THE CODE OF CANON LAW

CODEX IURIS CANONICI (1983)

BOOK III:
THE TEACHING OFFICE
OF THE CHURCH

Can. 747 §1 It is the obligation and inherent right of the Church, independent of any human authority, to preach the Gospel to all peoples, using for this purpose even its own means of social communication, for it is to the Church that Christ the Lord entrusted the deposit of faith, so that by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, it might conscientiously guard revealed truth, more intimately penetrate it, and faithfully proclaim and expound it.
§2 The Church has the right always and everywhere to proclaim moral principles, even in respect of the social order, and to make judgements about any human matter in so far as this is required by fundamental human rights or the salvation of souls.
Can. 748 §1 All are bound to seek the truth in the matters which concern God and his Church; when they have found it, then by divine law they are bound, and they have the right, to embrace and keep it.
§2 It is never lawful for anyone to force others to embrace the catholic faith against their conscience.
Can. 749 §1 In virtue of his office the Supreme Pontiff is infallible in his teaching when, as chief Shepherd and Teacher of all Christ’s faithful, with the duty of strengthening his brethren in the faith, he proclaims by definitive act a doctrine to be held concerning faith or morals.
§2 The College of Bishops also possesses infallibility in its teaching when the Bishops, gathered together in an Ecumenical Council and exercising their magisterium as teachers and judges of faith and morals, definitively declare for the universal Church a doctrine to be held concerning faith or morals; likewise, when the Bishops, dispersed throughout the world but maintaining the bond of union among themselves and with the successor of Peter, together with the same Roman Pontiff authentically teach matters of faith or morals, and are agreed that a particular teaching is definitively to be held.
§3 No doctrine is understood to be infallibly defined unless this is manifestly demonstrated.
Can. 750 Those things are to be believed by divine and catholic faith which are contained in the word of God as it has been written or handed down by tradition, that is, in the single deposit of faith entrusted to the Church, and which are at the same time proposed as divinely revealed either by the solemn magisterium of the Church, or by its ordinary and universal magisterium, which is manifested by the common adherence of Christ’s faithful under the guidance of the sacred magisterium. All are therefore bound to shun any contrary doctrines.
Can. 751 Heresy is the obstinate denial or doubt, after baptism, of a truth which must be believed by divine and catholic faith. Apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith. Schism is the withdrawal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff or from communion with the members of the Church subject to him.
Can. 752 While the assent of faith is not required, a religious submission of intellect and will is to be given to any doctrine which either the Supreme Pontiff or the College of Bishops, exercising their authentic magisterium, declare upon a matter of faith or morals, even though they do not intend to proclaim that doctrine by definitive act. Christ’s faithful are therefore to ensure that they avoid whatever does not accord with that doctrine.
Can. 753 Whether they teach individually, or in Episcopal Conferences, or gathered together in particular councils, Bishops in communion with the head and the members of the College, while not infallible in their teaching, are the authentic instructors and teachers of the faith for Christ’s faithful entrusted to their care. The faithful are bound to adhere, with a religious submission of mind, to this authentic magisterium of their Bishops.
Can. 754 All Christ’s faithful are obliged to observe the constitutions and decrees which lawful ecclesiastical authority issues for the purpose of proposing doctrine or of proscribing erroneous opinions; this is particularly the case of those published by the Roman Pontiff or by the College of Bishops.
Can. 755 §1 It pertains especially to the entire College of Bishops and to the Apostolic See to foster and direct among catholics the ecumenical movement, the purpose of which is the restoration of unity between all Christians which, by the will of Christ, the Church is bound to promote.
§2 It is a matter likewise for Bishops and, in accordance with the law, for Episcopal Conferences, to promote this same unity and, in line with the various needs and opportunities of the circumstances, to issue practical norms which accord with the provisions laid down by the supreme authority of the Church.

LIBER III
DE ECCLESIAE MUNERE DOCENDI

Can. 747 - § 1. Ecclesiae, cui Christus Dominus fidei depositum concredidit ut ipsa, Spiritu Sancto assistente, veritatem revelatam sancte custodiret, intimius perscrutaretur, fideliter annuntiaret atque exponeret, officium est et ius nativum, etiam mediis communicationis socialis sibi propriis adhibitis, a qualibet humana potestate independens, omnibus gentibus Evangelium praedicandi.
§ 2. Ecclesiae competit semper et ubique principia moralia etiam de ordine sociali annuntiare, necnon iudicium ferre de quibuslibet rebus humanis, quatenus personae humanae iura fundamentalia aut animarum salus id exigant.
Can. 748 - § 1. Omnes homines veritatem in iis, quae Deum eiusque Ecclesiam respiciunt, quaerere tenentur eamque cognitam amplectendi ac servandi obligatione vi legis divinae adstringuntur et iure gaudent.
§ 2. Homines ad amplectendam fidem catholicam contra ipsorum conscientiam per coactionem adducere nemini umquam fas est.
Can. 749 - § 1. Infallibilitate in magisterio, vi muneris sui gaudet Summus Pontifex quando ut supremus omnium christifidelium Pastor et Doctor, cuius est fratres suos in fide confirmare, doctrinam de fide vel de moribus tenendam definitivo actus proclamat.
§ 2. Infallibilitate in magisterio pollet quoque Collegium Episcoporum quando magisterium exercent Episcopi in Concilio Oecumenico coadunati, qui, ut fidei et morum doctores et iudices, pro universa Ecclesia doctrinam de fide vel de moribus definitive tenendam declarant aut quando per orbem dispersi, communionis nexum inter se et cum Petri successore servantes, una cum eodem Romano Pontifice authentice res fidei vel morum docentes, in unam sententiam tamquam definitive tenendam conveniunt.
§ 3. Infallibiliter definita nulla intellegitur doctrina, nisi id manifesto constiterit.
Can. 750 - Fide divina et catholica ea omnia credenda sunt quae verbo Dei scripto vel tradito, uno scilicet fidei deposito Ecclesiae commisso, continentur, et insimul ut divinitus revelata proponuntur sive ab Ecclesiae magisterio sollemni, sive ab eius magisterio ordinario et universali, quod quidem communi adhaesione christifidelium sub presbyteratum; qui ad presbyteratum destinantur, ad diaconatus quascumque devitare doctrinas iisdem contrarias.
Can. 751 - Dicitur haeresis, pertinax, post receptum baptismum, alicuius veritatis divina et catholica credendae denegatio, aut de eadem pertinax dubitatio; apostasia, fidei christianae ex toto repudiatio; schisma, subiectionis Summo Pontifici aut communionis cum Ecclesiae membris eidem subditis detrectatio.
Can. 752 - Non quidem fidei assensus, religiosum tamen intellectus et voluntatis obsequium praestandum est doctrinae, quam sive Summus Pontifex sive Collegium Episcoporum de fide vel de moribus enuntiant, cum magisterium authenticum exercent, etsi definitivo actu eandem proclamare non intendant christifideles ergo devitare curent quae cum eadem non congruant.
Can. 753 - Episcopi, qui sunt in communione cum Collegii capite et membris, sive singuli sive in conferentiis Episcoporum aut in conciliis particularibus congregati, licet infallibilitate in docendo non polleant, christifidelium suae curae commissorum authentici sunt fidei doctores et magistri; cui authentico magisterio suorum Episcoporum christifideles religioso animi obsequio adhaerere tenentur.
Can. 754 - Omnes christifideles obligatione tenentur servandi constitutiones et decreta, quae ad doctrinam proponendam et erroneas opiniones proscribendas fert legitima Ecclesiae auctoritas, speciali vero ratione, quae edit Romanus Pontifex vel Collegium Episcoporum.
Can. 755 - § 1. Totius Collegii Episcoporum et Sedis Apostolicae imprimis est fovere et dirigere motum oecumenicum apud catholicos, cuius finis est unitatis redintegratio inter universos christianos, ad quam promovendam Ecclesia ex voluntate Christi tenetur.
§ 2. Episcoporum item est, et, ad normam iuris, Episcoporum conferentiarum, eandem unitatem promovere atque pro variis adiunctorum necessitatibus vel opportunitatibus, normas practicas impertire, attentis praescriptis a suprema Ecclesiae auctoritate latis.

