Rector, Strategic Enrolment Management
Room 148
Saint Paul University
223 Main Street
Ottawa, ON
K1S 1C4
CANADA

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Telephone: 613-236-1393
Fax: 613-782-3014
admission@ustpaul.ca

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