The GDCL is granted jointly by Saint Paul University and the University of Ottawa under the terms of the federation agreement between them.

The GDCL is intended for two audiences:

2. Students and practitioners of civil or common law who wish to acquire a further specialization in canon law.

The graduate diploma consists of 15 credits of course work.

The GDCL is offered in both French and English. All required courses are available in each language. Some elective courses may be offered in one language only.

On completion of the diploma, qualified students meeting admission requirements may apply for admission to the master’s in Canon Law program and, on admission, complete the requirements of this program with credit granted for relevant courses already completed in the diploma. The number of credits remaining would be assessed individually.

The diploma operates within the framework of the general regulations of the FGPS, which are available on the Website at the following link:

The professors included in the list below are members of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. This means that they are authorized to supervise or co-supervise theses. A complete list of the faculty and staff members associated with the program can be found at http://www.ustpaul.ca/index_e.asp

ABBASS, Jobe, Full Professor
Comparative Law; Eastern Law; Religious Law

ASSELIN, Anne, Associate Professor
The role of laity in the Church ; Organization of Particular Churches; Matrimonial Law; Procedural Law; Jurisprudence

BELLEMARE, Pierre, Assistant Professor
Philosophy of Law; Latin

GLENDINNING, Chad, Assistant Professor
Sacramental law; Liturgical law; Diocesan and Supra-diocesan Church Structures

HUELS, John, Full Professor
General norms; Liturgical Law; Ministry; Sacraments

JACQUES, Roland, Emeritus Professor
History of Canon Law; Missionary Law and History of Missions, mainly their cultural and social impact; Studies in World Christianity; Human Right and Canon Law

KOWAL, Wojciech, Associate Professor
Interpretation of Ecclesiastical Laws; Philosophical Foundations of Legal Systems; Special Marriage Cases and Procedures; Administrative Recourse; Methodology of Canon Law

MEEHAN, Eugene, Adjunct Professor

MENDONÇA, Augustine, Emeritus Professor
Substantive and Procedural Jurisprudence

MORRISEY, Francis, Emeritus Professor
Temporal Goods; Religious Law

NOBEL, Michael-Andreas, Associate Professor
General Norms; Procedural Law; Formation of Priests and Permanent Deacons

PAGÉ, Roch, Emeritus Professor
General Norms; Organization of Particular Churches

RENKEN, John Anthony, Associate Professor
Temporal Goods; Penal Law; Organization of Particular Churches; Matrimonial Law; Procedural Law

ROBITAILLE, Lynda, Adjunct Professor

• An honours bachelor’s degree or equivalent four years of post-secondary studies with at least a B average.
• At least 18 credits in the theological disciplines either by course work and/or equivalent pastoral experience in keeping with criteria established by the Executive Committee of the Faculty of Canon Law.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation by persons who know the applicant and can attest to the applicant’s capacity to pursue graduate study. In addition, a letter of permission from the applicant’s bishop (for secular clergy) or superior (for members of institutes of consecrated life or societies of apostolic life).
• A curriculum vitae.
• Excellent knowledge of English or French.

A maximum of three credits in equivalencies or advanced standing may be granted. To be eligible, the credits in question must not have counted towards the requirements of a previous diploma or degree. Candidates who have already successfully completed some of the compulsory credits may be allowed to replace those credits with elective credits. For details, consult section B.2.7. of the general regulations of the FGPS.

Transfer from Graduate Diploma to Master’s

Students registered in the graduate diploma program can request to transfer to the master in canon law (MCL) in accordance with section A.7.1 of the general regulations of the FGPS.

Graduate Diploma Requirements (15 credits)

Duration of the Program

Minimum Standards

Academic Unit Coordinates