Does Canon Law speak of sponsorship of Catholic works?
Though the term “sponsorship” is not used in the Code of Canon Law, it is generally accepted today that “sponsorship” entails the use of a particular name and the exercise of certain responsibilities that arise from this use. A person’s good name–whether the “person” is an individual or a group–is of primary importance today; and sponsorship responsibilities are exercised in relation to what the name stands for. In the case of church ministries such as the Catholic health ministry, the term refers to works undertaken in the name of Christ, on behalf of the Catholic Church. Traditionally, sponsorship had emphasized a position of corporate strength and independence through ownership and control via reserved powers. Today, as new relations are established with other providers, a presence is required that relies more on the ability to influence. Sponsorship in canon law entails a relation to the threefold mission and ministry of the church: to teach, to sanctify, and to serve God’s peopl