TITLE I: THE MINISTRY OF THE DIVINE WORD

Can. 756 §1 The office of preaching the Gospel to the whole Church has been committed principally to the Roman Pontiff and to the College of Bishops.
§2 For the particular Churches entrusted to them, that office is exercised by the individual Bishops, who are the moderators of the entire ministry of the word in their Churches. Sometimes, however, in accordance with the law, a number of Bishops simultaneously carry out that office together in respect of a number of different Churches.
Can. 757 It belongs to priests, as co-operators of the Bishops, to proclaim the Gospel of God. For the people entrusted to their care, this task rests especially on parish priests, and on other priests entrusted with the care of souls. Deacons also are to serve the people of God in the ministry of the word, in union with the Bishop and his presbyterium.
Can. 758 By reason of their consecration to God, members of institutes of consecrated life bear particular witness to the Gospel, and so are fittingly called upon by the Bishop to help in proclaiming the Gospel.
Can. 759 The lay members of Christ’s faithful, by reason of their baptism and confirmation, are witnesses to the good news of the Gospel, by their words and by the example of their Christian life. They can also be called upon to cooperate with Bishops and priests in the exercise of the ministry of the word.
Can. 760 The mystery of Christ is to be faithfully and fully presented in the ministry of the word, which must be founded upon sacred Scripture, Tradition, liturgy and the magisterium and life of the Church.
Can. 761 While pride of place must always be given to preaching and catechetical instruction, all the available means of proclaiming Christian doctrine are to be used: the exposition of doctrine in schools, in institutes of higher learning, at conferences and meetings of all kinds; public declarations by lawful authority on the occasion of certain events; the printed word and other means of social communication.

TITULUS I: DE DIVINI VERBI MINISTERIO

Can. 756 - § 1. Quoad universam Ecclesiam munus Evangelii annuntiandi praecipue Romano Pontifici et Collegio Episcoporum commissum est.
§ 2. Quoad Ecclesiam particularem sibi concreditam illud munus exercent singuli Episcopi, qui quidem totius ministerii verbi in eadem sunt moderatores; quandoque vero aliqui Episcopi coniunctim illud explent quoad diversas simul Ecclesias, ad normam iuris.
Can. 757 - Presbyterorum, qui quidem Episcoporum cooperatores sunt, proprium est Evangelium Dei annuntiare; praesertim hoc officio tenentur, quoad populum sibi commissum, parochi aliique quibus cura animarum concreditur; diaconorum etiam est in ministerio verbi populo Dei, in communione cum Episcopo eiusque presbyterio, inservire.
Can. 758 - Sodales institutorum vitae consecratae, vi propriae Deo consecrationis, peculiari modo Evangelii testimonium reddunt, iidemque in Evangelio annuntiando ab Episcopo in auxilium convenienter assumuntur.
Can. 759 - Christifideles laici, vi baptismatis et confirmationis, verbo et vitae christianae exemplo evangelici nuntii sunt testes; vocari etiam possunt ut in exercitio ministerii verbi cum Episcopo et presbyteris cooperantur.
Can. 760 - In ministerio verbi, quod sacra Scriptura, Traditione, liturgia, magisterio vitaque Ecclesiae innitatur oportet, Christi mysterium integre ac fideliter proponatur.
Can. 761 - Varia media ad doctrinam christianam annuntiandam adhibeantur quae praesto sunt, imprimis praedicatio atque catechetica institutio, quae quidem semper principem locum tenent, sed et propositio doctrinae in scholis, in academiis, conferentiis et coadunationibus omnis generis, necnon eiusdem diffusio per declarationes publicas a legitima auctoritate occasione quorundam eventuum factas prelo aliisque instrumentis communicationis socialis.

CHAPTER I : PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD

Can. 762 The people of God are first united through the word of the living God, and are fully entitled to seek this word from their priests. For this reason sacred ministers are to consider the office of preaching as of great importance, since proclaiming the Gospel of God to all is among their principal duties.
Can. 763 Bishops have the right to preach the word of God everywhere, even in churches and oratories of religious institutes of pontifical right, unless the local Bishop has expressly forbidden it in particular cases.
Can. 764 Without prejudice to the provisions of Can. 765, priests and deacons, with the at least presumed consent of the rector of a church, have the faculty to preach everywhere, unless this faculty has been restricted or removed by the competent Ordinary, or unless particular law requires express permission.
Can. 765 To preach to religious in their churches or oratories, permission is required of the Superior who is competent according to their constitutions.
Can. 766 The laity may be allowed to preach in a church or oratory if in certain circumstances it is necessary, or in particular cases it would be advantageous, according to the provisions of the Episcopal Conference and without prejudice to Can. 767 §1.
Can. 767 §1 The most important form of preaching is the homily, which is part of the liturgy, and is reserved to a priest or deacon. In the course of the liturgical year, the mysteries of faith and the rules of Christian living are to be expounded in the homily from the sacred text.
§2 At all Masses on Sundays and holydays of obligation, celebrated with a congregation, there is to be a homily and, except for a grave reason, this may not be omitted.
§3 It is strongly recommended that, if a sufficient number of people are present, there be a homily at weekday Masses also, especially during Advent and Lent, or on a feast day or an occasion of grief.
§4 It is the responsibility of the parish priest or the rector of a church to ensure that these provisions are carefully observed.
Can. 768 §1 Those who announce the word of God to Christ’s faithful are first and foremost to set out those things which it is necessary to believe and to practise for the glory of God and the salvation of all.
§2 They are also to explain to the faithful the teaching of the magisterium of the Church concerning the dignity and freedom of the human person; the unity, stability and duties of the family; people’s social obligations and the ordering of temporal affairs according to the plan established by God.
Can. 769 Christian teaching is to be explained in a manner that is suited to the condition of the hearers and adapted to the circumstances of the times.
Can. 770 At certain times, according to the regulations of the diocesan Bishop, parish priests are to arrange for sermons in the form of retreats and missions, as they are called, or in other forms adapted to requirements.
Can. 771 §1 Pastors of souls, especially Bishops and parish priests, are to be solicitous that the word of God is preached to those also of the faithful who, because of the circumstances of their lives, cannot sufficiently avail themselves of the ordinary pastoral care or are even totally deprived of it.
§2 They are also to take care that the good news of the Gospel reaches those living in their territory who are non believers, since these too, no less than the faithful, must be included in the care of souls.
Can. 772 §1 In the exercise of the office of preaching, everyone is moreover to observe the norms laid down by the Bishop of the diocese.
§2 In expounding Christian teaching on radio or television, the provisions of the Episcopal Conference are to be observed.

