From time to time, all Catholics have them: nagging questions about church life, often prompted by some personal encounter or challenging situation:

• Is a layperson allowed to preach a homily?
• Is a pastor required to report to someone regarding parish finances, or is he on his own?
• It seems like the parish council is running your parish. Does it have the authority to do so?
• Must a child be baptized in a church, or may the baptism take place at home?

Surprised by Canon Law tackles these and many other questions, all of which have been formally addressed by the Roman Catholic Church€s Code of Canon Law. The Code-the internal legal system that governs the church€s day-to-day workings-deals with far-flung concerns of interest to the person-in-the-pew. This practical guide to the Code provides answers to a range of questions, from “Can the pope resign?€ to the more sensitive query “Do you have the right to tell your bishop what the diocese needs?€

In straightforward language the authors discuss the nuts-and-bolts of church life, making canon law accessible to the everyday Catholic.  A Servant Book.