Karla Félix-Rivera
- Diocese of Sacramento Chancery – Tribunal 2110 Broadway Sacramento, CA, 95818
- Chancery Office: (916) 733- 0236
Karla Felix-Rivera developed an early interest in evangelization, spirituality, and lay
leadership, which led her to pursue a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of San
Francisco and a Master of Divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara
University. For over 24 years, she was involved in an international missionary
organization creating and leading retreats, training others to facilitate retreats, offering
spiritual direction, teaching, and holding various leadership roles. Recognizing the need
for more female and Spanish-speaking canonists, she earned a Licentiate in Canon
Law (J.C.L.) from The Catholic University of America.
Her canonical research and presentations focus on lay leadership and spirituality,
ecclesial movements, and the laws governing consecrated and married life. As a
canonist, she has served in various Tribunals as a Defender of the Bond, Promoter of
Justice, and a Judge. She has served as a canonical advisor to dioceses and religious
women and men.
Karla brings extensive pastoral experience to her canonical teaching ministry as well as
an intercultural theological understanding due to her Mexican roots and work in an
international institute of consecrated life. She has presented at notable Catholic
settings and at the Canon Law Society of America National Conventions. When called
upon, she enjoys teaching canon law for the Sacramento Diocese’s Permanent
Diaconate Program and Santa Clara’s GPPM. She is currently the Executive Director of
Mercy Center Auburn, a retreat and conference center in Northern California.
PMIN 231 Introduction to Canon Law