New Book Maps the Canonical Path for Emerging Religious Communities

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Eileen C. Jaramillo, DMin, JCL

Canon law expert Eileen Jaramillo offers a practical guide to discerning authentic charisms and navigating Church requirements for new religious institutes
LANSING, MI - As longtime religious communities in the United States dwindle and new ones begin to form, a fundamental question continues to surface: How does a group discern whether its inspiration is authentic - and what does the Catholic Church require to make it official?

A newly released book aims to answer both questions in clear, accessible language.

Discerning Charism: The Key to Founding Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life [https://dreileencjaramillo.academia.edu/], written by canon lawyer Eileen Jaramillo, DMin, JCL, guides readers through the theological and canonical steps involved in establishing new religious institutes. Now available on Amazon, the book arrives at a time when interest in new foundations is rising, even as many older orders face completion.

"There's a common misconception that if a group feels called, that's enough," Jaramillo said. "But the Church asks for more - and for good reason. The challenge I encountered was explaining canon law to those who aren't canonists."

Jaramillo draws on decades of experience in canon law and ecclesial service. She served for 25 years as a judge in the dioceses of Columbus and Lansing, handled more than 2,000 first-instance marriage cases, and advised religious communities on formation, governance, and canonical structures. She has also served on the Board of Governors of the Canon Law Society of America and consulted internationally for bishops and religious superiors.

The book outlines the canonical stages a community progresses through - from an "association of the Christian faithful" to diocesan recognition and, potentially, pontifical status. It also examines papal teachings on discernment from John XXIII through Leo XVI and includes data from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) on emerging communities since 1965.

The timing is significant. In 2020, Pope Francis modified Canon 579, requiring diocesan bishops to obtain approval from the Holy See before establishing new institutes - underscoring increased oversight of new foundations.

"If a charism is authentic, there is reciprocity with ecclesiastical authority, diocesan clergy, and the laity," Jaramillo said. "If that dynamic isn't present, it raises important questions about the strength of the discernment process."

The book is intended for bishops, canonists, vocation directors, and communities seeking to better understand the evolving landscape of consecrated life.

Discerning Charism: The Key to Founding Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life is available in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats on Amazon.

About the Author

Eileen Jaramillo, DMin, JCL, is a canon lawyer and theologian [https://dreileencjaramillo.academia.edu/] with decades of experience in ecclesial leadership and canon law. She served for 25 years as a judge in the dioceses of Columbus and Lansing and has advised religious communities on formation and governance. She continues to consult with bishops and religious institutes internationally.

Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, canonical, or professional advice. The views and opinions expressed in the book are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of any diocese, religious institute, or ecclesiastical authority. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified canonical and spiritual advisors regarding specific circumstances.
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