CAPUT I: DE VERBI DEI PRAEDICATIONE

Can. 762 - Cum Dei populus primum coadunetur verbo Dei vivi, quod ex ore sacerdotum omnino fas est recipere, munus praedicationis magni habeant sacri ministri, inter quorum praecipua officia sit Evangelium Dei omnibus annuntiare.
Can. 763 - Episcopis ius est ubique, non exclusis ecclesiis et oratoriis institutorum religiosorum iuris pontificii, Dei verbum praedicare, nisi Episcopus loci in casibus particularibus expresse renuerit.
Can. 764 - Salvo praescripto Can. 765, facultate ubique praedicandi, de consensu saltem praesumpto rectoris ecclesiae exercendae, gaudent presbyteri et diaconi, nisi ab Ordinario competenti eadem facultas restricta fuerit aut sublata, aut lege particulari licentia expressa requiratur.
Can. 765 - Ad praedicandum religiosis in eorum ecclesiis vel oratoriis licentia requiritur Superioris ad normam constitutionum competentis.
Can. 766 - Ad praedicandum in ecclesia vel oratorio admitti possunt laici, si certis in adiunctis necessitas id requirat aut in casibus particularibus utilitas id suadeat, iuxta Episcoporum conferentiae praescripta, et salvo Can. 767, § 1.
Can. 767 - § 1. Inter praedicationis formas eminet homilia, quae est pars ipsius liturgiae et sacerdoti aut diacono reservatur; in eadem per anni liturgici cursum ex textus sacro fidei mysteria et normae vitae christianae exponantur.
§ 2. In omnibus Missis diebus dominicis et festis de praecepto, quae concursu populi celebrantur, homilia habenda est nec omitti potest nisi gravi de causa.
§ 3. Valde commendatur ut, si sufficiens detur populi concursus, homilia habeatur etiam in Missis quae infra hebdomadam, praesertim tempore adventus et quadragesimae aut occasione alicuius festi vel luctuosi eventus, celebrentur.
§4. Parochi aut ecclesiae rectoris est curare ut haec praescripta religiose serventur.
Can. 768 - § 1. Divini verbi praecones christifidelibus imprimis proponant, quae ad Dei gloriam hominumque salutem credere et facere oportet.
§ 2. Impertiant quoque fidelibus doctrinam, quam Ecclesiae magisterium proponit de personae humanae dignitate et libertate, de familiae unitate et stabilitate eiusque muniis, de obligationibus quae ad homines in societate coniunctos pertinent, necnon de rebus temporalibus iuxta ordinem a Deo statutum componendis.
Can. 769 - Doctrina christiana proponatur modo auditorum condicioni accomodato atque ratione temporum necessitatibus aptata.
Can. 770 - Parochi certis temporibus, iuxta Episcopi dioecesani praescripta, illas ordinent praedicationes, quas exercitia spiritualia et sacras missiones vocant, vel alias formas necessitatibus aptatas.
Can. 771 - § 1. Solliciti sint animarum pastores, praesertim Episcopi et parochi, ut Dei verbum iis quoque fidelibus nuntietur, qui ob vitae suae condicionem communi et ordinaria cura pastorali non satis fruantur aut eadem penitus careant.
§ 2. Provideant quoque, ut Evangelii nuntium perveniat ad non credentes in territorio degentes, quippe quos, non secus ac fideles, animarum cura complecti debeat.
Can. 772 - § 1. Ad exercitium praedicationis quod attinet, ab omnibus praeterea serventur normae ab Episcopo dioecesano latae.
§ 2. Ad sermonem de doctrina christiana faciendum via radiophonica aut televisifica, serventur praescripta ab Episcoporum conferentia statuta.

CHAPTER II : CATECHETICAL FORMATION

Can. 773 It is pastors of souls especially who have the serious duty of attending to the catechesis of the Christian people, so that, through doctrinal formation and the experience of the Christian life, the living faith of the people may be manifest and active.
Can. 774 §1 The care for catechesis, under the direction of lawful ecclesiastical authority, extends to all members of the Church, to each according to his or her role.
§2 Before all others, parents are bound to form their children, by word and example, in faith and in Christian living. The same obligation binds godparents and those who take the place of parents.
Can. 775 §1 While observing provisions made by the Apostolic See it is the responsibility of diocesan Bishops to issue norms concerning catechetical matters; to ensure that appropriate means of catechesis are available, even by preparing a catechism, if this seems opportune; to foster and to coordinate catechetical initiatives.
§2 If it is thought to be useful, the Episcopal Conference may, with the prior approval of the Apostolic See, publish catechisms for its territory.
§3 The Episcopal Conference may establish a catechetical office, whose principal purpose is to assist individual dioceses in catechetical matters.
Can. 776 By virtue of his office, the parish priest is bound to ensure the catechetical formation of adults, young people and children. To this end, he is to avail himself of the help of clerics attached to the parish, as well as of members of institutes of consecrated life and of societies of apostolic life, being mindful of the character of each institute; and the assistance of lay members of Christ’s faithful, especially catechists. All of these, unless they are lawfully impeded, are not to refuse to give their labours willingly. The parish priest is also to promote and to foster the role of parents in the family catechesis mentioned in Can. 774, §2.
Can. 777 In a special way, the parish priest is to ensure, in accordance with the norms laid down by the diocesan Bishop, that:
1° an adequate catechesis is given for the celebration of the sacraments;
2° children are properly prepared for first confession and first holy communion, and for the sacrament of confirmation, by means of catechetical formation over an appropriate period of time;
3° children, after they have made their first holy communion, are given a richer and deeper catechetical formation;
4° as far as their condition allows, catechetical formation is given to the mentally and physically handicapped;
5° the faith of young people and of adults is strengthened, enlightened and developed by various catechetical methods and initiatives .
Can. 778 Religious Superiors and Superiors of societies of apostolic life are to ensure that catechetical formation is diligently given in their churches and schools, and in other works in any way entrusted to their care.
Can. 779 Catechetical formation is to be given by employing all those aids, educational resources and means of communication which seem the more effective in securing that the faithful, according to their character capability, age and circumstances of life, may be more fully steeped in catholic teaching and prepared to put it into practice.
Can. 780 Local Ordinaries are to ensure that catechists are duly trained to carry out their office properly, namely, that continuing formation is available to them, that they have an appropriate knowledge of the teaching of the Church, and that they learn both the theory and the practice of the principles of pedagogy.

CAPUT II: DE CATECHETICA INSTITUTIONE

Can. 773 - Proprium et grave officium pastorum praesertim animarum est catechesim populi christiani curare, ut fidelium fides, per doctrinae institutionem et vitae christianae experientiam, viva fiat explicita atque operosa.
Can. 774 - § 1. Sollicitudo catechesis, sub moderamine legitimae ecclesiasticae auctoritatis, ad omnia Ecclesiae membra pro sua cuiusque parte pertinet.
§ 2. Prae ceteris parentes obligatione tenentur verbo et exemplo filios in fide et vitae christianae praxi efformandi; pari obligatione adstringuntur, qui parentum locum tenent atque patrini.
Can. 775 - § 1. Servatis praescriptis ab Apostolica Sede latis, Episcopi dioecesani est normas de re catechetica edicere itemque prospicere ut apta catechesis instrumenta praesto sint, catechismum etiam parando, si opportunum id videatur, necnon incepta catechetica fovere atque coordinare.
§ 2. Episcoporum conferentiae est, si utile videatur, curare ut catechismi pro suo territorio, praevia Sedis Apostolicae approbatione, edantur.
§ 3. Apud Episcoporum conferentiam institui potest officium catecheticum, cuius praecipuum munus sit singulis dioecesibus in re catechetica auxilium praebere.
Can. 776 - Parochus, vi sui muneris, catecheticam efformationem adultorum, iuvenum et puerorum curare tenetur, quem in finem sociam sibi operam adhibeat clericorum paroeciae addictorum, sodalium institutorum vitae consecratae necnon societatum vitae apostolicae, habita ratione indolis uniuscuiusque instituti, necnon christifidelium laicorum, praesertim catechistarum; hi omnes, nisi legitime impediti, operam suam libenter praestare ne renuant. Munus parentum, in catechesi familiari, de quo in Can. 774, § 2, promoveat et foveat.
Can. 777 - Peculiari modo parochus, attentis normis ab Episcopo dioecesano statutis, curet:
1° ut apta catechesis impertiatur pro sacramentorum celebratione;
2° ut pueri, ope catecheticae institutionis per congruum tempus impertitae, rite praeparentur ad primam receptionem sacramentorum paenitentiae et sanctissimae Eucharistiae necnon ad sacramentum confirmationis;
3° ut iidem, prima communione recepta, uberius ac profundius catechetica efformatione excolantur;
4° ut catechetica institutio iis etiam tradatur, quantum eorum condicio sinat, qui corpore vel mente sint praepediti;
5° ut iuvenum et adultorum fides, variis formis et inceptis, muniatur, illuminetur atque evolvatur.
Can. 778 - Curent Superiores religiosi et societatum vitae apostolicae ut in suis ecclesiis, scholis aliisve operibus sibi quoquo modo concreditis, catechetica institutio sedulo impertiatur.
Can. 779 - Institutio catechetica tradatur omnibus adhibitis auxiliis, subsidiis didacticis et communicationis socialis instrumentis, quae efficaciora videantur ut fideles, ratione eorum indoli facultatibus et aetati necnon vitae condicionibus aptata, plenius catholicam doctrinam ediscere eamque aptius in praxim deducere valeant.
Can. 780 - Curent locorum Ordinarii ut catechistae ad munus suum rite explendum debite praeparentur, ut nempe continua formatio ipsis praebeatur, iidemque Ecclesiae doctrinam apte cognoscant atque normas disciplinis paedagogicis proprias theoretice ac practice addiscant.

