Jus novum (c. 1140-1563) Jus novissimum (c. 1563-1918) Jus codicis (1918-present) Other Sacraments Sacramentals Sacred places Sacred times Supra-diocesan/eparchal structures Particular churches Juridic persons Philosophy, theology, and fundamental theory of Catholic canon law Clerics Office Juridic and physical persons Associations of the faithful Pars dynamica (trial procedure) Canonization Election of the Roman Pontiff Academic degrees Journals and Professional Societies Faculties of canon law Canonists Institute of consecrated life Society of apostolic life Pious association or pious union in the canon law of the Roman Catholic Church is the legal concept that describes an organization of Catholic persons, approved by the local ordinary, engaged in the practice of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy in the name of and in accordance with the teachings of the Church.
[1][2] Title V, 'Associations of the Christian Faithful' (Cannon 298–329)[3] defines these organizations as distinct from societies of consecrated and apostolic life which are to foster a more Christian life, promote public worship and Catholic doctrine, and exercise other works of such as evangelization, piety, and charity.
The most recent and definitive Apostolic constitution concerning pious associations is "Provida Mater Ecclesia - Concerning Secular Institutes," issued by Pius XII in 1947.
[4][non-primary source needed]