United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Complementary Legislation to the Code of Canon Law

Editor's Note: In recognition of the tenth anniversary of the promulgation of the Code of Canon Law, The Jurist 53 (1993) 396-434 agreed to make available to its readers the complementary legislation issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). In collaboration with staff to the USCCB Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, The Jurist is again pleased to reprint the USCCB's current complementary legislation implementing the Code of Canon Law for the dioceses of the United States. Additional information pertaining to this legislation may be found on the USCCB's website at http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/canon-law/complementary-norms/.

Readers will note that the norms reflect both the name of the episcopal conference (National Conference of Catholic Bishops or United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) and the style of promulgation utilized at the time that each was issued. Where appropriate, moreover, footnotes have been added to provide further information related to the legislative history.

Canons 8, §2 and 455, §3

Promulgation of USCCB Particular Law

On November 13, 2012, the Latin Church members of the United States Conference Catholic Bishops legitimately approved complementary legislation for the implementation of canons 8, §2 and 455, §3 of the Code of Canon Law.

Wherefore, and in accord with the prescripts of canons 8, §2 and 455, §3, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops hereby decrees that particular laws enacted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, following receipt of the recognitio of the Apostolic See, shall be considered promulgated upon their posting on the Episcopal Conference's official website, unless another form of promulgation has been prescribed in individual cases. Posting on the website shall follow as soon as possible from receipt of the recognitio. Particular laws enacted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops are effective one month after the date of promulgation, unless a shorter or longer interval of time is expressly prescribed in the decree itself. Following promulgation, the legislation may be offered to other Catholic publications to enhance its observance among the Catholic faithful.

As President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I hereby decree that the effective date of this decree will be January 7, 2013, the Feast of St. Raymond of Penyafort.

Given at the offices of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in the city of Washington, the District of Columbia, on the 8th day of December, in the year of our Lord 2012, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan
Archbishop of New York
President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Reverend Monsignor Ronny E. Jenkins
General Secretary, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Canon 230, §1

Installed Lay Ministries¹

The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in accord with the prescriptions of canon 230, §1, hereby decrees that a layman who is to be installed in the ministries of lector or acolyte on a stable basis must have completed his twenty-first (21) year of age. The candidate must also possess the skills necessary for an effective proclamation of the Word or service at the altar, be a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church, be free of any canonical penalty, and live a life which befits the ministry to be undertaken.

As President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, I hereby decree that the effective date of this decree for all the Latin Rite dioceses in the United States will be September 1, 2000.

Given at the offices of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, DC, on July 10, 2000.

Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza
Bishop of Galveston-Houston
President, National Conference of Catholic Bishops

Reverend Monsignor Dennis M. Schnurr
General Secretary, National Conference of Catholic Bishops

Canon 284

Clerical Garb²

The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in accord with the prescriptions of canon 284, hereby decrees that without prejudice to the provisions of canon 288, clerics are to dress in conformity...