TITLE II: THE MISSIONARY ACTIVITY OF THE CHURCH

Can. 781 Because the whole Church is of its nature missionary and the work of evangelisation is to be considered a fundamental duty of the people of God, all Christ’s faithful must be conscious of the responsibility to play their part in missionary activity.
Can. 782 §1 The Roman Pontiff and the College of Bishops have the responsibility for the overall direction and coordination of the initiatives and activities which concern missionary work and cooperation.
§2 As the sponsors of the universal Church and of all the Churches, all Bishops are to have a special solicitude for missionary activity, especially by arousing, fostering and sustaining missionary initiatives in their own particular Churches.
Can. 783 Members of institutes of consecrated life, because of the dedication to the service of the Church deriving from their very consecration, have an obligation to play a zealous and special part in missionary activity, in a manner appropriate to their institute.
Can. 784 Missionaries, that is, those who have been sent by the competent ecclesiastical authority to engage in missionary activity, may be chosen from the indigenous population or from others, be they secular clergy, or members of institutes of consecrated life or of a society of apostolic life, or other lay members of Christ’s faithful.
Can. 785 §1 Catechists are to be given a role in missionary work. These are lay members of Christ’s faithful who have received proper formation and are outstanding in their living of the Christian life. Under the direction of missionaries, they are to present the Gospel teaching and engage in liturgical worship and in works of charity.
§2 Catechists are to receive their formation in schools founded for this purpose. If there are no such schools, they are to be formed under the direction of the missionaries.
Can. 786 Missionary activity properly so called, whereby the Church is founded amongst peoples or groups where it has not taken root before, is performed principally by the Church sending heralds of the Gospel, until such time as the new Churches are fully constituted, that is, have their own resources and sufficient means, so that they themselves can carry on the work of evangelisation.
Can. 787 §1 By the testimony of their words and of their lives, missionaries are to establish a sincere dialogue with those who do not believe in Christ, so that, taking their native character and culture into account, ways may be opened up by which they can be led to know the good news of the Gospel.
§2 Missionaries are to ensure that they teach the truths of the faith to those whom they judge to be ready to receive the good news of the Gospel, so that, if they freely request it, they may be admitted to the reception of baptism.
Can. 788 §1 Those who have expressed the wish to embrace faith in Christ, and who have completed the period of their preliminary catechumenate, are to be admitted to the catechumenate proper in a liturgical ceremony; and their names are to be inscribed in the book which is kept for this purpose.
§2 By formation and their first steps in Christian living, catechumens are to be initiated into the mysteries of salvation, and introduced into the life of faith, liturgy and charity of the people of God, as well as into the apostolate.
§3 It is the responsibility of the Episcopal Conference to establish norms concerning the arrangement of the catechumenate, determining what should be done by catechumens and what should be their prerogatives.
Can. 789 By means of appropriate formation, neophytes are to be led to a deeper knowledge of the Gospel truths, and to the fulfilment of the duties undertaken in baptism. They are also to be imbued with a sincere love of Christ and his Church.
Can. 790 §1 In mission territories, it is the responsibility of the diocesan Bishop:
1° to promote, regulate and coordinate both new initiatives and established works concerning missionary activity;
2° to ensure that there are proper agreements with the Moderators of those institutes which dedicate themselves to missionary activities, and that relationships with them are for the good of the mission.
§2 The provisions made by the diocesan Bishop in accordance with §1, n. 1 are binding on all missionaries, including religious and their helpers residing in his territory.
Can. 791 In order to foster missionary cooperation, in each diocese:
1° vocations to the mission are to be promoted;
2° a priest is to be appointed to promote missionary initiatives, especially the ‘Pontifical Missionary Works’;
3° a day for the missions is to be celebrated annually;
4° each year an appropriate financial contribution for the missions is to be sent to the Holy See.
Can. 792 The Episcopal Conference is to establish and promote means by which those who come to their territory from the missions, for the purpose of work or study, are to be given a fraternal welcome and helped with suitable pastoral care.

TITULUS II: DE ACTIONE ECCLESIAE MISSIONALI

Can. 781 - Cum tota Ecclesia natura sua sit missionaria et opus evangelizationis habendum sit fundamentale officium populi Dei, christifideles omnes, propriae responsabilitatis conscii, partem suam in opere missionali assumant.
Can. 782 - § 1. Suprema directio et coordinatio inceptorum et actionum quae ad opus missionale atque ad cooperationem missionariam pertinent, competit Romano Pontifici et Collegio Episcoporum.
§ 2. Singuli Episcopi, utpote Ecclesiae universae atque omnium Ecclesiarum sponsores, operis missionalis peculiarem sollicitudinem habeant, praesertim incepta missionalia in propria Ecclesia particulari suscitando, fovendo ac sustinendo.
Can. 783 - Sodales institutorum vitae consecratae, cum vi ipsius consecrationis sese servitio Ecclesiae dedicent, obligatione tenentur ad operam, ratione suo instituto propria, speciali modo in actione missionali navandam.
Can. 784 - Missionarii, qui scilicet a competenti auctoritate ecclesiastica ad opus missionale explendum mittuntur, eligi possunt autochthoni vel non, sive clerici saeculares, sive institutorum vitae consecratae vel societatis vitae apostolicae sodales, sive alii christifideles laici.
Can. 785 - § 1. In opere missionali peragendo assumantur catechistae, christifideles nempe laici debite instructi et vita christiana praestantes, qui, sub moderamine missionarii, doctrinae evangelicae proponendae et liturgicis exercitiis caritatisque operibus ordinandis sese impendant.
§ 2. Catechistae efformentur in scholis ad hoc destinatis vel, ubi desint, sub moderamine missionariorum.
Can. 786 - Actio proprie missionalis, qua Ecclesia implantatur in populis vel coetibus ubi nondum radicata est, ab Ecclesia absolvitur praesertim mittendo Evangelii praecones donec novellae Ecclesiae plene constituantur, cum scilicet instructae sint propriis viribus et sufficientibus mediis, quibus opus evangelizandi per se ipsae peragere valeant.
Can. 787 - § 1. Missionarii, vita ac verbi testimonio, dialogum sincerum cum non credentibus in Christum instituant, ut ipsis, ratione eorundem ingenio et culturae aptata, aperiantur viae quibus ad evangelicum nuntium cognoscendum adduci valeant.
§ 2. Curent ut quos ad evangelicum nuntium recipiendum aestiment paratos, veritates fidei edoceant, ita quidem ut ipsi ad baptismum recipiendum, libere id petentes, admitti possint.
Can. 788 - § 1. Qui voluntatem amplectendi fidem in Christum manifestaverint, expleto tempore praecatechumenatus, liturgicis caeremoniis admittantur ad catechumenatum, atque eorum nomina scribantur in libro ad hoc destinato.
§ 2. Catechumeni, per vitae christianae institutionem et tirocinium, apte initientur mysterio salutis atque introducantur in vitam fidei, liturgiae et caritatis populi Dei atque apostolatus.
§ 3. Conferentiae Episcoporum est statuta edere quibus catechumenatus ordinetur, determinando quaenam a catechumenis sint praestanda, atque definiendo quaenam eis agnoscantur praerogativae.
Can. 789 - Neophyti, apta institutione ad veritatem evangelicam penitius cognoscendam et officia per baptismum suscepta implenda efformentur; sincero amore erga Christum eiusque Ecclesiam imbuantur.
Can. 790 - § 1. Episcopi dioecesani in territoriis missionis est:
1° promovere, moderari et coordinare incepta et opera, quae ad actionem missionalem spectant;
2° curare ut debitae ineantur conventiones cum Moderatoribus institutorum quae operi missionali se dedicant, utque relationes cum iisdem in bonum cedant missionis.
§ 2. Praescriptis ab Episcopo dioecesano de quibus in § 1, n. 1 editis, subsunt omnes missionarii, etiam religiosi eorumque auxiliares in eius dicione degentes.
Can. 791 - In singulis dioecesibus ad cooperationem missionalem fovendam:
1° promoveantur vocationes missionales;
2° sacerdos deputetur ad incepta pro missionibus efficaciter promovenda, praesertim "Pontificia Opera Missionalia";
3° celebretur dies annualis pro missionibus;
4° solvatur quotannis congrua pro missionibus stips, Sanctae Sedi transmittenda.
Can. 792 - Episcoporum conferentiae opera instituant ac promoveant, quibus ii qui e terris missionum laboris aut studii causa ad earundem territorium accedant, fraterne recipiantur et congruenti pastorali cura adiuventur.

