When I was studying Canon Law at St. Paul University in Ottawa, a group of Anglican students, studying atthe same university, knowing me to be a priest, approached me and asked if I would be willing to preach at the next Evensong at their Anglican Church. I hesitated, not wanting to step afoul of the very law I was studying, and said, “Let me get back to you; I have to see if I’m even allowed.”

Turns out, I was, am. We all are. Norm 118 of the “Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism” reads: “In liturgical celebrations taking place in [non-Catholic] Churches and ecclesial Communities, Catholics are encouraged to take part in the psalms, responses, hymns and common actions of the Church in which they are guests. If invited by their hosts, they may read a lesson or preach.” So, I accepted the invite and preached about the unity of the Church which God wills throughout salvation history. It was well received, and
the cucumber sandwiches were great.
I recall the story, however, to observe that while preaching by Catholic laity otherwise requires special permission (c. 766), there is a blanket, standing implication of Church law that all Catholics, ordained or lay, are qualified to preach in a non-Catholic setting, so long as they are invited to do so. Which brings me to pose this question for your reflection: If you are a Catholic, ordained or lay, do you feel qualified to preach the Gospel if called up to do so in a non-Catholic setting? Church law, signed by St. John Paul II, believes you are, but if you aren’t so sure, what might you need in order to feel ready?
Father Matthew Crane is the vicar of canonical affairs for the Diocese of St. Cloud.
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What could you learn or experience in order to be ready to preach the Gospel, as all missionary disciples ought to be ready to do?
Thank you Father Crane for this valuable information. At a family rosary gathering within our ACC I was asked by I smile all the time. I was lost for words. Convicted by Peter 3:15; always be ready to give cause for your joy… I think? There are just so many reasons even with the heavy cross and current struggles and unsure future. Jesus and His substantial presence in the Eucharist.