Michael Brooks
In the Catholic Church, a dispensation is an exemption from the immediate obligation of the law in certain cases. Dispensations are typically granted in writing by a lawful superior, such as a bishop, and must be for a just and reasonable cause. While the Pope has the authority to dispense from impediments founded on Divine law in exceptional cases, such as vows and non-consummated marriages, he cannot dispense from Divine law established by God Himself. Dispensations are commonly sought for matrimonial purposes, such as when a Catholic wishes to marry a non-baptised person or an individual from another denomination. In such cases, the non-Catholic spouse may be required to sign a written promise to not interfere with the Catholic spouse's faith and to raise their children in the Catholic faith. Dispensations may also be granted for other reasons, such as allowing an underage person to serve as a godparent or exempting individuals from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Exemption from the immediate obligation of the law in certain cases |
| Object | To modify the hardship caused by rigorous application of general laws to particular cases |
| Essence | To preserve the law by suspending its operation in such cases |
| Who can grant it? | The Pope, Bishops, Diocesan Bishops, Parish Priests (if the law specifically allows or the Diocesan Bishop has delegated the power to do so) |
| Who can receive it? | The Faithful, Catholics |
| Types | Particular Indults of Dispensation, Antecedent Dispensations, Matrimonial Dispensations, Dispensation from Disparity of Cult, Dispensation from Canonical Form, Dispensation for Mixed Religion Marriage, Dispensation for Sacramental Preparation, Dispensation for Sponsor for Baptism |
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What You'll Learn
Dispensation from abstinence
In the Catholic Church, abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good and not inherently sinful, such as meat. The Catholic Church observes abstinence (from meat) at various times each year, including Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Ember Days. The law of abstinence applies to all Latin Church Catholics starting at the age of 14.
However, there may be occasions when a Catholic seeks a dispensation from abstinence. A dispensation is an exemption from the immediate obligation of the law in certain cases. It is granted by a lawful superior, such as the Pope or a bishop, and is meant to modify the hardship caused by the rigorous application of general laws to specific cases. The reason for the dispensation must be just, reasonable, and urgent, and it cannot be obtained by paying money.
In the context of abstinence, a dispensation would allow an individual to consume meat on days when abstinence is typically observed. For example, in some countries, the Bishops' Conferences have obtained a substitution of pious or charitable acts for abstinence from meat on Fridays, except for Good Friday. Similarly, while Catholics are generally expected to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent, this requirement can be relaxed if a solemn holy day, such as Christmas or All Saints' Day, falls on a Friday. In such cases, a parish priest does not need to specifically dispense his parishioners from abstinence.
It is important to note that the power to grant dispensations varies depending on the law in question. For example, a parish priest generally does not have the authority to grant dispensations unless specifically allowed by canon law or delegated by the diocesan bishop. On the other hand, the Pope has the power to dispense in certain cases related to vows, oaths, and non-consummated marriages, but he cannot dispense from impediments founded on Divine law.
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Dispensation from vows
In the jurisprudence of Catholic canon law, a dispensation is an exemption from the immediate obligation of the law in certain cases. Its object is to modify the hardship often caused by rigorous application of general laws to particular cases, and its essence is to preserve the law by suspending its operation in such cases. Dispensation is not a permanent power or a special right, and if the reason for the dispensation no longer exists, then the dispensation also ceases to exist. There must be a "just and reasonable cause" for granting a dispensation.
The following persons have the power of dispensation:
- The Pope: He cannot dispense from impediments founded on Divine law but can dispense from vows, oaths, and unconsummated marriages by derived power communicated to him as Vicar of Christ.
- Bishops: They can dispense from prohibent impediments of ecclesiastical law that are not reserved for the Pope, such as espousals, vows of perpetual chastity, and vows taken in diocesan religious institutes.
- Local Ordinary and Pastor: They can dispense from private vows for a just cause, provided it does not injure a right acquired by others.
- Superior of a Religious Institute: If it is clerical and of pontifical right, they can dispense with regard to members, novices, and persons who live day and night in a house of the institute or society.
- Diocesan Bishop: Since Vatican II, the diocesan bishop also has the power to dispense.
For non-Catholics who have made vows, the dispensation process is not as straightforward. While the Catholic Church recognizes the sincerity and seriousness of vows made by non-Catholics, they are not bound by Canon Law in the same way. A non-Catholic seeking dispensation from a vow should understand the nature of the vow and the reasons for seeking dispensation. Consulting a Catholic priest can offer spiritual guidance and help seek higher authority within the Church.