TITLE III: CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Can. 793 §1 Parents, and those who take their place, have both the obligation and the right to educate their children. Catholic parents have also the duty and the right to choose those means and institutes which, in their local circumstances, can best promote the catholic education of their children.
§2 Parents have moreover the right to avail themselves of that assistance from civil society which they need to provide a catholic education for their children.
Can. 794 §1 The Church has in a special way the duty and the right of educating, for it has a divine mission of helping all to arrive at the fullness of Christian life.
§2 Pastors of souls have the duty of making all possible arrangements so that all the faithful may avail themselves of a catholic education.
Can. 795 Education must pay regard to the formation of the whole person, so that all may attain their eternal destiny and at the same time promote the common good of society. Children and young persons are therefore to be cared for in such a way that their physical, moral and intellectual talents may develop in a harmonious manner, so that they may attain a greater sense of responsibility and a right use of freedom, and be formed to take an active part in social life.

TITULUS III: DE EDUCATIONE CATHOLICA

Can. 793 - § 1. Parentes, necnon qui eorum locum tenent, obligatione adstringuntur et iure gaudent prolem educandi; parentes catholici officium quoque habent ea eligendi media et instituta quibus, iuxta locorum adiuncta, catholicae filiorum educationi aptius prospicere queant.
§ 2. Parentibus ius et etiam iis fruendi auxiliis a societate civili praestandis, quibus in catholica educatione filiorum procuranda indigeant.
Can. 794 - § 1. Singulari ratione officium et ius educandi spectat ad Ecclesiam, cui divinitus missio concredita est homines adiuvandi, ut ad christianae vitae plenitudinem pervenire valeant.
§ 2. Animarum pastoribus officium est omnia disponendi, ut educatione catholica omnes fideles fruantur.
Can. 795 - Cum vera educatio integram persequi debeat personae humanae formationem, spectantem ad finem eius ultimum et simul ad bonum commune societatum, pueri et iuvenes ita excolantur ut suas dotes physicas, morales et intellectuales harmonice evolvere valeant, perfectiorem responsabilitatis sensum libertatisque rectum usum acquirant et ad vitam socialem active participandam conformentur.

CHAPTER I : SCHOOLS

Can. 796 §1 Among the means of advancing education, Christ’s faithful are to consider schools as of great importance, since they are the principal means of helping parents to fulfil their role in education.
§2 There must be the closest cooperation between parents and the teachers to whom they entrust their children to be educated. In fulfilling their task, teachers are to collaborate closely with the parents and willingly listen to them; associations and meetings of parents are to be set up and held in high esteem.
Can. 797 Parents must have a real freedom in their choice of schools. For this reason Christ’s faithful must be watchful that the civil society acknowledges this freedom of parents and, in accordance with the requirements of distributive justice, even provides them with assistance.
Can. 798 Parents are to send their children to those schools which will provide for their catholic education. If they cannot do this, they are bound to ensure the proper catholic education of their children outside the school.
Can. 799 Christ’s faithful are to strive to secure that in the civil society the laws which regulate the formation of the young, also provide a religious and moral education in the schools that is in accord with the conscience of the parents.
Can. 800 §1 The Church has the right to establish and to direct schools for any field of study or of any kind and grade.
§2 Christ’s faithful are to promote catholic schools, doing everything possible to help in establishing and maintaining them.
Can. 801 Religious institutes which have education as their mission are to keep faithfully to this mission and earnestly strive to devote themselves to catholic education, providing this also through their own schools which, with the consent of the diocesan Bishop, they have established.
Can. 802 §1 If there are no schools in which an education is provided that is imbued with a Christian spirit, the diocesan Bishop has the responsibility of ensuring that such schools are established.
§2 Where it is suitable, the diocesan Bishop is to provide for the establishment of professional and technical schools, and of other schools catering for special needs.
Can. 803 §1 A catholic school is understood to be one which is under the control of the competent ecclesiastical authority or of a public ecclesiastical juridical person, or one which in a written document is acknowledged as catholic by the ecclesiastical authority.
§2 Formation and education in a catholic school must be based on the principles of catholic doctrine, and the teachers must be outstanding in true doctrine and uprightness of life.
§3 No school, even if it is in fact catholic, may bear the title ‘catholic school’ except by the consent of the competent ecclesiastical authority.
Can. 804 §1 The formation and education in the catholic religion provided in any school, and through various means of social communication is subject to the authority of the Church. It is for the Episcopal Conference to issue general norms concerning this field of activity and for the diocesan Bishop to regulate and watch over it.
§2 The local Ordinary is to be careful that those who are appointed as teachers of religion in schools, even non catholic ones, are outstanding in true doctrine, in the witness of their Christian life, and in their teaching ability.
Can. 805 In his own diocese, the local Ordinary has the right to appoint or to approve teachers of religion and, if religious or moral considerations require it, the right to remove them or to demand that they be removed.
Can. 806 §1 The diocesan Bishop has the right to watch over and inspect the catholic schools situated in his territory, even those established or directed by members of religious institutes. He has also the right to issue directives concerning the general regulation of catholic schools these directives apply also to schools conducted by members of a religious institute, although they retain their autonomy in the internal management of their schools.
§2 Those who are in charge of catholic schools are to ensure, under the supervision of the local Ordinary, that the formation given in them is, in its academic standards, at least as outstanding as that in other schools in the area.

