a question...

[tommyle2]

Hi all.

I am a man legally married but never received church sacrament of marriage. Is it possible for me to join a religious order? I didnt want to get married in the church for fear one day I would come to this feeling about religious vocation.

Cheers.

 

[srferdave]

I’m not an expert in this matter. But I am fairly certain that you would not be able to join a religious order if you are married (even if its just legally). The Church does not recognize your marriage as a marriage. Thus, the Church might see your living situation as immoral and would probably not allow you to join a religious order for that reason. Because if you did join a religious order it would seem that you would be co habiting with someone unmarried. That would send the wrong message to a lot of people.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

A man who was married but received an annulment could enter some religious orders.

An anullment states that there was no sacramental marriage.

Some religious orders will except such men into formation, some will not. Some dioceses will except such men as priestly candidates, some will not.

You would have to get a divorce and then an annulment from the Church, then you could discern further.

But if at any point you stated that you did what you did do ensure that you could possibly enter religious life at a later date, it might go against you, I know if I was a vocations director I would count that against you.

 

[tommyle2]

Thank you Brother David.
You now have me worried. I did ask a priest whether my intention was sinful and deceptive as I was only co habitating, no different than dating someone and be involved in a serious relationship. He thought it was okay as long as I did not receive the sacrament in the church. My post in this forum is meant to pick brain and not undermining his answer. I believe it was always my intention to join a religious life and my partner understood that.

 

[srferdave]

My intent was not to worry you. If you end up getting a divorce than in might be possible to join a religious life. But I really don’t think there is any way that you can join the religious life while still be married.

Maybe you need to explain your situation a little better. Are you planning on getting a divorce? Are you strictly co habiting w/o engaging in extra marital affairs? (you don’t need to answer that if you don’t feel comfortable) It might be helpful to know a little more before trying to give you advice.

BTW, it is possible to join the religious order after being married in the Church. If your marriage is annulled you can join a religious order.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

BTW, it is possible to join the religious order after being married in the Church. If your marriage is annulled you can join a religious order.

Some religious orders and dioceses disqualify those with annulments due to the possibility of scandal.

 

[tommyle2]

Yes, thank you for all replying. The answers can be found in other postings in forums but they can be best adddressed to the vocation director of the Order.