Can. 826 §1. The prescripts of => can. 838 are to be observed concerning liturgical books.Bottom line: whatever I choose to call this, permission is required.
§2. To reprint liturgical books, their translations into the vernacular, or their parts, an attestation of the ordinary of the place where they are published must establish their agreement with the approved edition.
§3. Books of prayers for the public or private use of the faithful are not to be published without the permission of the local ordinary.
A document by the US Conf. of Catholic Bishops offers the following clarification regarding the extent of this canon:
a. Is the work in written, printed format?It seems that only actual printed materials are covered, not electronic formats such as PDF files. Therefore I will continue to make the PDF available, unless I am told otherwise. It also appears that there is no restriction on printing these PDF's out for personal use, or for use in a limited group.
... Similarly, current canon law pertaining to the approval of books and other writings within the Latin Catholic Church does not extend to all of the instruments of social communication that are available to advance the new evangelization, such as audio, radio, video, cinemagraphic, television, or other electronic productions. ...
b. Is the writing intended for public distribution?
The canonical requirement for the authorization of written works applies only to texts that are destined for public distribution. Generally speaking, the requirement does not apply to writings that have been prepared for private use by a particular group of the Christian faithful. Similarly, the canonical requirement for authorization does not apply to a work that has been professionally printed or bound, if the work is not going to be made available for public consumption—either for purchase or by means of free distribution.
I've already changed the website, and the link to the print PDF is gone. I will continue work, and I will continue to make the PDFs available. And God willing when I complete work on formatting, I hope to submit this work to my local Ordinary for approval.
For additional thoughts on the topic, I would recommend this post on "What Does That Prayer Really Say," by Fr. Zuhlsdorf:
http://wdtprs.com/blog/2009/01/quaeritur-can-i-use-an-angleus-press-prayer-book/
Did you seek the advice of a canonist?
ReplyDelete"Lean not on thy own understanding."
Dear Mr. Siefker:
ReplyDeleteSurely your bishop will be sympathetic to this cause. If he is not, someone in Rome must be. Its not like you have bad intentions or are trying to make a quick buck. Remember to tell your bishop "SALUS ANIMARUM IN ECCLESIA SUPREMA LEX" or "The salvation of souls is the supreme law of the Church."
Phillip C. in S.F.