CAPUT I: DE SCHOLIS

Can. 796 - § 1. Inter media ad excolendam educationem christifideles magni faciant scholas, quae quidem parentibus, in munere educationis implendo, praecipuo auxilio sunt.
§ 2. Cum magistris scholarum, quibus filios educandos concredant, parentes arcte cooperentur oportet; magistri vero in officio suo persolvendo intime collaborent cum parentibus, qui quidem libenter audiendi sunt eorumque consociationes vel conventus instaurentur atque magni existimentur.
Can. 797 - Parentes in scholis eligendis vera libertate gaudeant oportet; quare christifideles solliciti esse debent ut societas civilis hanc libertatem parentibus agnoscat atque, servata iustitia distributiva, etiam subsidiis tueatur.
Can. 798 - Parentes filios concredant illis scholis in quibus educationi catholicae provideatur; quod si facere non valeant, obligatione tenentur curandi, ut extra scholas debitae eorundem educationi catholicae prospiciatur.
Can. 799 - Christifideles enitantur ut in societate civili leges quae iuvenum formationem ordinant, educationi eorum religiosae et morali quoque, iuxta parentum conscientiam, in ipsis scholis prospiciant.
Can. 800 - § 1. Ecclesiae ius est scholas cuiusvis disciplinae, generis et gradus condendi ac moderandi.
§ 2. Christifideles scholas catholicas foveant, pro viribus adiutricem operam conferentes ad easdem condendas et sustentandas.
Can. 801 - Instituta religiosa quibus missio educationis propria est, fideliter hanc suam missionem retinentes, satagant educationi catholicae etiam per suas scholas, consentiente Episcopo dioecesano conditas, sese impendere.
Can. 802 - § 1. Si praesto non sint scholae in quibus educatio tradatur christiano spiritu imbuta, Episcopi dioecesani est curare ut condantur.
§ 2. Ubi id expediat, Episcopus dioecesanus provideat ut scholae quoque condantur professionales et technicae necnon aliae quae specialibus necessitatibus requirantur.
Can. 803 - § 1. Schola catholica ea intellegitur quam auctoritas ecclesiastica competens aut persona iuridica ecclesiastica publica moderatur, aut auctoritas ecclesiastica documento scripto uti talem agnoscit.
§ 2. Institutio et educatio in schola catholica principiis doctrinae catholicae nitatur oportet; magistri recta doctrina et vitae probitate praestent.
§ 3. Nulla schola, etsi reapse catholica, nomen scholae catholicae gerat, nisi de consensu competentis auctoritatis ecclesiasticae.
Can. 804 - § 1. Ecclesiae auctoritati subicitur institutio et educatio religiosa catholica quae in quibuslibet scholis impertitur aut variis communicationis socialis instrumentis procuratur; Episcoporum conferentiae est de hoc actionis campo normas generales edicere, atque Episcopi dioecesani est eundem ordinare et in eum invigilare.
§ 2. Loci Ordinarius sollicitus sit, ut qui ad religionis institutionem in scholis, etiam non catholicis, deputentur magistri recta doctrina, vitae christianae testimonio atque arte paedagogica sint praestantes.
Can. 805 - Loci Ordinario pro sua dioecesi ius est nominandi aut approbandi magistros religionis, itemque si religionis morumve ratio id requirat, amovendi aut exigendi ut amoveantur.
Can. 806 - § 1. Episcopo dioecesano competit ius invigilandi et invisendi scholas catholicas in suo territorio sitas, eas etiam quae ab institutorum religiosorum sodalibus conditae sint aut dirigantur; eidem item competit praescripta edere quae ad generalem attinent ordinationem scholarum catholicarum: quae praescripta valent de scholis quoque quae ab iisdem sodalibus diriguntur, salva quidem eorundem quoad internum earum scholarum moderamen autonomia.
§ 2. Curent scholarum catholicarum Moderatores, advigilante loci Ordinario, ut institutio quae in iisdem traditur pari saltem gradu ac in aliis scholis regionis, ratione scientifica sit praestans.

CHAPTER II : CATHOLIC UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER INSTITUTES OF HIGHER STUDIES

Can. 807 The Church has the right to establish and to govern universi-ties, which serve to promote the deeper culture and fuller development of the human person, and to complement the Church’s own teaching office.
Can. 808 No university, even if it is in fact catholic, may bear the title ‘catholic university’ except by the consent of the competent ecclesiastical authority.
Can. 809 If it is possible and appropriate, Episcopal Conferences are to take care to have within their territories suitably located universities or at least faculties, in which the various disciplines, while retaining their own scientific autonomy, may be researched and taught in the light of catholic doctrine.
Can. 810 §1 In catholic universities it is the duty of the competent statutory authority to ensure that there be appointed teachers who are not only qualified in scientific and pedagogical expertise, but are also outstanding in their integrity of doctrine and uprightness of life. If these requirements are found to be lacking, it is also that authority’s duty to see to it that these teachers are removed from office, in accordance with the procedure determined in the statutes.
§2 The Episcopal Conference and the diocesan Bishops concerned have the duty and the right of seeing to it that, in these universities, the principles of catholic doctrine are faithfully observed.
Can. 811 §1 The competent ecclesiastical authority is to ensure that in catholic universities there is established a faculty or an institute or at least a chair of theology, in which lectures are given to lay students also.
§2 In every catholic university there are to be lectures which principally treat of those theological questions connected with the studies of each faculty.
Can. 812 Those who teach theological subjects in any institute of higher studies must have a mandate from the competent ecclesiastical authority.
Can. 813 The diocesan Bishop is to be zealous in his pastoral care of students, even by the creation of a special parish, or at least by appointing priests with a stable assignment to this care. In all universities, even in those which are not catholic, the diocesan Bishop is to provide catholic university centres, to be of assistance to the young people, especially in spiritual matters.
Can. 814 The provisions which are laid down for universities apply equally to other institutes of higher studies.

CAPUT II: DE CATHOLICIS UNIVERSITATIBUS ALIISQUE STUDIORUM SUPERIORUM INSTITUTIS

Can. 807 - Ius est Ecclesiae erigendi et moderandi studiorum universitates, quae quidem ad altiorem hominum culturam et pleniorem personae humanae promotionem necnon ad ipsius Ecclesiae munus docendi implendum conferant.
Can. 808 - Nulla studiorum universitas, etsi reapse catholica, titulum seu nomen universitatis catholicae gerat, nisi de consensu competentis auctoritatis ecclesiasticae.
Can. 809 - Episcoporum conferentiae curent ut habeantur, si fieri possit et expediat, studiorum universitates aut saltem facultates, in ipsarum territorio apte distributae, in quibus variae disciplinae, servata quidem earum scientifica autonomia, investigentur et tradantur doctrinae catholicae ratione habita.
Can. 810 - § 1. Auctoritati iuxta statuta competenti officium est providendi ut in universitatibus catholicis nominentur docentes qui praeterquam idoneitate scientifica et paedagogica, doctrinae integritate et vitae probitate praestent utque, deficientibus his requisitis, servato modo procedendi in statutis definito, a munere removeantur.
§ 2. Episcoporum conferentiae et Episcopi dioecesani, quorum interest, officium habent et ius invigilandi, ut in iisdem universitatibus principia doctrinae catholicae fideliter servantur.
Can. 811 - § 1. Curet auctoritas ecclesiastica competens ut in universitatibus catholicis erigatur facultas aut institutum aut saltem cathedra theologiae, in qua lectiones laicis quoque studentibus tradantur.
§ 2. In singulis universitatibus catholicis lectiones habeantur, inquibus eae praecipue tractentur quaestiones theologicae, quae cum disciplinis earundem facultatum sunt conexae.
Can. 812 - Qui in studiorum superiorum institutis quibuslibet disciplinas tradunt theologicas, auctoritatis ecclesiasticae competentis mandatum habeant oportet.
Can. 813 - Episcopus dioecesanus impensam habeat curam pastoralem studentium, etiam per paroeciae erectione, vel saltem per sacerdotes ad hoc stabiliter deputatos, et provideat ut apud universitates, etiam catholicas, centra habeantur universitaria catholica, quae iuventuti adiutorio sint, praesertim spirituali.
Can. 814 - Quae de universitatibus statuuntur praescripta, pari ratione applicantur aliis studiorum superiorum institutis.

CHAPTER III : ECCLESIASTICAL UNIVERSITIES AND FACULTIES

Can. 815 By virtue of its office to announce revealed truth, it belongs to the Church to have its own ecclesiastical universities and faculties to study the sacred sciences and subjects related to them, and to teach these disciplines to students in a scientific manner.
Can. 816 §1 Ecclesiastical universities and faculties may be constituted only by the Apostolic See or with its approval. Their overall direction also belongs to the Apostolic See.
§2 Each ecclesiastical university and faculty must have its own statutes and program of studies, approved by the Apostolic See.
Can. 817 Only a university or a faculty established or approved by the Apostolic See may confer academic degrees which have canonical effects in the Church.
Can. 818 The provisions of Cann. 810, 812 and 813 concerning catholic universities apply also to ecclesiastical universities and faculties.
Can. 819 In so far as the good of a diocese or religious institute or indeed even of the universal Church requires it, young persons, clerics and members of institutes, outstanding in character, intelligence and virtue, must be sent to ecclesiastical universities or faculties by their diocesan Bishops or the Superiors of their institutes.
Can. 820 Moderators and professors of ecclesiastical universities and faculties are to ensure that the various faculties of the university cooperate with each other, to the extent that their aims permit. They are also to ensure that between their own university or faculty and other universities and faculties, even non ecclesiastical ones, there be a mutual cooperation in which, through conferences, coordinated scientific research and other means, they work together for the greater increase of scientific knowledge.
Can. 821 Where it is possible, the Episcopal Conference and the diocesan Bishop are to provide for the establishment of institutes for higher religious studies, in which are taught theological and other subjects pertaining to Christian culture.

