Below is an audio presentation adapted from an address given to mandators of St. Paul Parish in Saint Paul, MO. I have also reproduced the handout discussed and the FAQs below. .
A Layman's Brief Introduction to Canon Law (Audio Presentation)
FAQs
1. Is this a real thing? Why have so few people heard about it?
Canon Law is one of the best kept secrets of the Catholic Church. However, as this video indicates, it can be a daunting topic to discuss or research, and it not as accessible as other things which make up life in the Faith, like popular devotions or literature on the great mysteries of the Catholicism (The Eucharist, the Incarnation, etc.) The hope is this starts to address this problem for some people.
2. How does canon law preserve the unity of the Church?
It is the Church's own instrument for adjudicating disputes and organizing the society of the faithful. It is, in fact, the tool she most desires that Faithful Catholics turn to for such questions.
3. Who is the ultimate authority in canon law?
The Holy Father in Rome is the supreme authority in Canon Law, for he is Christ's Vicar on Earth
4. Does canon law conflict with civil law?
Usually no. In fact, for questions of contracts and property, Canon Law makes a point of using local civil laws.
5. What can I do, or where can I look at getting involved?
First, and most of all, pray. Pray without ceasing. Second, get involved in parish life! Now is the time to start or join a Bible Study, or see what volunteer positions are open in the parish. Become active, and take up your faith! Finally, have a look at our website or the St. Joseph Foundation below to find specific aides.
6. What does this cost?
At the moment, the cost is nothing more than postage to send letters and appeals to our various pastors. We will be having meetings with those who sign mandates in the future, and any donations of time and talent would be much appreciated
7. Where can I go to learn more?
The websites above are an excellent start. The readers among you can try G J Woodall's A PASSION FOR JUSTICE: AN INTRODUCTORY GUIDE TO THE CODE OF CANON LAW, which is serviceable enough. There are also many publicly available lectures on the topic. Msgr. Ramacciotti of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary has a fine series on the General Norms here on YouTube or on various podcast platforms. The TRULY AMBITIOUS can find the magisterial CANON LAW by Amleto Cardinal Cicognani (1935) which is the best study of the topic I have found to date. The Code of Canon Law (1983) is available with a Google search on both Canon Law Ninja and the Vatican's own website.