to a deeper and more serious commitment, says the executive director of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace.

“This is just the latest step in a continuous process,” Michael Casey told The Catholic Register.

Casey believes the purpose and spirit of the 15 articles of canon law contained in the Pope’s Nov. 11 apostolic letter are clearer if you’ve read his three papal encyclicals.

“This puts a structure to it. This is concretizing it,” Casey said. “In that way it’s very encouraging, in recognizing the importance of it (charity).”

The new law in “On The Service of Charity” happens to fit right in with Development and Peace’s current campaign to sign up more members and encourage greater Catholic participation in international solidarity.

A careful reading of the new norms should get people past the old charity versus justice debate, said Casey.

“This takes a more integrated approach. When the Holy Father introduced the concept of integral human development as a key (in Caritas in Veritate), that’s perfectly consistent with what we do,” he said. “All of this in that way is encouraging and helpful to us. It provides a clearer understanding within the Church of where our work is and where it belongs.”

In the archdiocese of Toronto Cardinal Thomas Collins and his auxiliary bishops are planning a review of existing local Church law and policies to be sure everything lines up with the new canons.

“We will work collectively to ensure the norms in the motu propio are reflected in our work. While no changes may be required, we want to ensure the appropriate review takes place,” said communications manager Neil MacCarthy.