CAPUT III: DE UNIVERSITATIBUS ET FACULTATIBUS ECCLESIASTICIS

Can. 815 - Ecclesiae, vi muneris sui veritatem revelatam nuntiandi, propriae sunt universitates vel facultates ecclesiasticae ad disciplinas sacras vel cum sacris conexas pervestigandas, atque studentes in iisdem disciplinis scientifice instituendos.
Can. 816 - § 1. Universitates et facultates ecclesiasticae constitui tantum possunt erectione ab Apostolica Sede facta aut approbatione ab eadem concessa; eidem competit etiam earundem superius moderamen.
§ 2. Singulae universitates et facultates ecclesiae sua habere debent statuta et studiorum rationem ab Apostolica Sede approbata.
Can. 817 - Gradus academicos, qui effectus canonicos in Ecclesia habeant, nulla universitas vel facultas conferre valet, quae non sit ab Apostolica Sede erecta vel approbata.
Can. 818 - Quae de universitatibus catholicis in Cann. 810, 812 et 813 statuuntur praescripta, de universitatibus facultatibusque ecclesiasticis quoque valent.
Can. 819 - Quatenus dioecesis aut instituti religiosi immo vel ipsius Ecclesiae universae bonum id requirat, debent Episcopi dioecesani aut institutorum Superiores competentes ad universitates vel facultates ecclesiasticas mittere iuvenes et clericos et sodales indole, virtute et ingenio praestantes.
Can. 820 - Curent universitatum et facultatum ecclesiasticarum Moderatores ac professores ut variae universitatis facultates mutuam sibi, prout obiectum siverit, praestent operam, utque inter propriam universitatem vel facultatem et alias universitates et facultates, etiam non ecclesiasticas, mutua habeatur cooperatio, qua nempe eaedem coniuncta opera, conventibus, investigationibus scientificis coordinatis aliisque mediis, ad maius scientiarum incrementum conspirent.
Can. 821 - Provideant Episcoporum conferentia atque Episcopus dioecesanus ut, ubi fieri possit, condantur instituta superiora scientiarum religiosarum, in quibus nempe edoceantur disciplinae theologicae aliaeque quae ad culturam christianam pertineant.

TITLE IV: THE MEANS OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATION AND BOOKS IN PARTICULAR

Can. 822 §1 In exercising their office the pastors of the Church, availing themselves of a right which belongs to the Church, are to make an ample use of the means of social communication.
§2 Pastors are also to teach the faithful that they have the duty of working together so that the use of the means of social communication may be imbued with a human and Christian spirit.
§3 All Christ’s faithful, especially those who in any way take part in the management or use of the media, are to be diligent in assisting pastoral action, so that the Church can more effectively exercise its office through these means.
Can. 823 §1 In order to safeguard the integrity of faith and morals, pastors of the Church have the duty and the right to ensure that in writings or in the use of the means of social communication there should be no ill effect on the faith and morals of Christ’s faithful. They also have the duty and the right to demand that where writings of the faithful touch upon matters of faith and morals, these be submitted to their judgement. Moreover, they have the duty and the right to condemn writings which harm true faith or good morals.
§2 For Christ’s faithful entrusted to their care, the duty and the right mentioned in §1 belong to the Bishops, both as individuals and in particular councils or Episcopal Conferences; for the whole people of God, they belong to the supreme authority in the Church.
Can. 824 §1 Unless it is otherwise provided, the local Ordinary whose permission or approval for publishing a book is to be sought according to the canons of this title, is the author’s proper local Ordinary, or the Ordinary of the place in which the book is published.
§2 Unless the contrary is clear, what is said in the canons of this title about books, applies also to any writings intended for publication.
Can. 825 §1 Books of the sacred Scriptures may not be published unless they are approved by the Apostolic See or the Episcopal Conference. The publication of translations of the sacred Scriptures requires the approval of the same authority, and they must have necessary and sufficient explanatory notes.
§2 With the permission of the Episcopal Conference, catholic members of Christ’s faithful, in cooperation with separated brethren, may prepare and publish versions of the Scriptures, with appropriate explanatory notes.
Can. 826 §1 For liturgical books, the provisions of Can. 838 are to be observed.
§2 To republish liturgical books or to publish translations of all or part of them, it must be established, by an attestation of the Ordinary of the place in which they are published, that they accord with an approved edition.
§3 Prayer books, for either the public or the private use of the faithful, are not to be published except by permission of the local Ordinary.
Can. 827 §1 Without prejudice to the provisions of Can. 775 §2, the publication of catechisms and other writings pertaining to catechetical formation, as well as their translations, requires the approval of the local Ordinary.
§2 Books dealing with matters concerning sacred Scripture, theology, canon law, church history, or religious or moral subjects may not be used as textbooks on which the instruction is based, in elementary, intermediate or higher schools, unless they were published with the approbation of the competent ecclesiastical authority or were subsequently approved by that authority.
§3 It is recommended that books dealing with the subjects mentioned in §2, even though not used as basic textbooks, and any writings which specially concern religion or good morals, be submitted to the judgement of the local Ordinary.
§4 Books or other written material dealing with religion or morals may not be displayed, sold or given away in churches or oratories, unless they were published with the permission of the competent ecclesiastical authority or were subsequently approved by that authority.
Can. 828 Collections of decrees or acts published by any ecclesiastical authority may not be republished without first seeking the permission of the same authority and observing the conditions which it lays down.
Can. 829 Approval or permission to publish a work is valid only for the first edition, but not for new editions or translations.
Can. 830 §1 Every local Ordinary retains the right to appoint persons whom he considers competent to give a judgement about books. The Episcopal Conference, however, may draw up a list of censors who are outstanding for their knowledge, right doctrine and prudence, to be available to diocesan curias; it may even establish a commission of censors whom the local Ordinary can consult.
§2 In carrying out this task, a censor must put aside all preference of persons and look only to the teaching of the Church concerning faith and morals, as declared by its magisterium.
§3 The censor must give an opinion in writing. If it is favourable, the Ordinary may, in his prudent judgement, give his permission for the work to be published, adding his own name and the date and place of the permission. If he does not give this permission, the Ordinary must inform the author of the reasons for the refusal.
Can. 831 §1 Unless there is a just and reasonable cause, no member of Christ’s faithful may write in newspapers, pamphlets or periodicals which clearly are accustomed to attack the catholic religion or good morals. Clerics and members of religious institutes may write in them only with the permission of the local Ordinary.
§2 It is for the Episcopal Conference to lay down norms determining the requirements for clerics and members of religious institutes to take part in radio and television programmes which concern catholic doctrine or morals.
Can. 832 To publish writings on matters of religion or morals, members of religious institutes require also the permission of their major Superior, in accordance with the constitutions.