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Dispensation for marriage
In the jurisprudence of Catholic canon law, a dispensation is an exemption from the immediate obligation of the law in certain cases. Its object is to modify the hardship caused by the rigorous application of general laws to particular cases. Dispensations are not permanent powers or special rights, and they cease to exist if the reason for their granting no longer applies.
A matrimonial dispensation is the relaxation of an impediment prohibiting or annulling a marriage. For example, a Catholic may need a dispensation to marry a non-Catholic or unbaptized person, or to marry outside of a Catholic church. A parish priest can dispense from an interdict laid on a marriage by them or their predecessor, and they may also have the authority to dispense from secret impediments in "embarrassing" cases, where there is no time for recourse to a bishop.
Bishops can frequently dispense individual Catholics from canonical form if there is a good reason. However, they cannot dispense from laws of divine origin, such as the Church's law that marriage is between a man and a woman.
In the case of a Catholic wishing to marry a non-Catholic, a dispensation may be granted if the non-Catholic spouse promises in writing not to interfere with the Catholic spouse's practice of their faith or the raising of their children in the Catholic faith.
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Dispensation for godparents
Dispensation in the Catholic Church refers to the relaxation of an existing law to facilitate spiritual benefit. Dispensations are granted in the name of the Bishop and are usually requested by a pastor, parochial vicar, parish deacon, or pastoral coordinator.
Regarding godparents, or "sponsors", in Catholicism, the Code of Canon Law (cc. 872-874) outlines specific requirements. One key requirement is that the godparent must be Catholic, as this is considered essential for helping the godchild in their spiritual journey. This requirement cannot be dispensed by a parish priest or anyone else. However, in certain cases, a non-Catholic may be allowed to participate as a witness of the baptism, alongside a Catholic sponsor.
In some Catholic communities, there may be additional requirements for godparents, such as being married in a Catholic Church or being an active member of the Church. These requirements may be relaxed in specific circumstances, and dispensations may be granted by the Bishop or his delegate for the spiritual good of the individual. For example, a dispensation may be given to a Catholic who marries outside the Church, allowing them to continue serving as a godparent.
Historically, the godparent-godchild relationship could be ended if either party entered the clerical state or if they decided to marry each other. In such cases, a dispensation would be required. However, in modern times, the obligations and expectations of godparents have evolved, and the relationship is typically not formally dissolved.
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Dispensation from Mass
In the jurisprudence of Catholic canon law, a dispensation is an exemption from the immediate obligation of the law in certain cases. It is not a permanent power or a special right, and if the reason for the dispensation no longer exists, then the dispensation also ceases to exist. Dispensations are granted only for just and urgent causes or in view of some decided benefit to the Church, and in all cases for free.
The power of dispensation rests with the Pope, although he cannot dispense from impediments founded on Divine law, except in the case of vows, non-consummated marriages, or valid and consummated marriages of neophytes before baptism. In cases of ecclesiastical law, the Pope has full dispensing power. Bishops also have the power to dispense, for example, individual Catholics from canonical form if there is a good reason. A parish priest has no authority to grant any dispensation unless the law specifically allows him to, or the diocesan bishop has delegated the power to him.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some Bishops granted dispensations from physically attending Sunday Mass to those who were sick, including those who had tested positive for the coronavirus, and those who were fearful of contracting the virus. In such cases, the Catholic Church expected individuals to watch a Sunday Mass on television or via livestream.
In the early Church, after the Mass had ended, the Latin words used to send people forth were "Ite, missa est" ("Go, she—meaning you, the Church—has been sent"). The word "Mass" takes its namesake from "Missa," which is related to the word "Missio" – the English root of the word "mission". At her core, the Church exists for a sole reason: mission. Her mission, of which we are all apart, is to bring Christ to all people and, as he commanded us, “make disciples of all nations”.
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Frequently asked questions
A dispensation is an exemption from the immediate obligation of the law in certain cases. It is the relaxing of an existing law to allow something to take place for the spiritual benefit of a person or group.
The power of dispensation rests with the Pope, Bishops, and the Holy See. The pastor of a parish has no power to dispense individuals from the requirement that baptismal sponsors have to be Catholic.
A dispensation is needed when an individual or group cannot follow a law for their spiritual benefit. For example, a dispensation is sought when a Catholic person is preparing to marry a non-baptized person.
