A few Questions

[jcole75148]

For a few years now I have really been interested in the Catholic faith and becoming part of it. I have been reading a lot and have attended Mass recently and looking forward to attending more. There are a few things I am concerned about at the moment.

I have a divorce in my history…but was never officially married before that. The divorce was strictly for child custody. I am currently remarried. Will any of this hinder my acceptance into the Catholic Church…I have read a little about it but its a bit confusing so was hoping that someone could simplify it.

Also…my wife does believe in God…but she is not active in any church and is really not interested in anything Catholic. Will I be looked down on for having a non Catholic wife and not having her involved in the Church with me?

Is it ok for just a husband to be active with the Catholic Church?

 

[Entwhistler]

Hello. I applaud you for looking into the Catholic Faith. You are going to find that the Catholic Church has so much to offer spiritually, historically, philosophically, etc. As for your questions, I will let more knowledgeable people answer your first one although I will say that if your first “marriage” was not before any kind of minister than you will probably have an easy time of it.

As for you wife remaining a non-Catholic, no need to worry. There are many people who have spouses who don’t go to church with them. You won’t be looked down upon. There is no stigma for having a non-Catholic spouse.

Please don’t hesitate to ask any other questions that you might have.

God Bless.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

The answer to your second question is easy. It is no problem. Many Catholics are married to a non-Catholic or non-believer.

The answer to your first question may be more difficult. Your current marriage could be a problem if your first wife is still living. The circumstances of your first marriage must be examined for validity before you could be received into the Church. Talk to a pastor about this.

 

[otjm]

For a few years now I have really been interested in the Catholic faith and becoming part of it. I have been reading a lot and have attended Mass recently and looking forward to attending more. There are a few things I am concerned about at the moment.

I have a divorce in my history…but was never officially married before that. The divorce was strictly for child custody. I am currently remarried. Will any of this hinder my acceptance into the Catholic Church…I have read a little about it but its a bit confusing so was hoping that someone could simplify it.

Also…my wife does believe in God…but she is not active in any church and is really not interested in anything Catholic. Will I be looked down on for having a non Catholic wife and not having her involved in the Church with me?

Is it ok for just a husband to be active with the Catholic Church?

I would assume that you would eventually join an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) in the fall, or when you are ready if not this year.

As to your question on marriage, the best answer you can get is from a pastor or from someone who is actually involved with a tribunal. The details you give are too few to give any sort of an answer, and there are many - all well meaning - who know too little to give you an accurate answer.

It sounds like you may have had a civil marriage (one in front of a judge) as most courts will not entertain a divorce case if there is no marriage to divorce; but again, I can’t give you an answer.

a second marriage - if it is actually second - again, is subject to investigation by someone who actually works with the Catholic marriage tribunal. And they would also want information concerning your wife - any prior marriages.

“Hinder” is not a word I would choose; but it may caus some delays in sorting out the pieces. The Church takes marriage very seriously; it is not meant to say you are “bad”, or “wrong”; again, someone in the tribunal is a far better source than someone on the internet.

“looked down”. Ah, by the Church, no. By individuals - we are not all perfect, and some people are judgemental about such issues, and should be given the among of credit for their opinion that one would give any nosy, poorly informed individual. There are plenty of Catholics who are married to s spouse who either beileves, but is of a different faith, or who don’t believe. Ultimately, we all individually are responsible for how we approach our eternal salvation. Marriage should be a source of each spouse helping the other in that journey; but at the end; we individually have to take responsibility.

Which means, short answer, no. The Church will not make you second class member based on your wife’s beliefs or lack of them.

Hope that helps. God bless you on your journey.

 

[Karen107]

For a few years now I have really been interested in the Catholic faith and becoming part of it. I have been reading a lot and have attended Mass recently and looking forward to attending more. There are a few things I am concerned about at the moment.

I have a divorce in my history…but was never officially married before that. The divorce was strictly for child custody. I am currently remarried. Will any of this hinder my acceptance into the Catholic Church…I have read a little about it but its a bit confusing so was hoping that someone could simplify it.

Also…my wife does believe in God…but she is not active in any church and is really not interested in anything Catholic. Will I be looked down on for having a non Catholic wife and not having her involved in the Church with me?

Is it ok for just a husband to be active with the Catholic Church?

This is the year of Mercy… I would suggest that you talk now to an understanding Priest about this near you…