TITULUS IV: DE INSTRUMENTIS COMMUNICATIONIS SOCIALIS ET IN SPECIE DE LIBRIS

Can. 822 - § 1. Ecclesiae pastores, in suo munere explendo iure Ecclesiae proprio utentes, instrumenta communicationis socialis adhibere satagant.
§ 2. Iisdem pastoribus curae sit fideles edocere se officio teneri cooperandi ut instrumentorum communicationis socialis usus humano christianoque spiritu vivificetur.
§ 3. Omnes christifideles, ii praesertim qui quoquo modo in eorundem instrumentorum ordinatione aut usu partem habent, solliciti sint operam adiutricem actioni pastorali praestare, ita ut Ecclesia etiam his instrumentis munus suum efficaciter exerceat.
Can. 823 - § 1. Ut veritatum fidei morumque integritas servetur, officum et ius est Ecclesiae pastoribus invigilandi, ne scriptis aut usu instrumentorum communicationis socialis christifidelium fidei aut moribus detrimentum afferatur; item exigendi, ut quae fidem moresve tangant a christifidelibus edenda suo iudicio subiciantur; necnon reprobandi scripta quae rectae fidei aut bonis moribus noceant.
§ 2. Officium et ius, de quibus in § 1, competunt Episcopis, tum singulis tum in conciliis particularibus vel Episcoporum conferentiis adunatis quoad christifideles suae curae commissos, supremae autem Ecclesiae auctoritati quoad universum Dei populum.
Can. 824 - § 1. Nisi aliud statuatur, loci Ordinarius, cuius licentia aut approbatio ad libros edendos iuxta canones huius tituli est petenda, est loci Ordinarius proprius auctoris aut Ordinarius loci in quo libri publici iuris fient.
§ 2. Quae in canonibus huius tituli statuuntur de libris, quibuslibet scriptis divulgationi publicae destinatis applicanda sunt, nisi aliud constet.
Can. 825 - § 1. Libri sacrarum Scripturarum edi non possunt nisi ab Apostolica Sede aut ab Episcoporum conferentia approbati sint; itemque ut eorundem versiones in linguam vernaculam edi possint, requiritur ut ab eadem auctoritate sint approbatae atque insimul necessariis et sufficientibus explicationibus sint instructae.
§ 2. Versiones sacrarum Scripturarum convenientibus explicationibus instructas, communi etiam cum fratribus seiunctis opera, parare atque edere possunt christifideles catholici de licentia Episcoporum conferentiae.
Can. 826 - § 1. Ad libros liturgicos quod attinet, serventur praescripta Can. 838.
§ 2. Ut iterum edantur libri liturgici necnon eorum versiones in linguam vernaculam eorumve partes, constare debet de concordantia cum editione approbata ex attestatione Ordinarii loci in quo publici iuris fiunt.
§ 3. Libri precum pro publico vel privato fidelium usu ne edantur nisi de licentia loci Ordinarii.
Can. 827 - § 1. Catechismi necnon alia scripta ad institutionem catecheticam pertinentia eorumve versiones, ut edantur, approbatione egent loci Ordinarii, firmo praescripto Can. 775, § 2.
§ 2. Nisi cum approbatione competentis auctoritatis ecclesiasticae editi sint aut ab ea postea approbati, in scholis, sive elementariis sive mediis sive superioribus, uti textus, quibus institutio nititur, adhiberi non possunt libri qui quaestiones recipiunt ad sacram Scripturam, ad theologiam, ius canonicum, historiam ecclesiasticam, et ad religiosas aut morales disciplinas pertinentes.
§ 3. Commendatur ut libri materias de quibus in § 2 tractantes, licet non adhibeantur uti textus in institutione tradenda, itemque scripta in quibus aliquid habetur quod religionis aut morum honestatis peculiariter intersit, iudicio subiciantur loci Ordinarii.
§4. In ecclesiis oratoriisve exponi, vendi aut dari non possunt libri vel alia scripta de quaestionibus religionis aut morum tractantia, nisi cum licentia competentis auctoritatis ecclesiasticae edita sint aut ab ea postea approbata.
Can. 828 - Collectiones decretorum aut actorum ab aliqua auctoritate ecclesiastica editas, iterum edere non licet, nisi impetrata prius eiusdem auctoritatis licentia et servatis condicionibus ab eadem praescriptis.
Can. 829 - Approbatio vel licentia alicuius operis edendi pro textu originali valet, non vero pro eiusdem novis editionibus vel translationibus.
Can. 830 - § 1. Integro manente iure uniuscuiusque loci Ordinarii committendi personis sibi probatis iudicium de libris, ab Episcoporum conferentia confici potest elenchus censorum, scientia, recta doctrina et prudentia praestantium, qui curiis dioecesanis praesto sint, aut constitui etiam potest commissio censorum, quam loci Ordinarii consulere possint.
§ 2. Censor, in suo obeundo officio, omni personarum acceptatione seposita, prae oculis tantummodo habeat Ecclesiae de fide et moribus doctrinam, uti a magisterio ecclesiastico proponitur.
§ 3. Censor sententiam suam scripto dare debet; quae si faverit, Ordinarius pro suo prudenti iudicio licentiam concedat ut editio fiat, expresso suo nomine necnon tempore ac loco concessae licentiae; quod si eam non concedat, rationes denegationis cum operis scriptore Ordinarius communicet.
Can. 831 - § 1. In diariis, libellis aut foliis periodicis quae religionem catholicam aut bonos mores manifesto impetere solent, ne quidpiam conscribant christifideles, nisi iusta et rationabili de causa; clerici autem et institutorum religiosorum sodales, tantummodo de licentia loci Ordinarii.
§ 2. Episcoporum conferentiae est normas statuere de requisitis ut clericis atque sodalibus institutorum religiosorum partem habere liceat in tractandis via radiophonica aut televisifica quaestionibus, quae ad doctrinam catholicam aut mores attineant.
Can. 832 - Institutorum religiosorum sodales ut scripta quaestiones religionis morumve tractantia edere possint, licentia quoque egent sui Superioris maioris ad normam constitutionum.

TITLE V: THE PROFESSION OF FAITH

Can. 833 The following are personally bound to make a profession of faith, according to the formula approved by the Apostolic See:
1° in the presence of the president or his delegate: all who, with a deliberative or a consultative vote, take part in an Ecumenical Council, a particular council, the synod of Bishops, or a diocesan synod; in the presence of the council or synod: the president himself ;
2° in accordance with the statutes of the sacred College: those promoted to the dignity of Cardinal;
3° in the presence of a delegate of the Apostolic See: all who are promoted to the episcopate, and all those who are equivalent to a diocesan Bishop;
4° in the presence of the college of consultors: the diocesan Administrator;
5° in the presence of the diocesan Bishop or his delegate: Vicars general, episcopal Vicars and judicial Vicars;
6° in the presence of the local Ordinary or his delegate: parish priests; the rector, professors of theology and philosophy in seminaries, at the beginning of their term of office; and those who are to be promoted to the order of diaconate;
7° in the presence of the Chancellor or, in the absence of the Chancellor, the local Ordinary, or the delegates of either: the rector of an ecclesiastical or catholic university, at the beginning of the term of office in the presence of the rector if he is a priest, or of the local Ordinary or the delegates of either: those who in any universities teach subjects which deal with faith or morals, at the beginning of their term of office;
8° in accordance with the constitutions: Superiors in religious institutes and clerical societies of apostolic life.

TITULUS V: DE FIDEI PROFESSIONE

Can. 833 - Obligatione emittendi personaliter professionem fidei, secundum formulam a Sede Apostolica probatam, tenetur:
1° coram praeside eiusve delegato, omnes qui Concilio Oecumenico vel particulari, synodo Episcoporum atque synodo dioecesana intersunt cum voto sive deliberativo sive consultivo; praeses autem coram Concilio aut synodo;
2° promoti ad cardinalitiam dignitatem iuxta sacri Collegii statuta;
3° coram delegato ab Apostolica Sede, omnes promoti ad episcopatum, itemque qui Episcopo dioecesano aequiparantur;
4° coram collegio consultorum, Administrator dioecesanus;
5° coram Episcopo dioecesano eiusve delegato, Vicarii generales et Vicarii episcopales necnon Vicarii iudiciales;
6° coram loci Ordinario eiusve delegato, parochi, rector, magistri theologiae et philosophiae in seminariis, initio suscepti muneris; promovendi ad ordinem diaconatus;
7° coram Magno Cancellario eoque deficiente coram Ordinario loci eorumve delegatis, rector universitatis ecclesiasticae vel catholicae, initio suscepti muneris; coram rectore, si sit sacerdos, vel coram loci Ordinario eorumve delegatis, docentes qui disciplinas ad fidem vel mores pertinentes in quibusvis universitatibus tradunt, initio suscepti muneris;
8° Superiores in institutis religiosis et societatibus vitae apostolicae clericalibus, ad normam constitutionum.