Becoming Catholic and annulment of a civil marriage

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Aug2020

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Hello everyone! I have been browsing the forum for a few weeks now, but this is my first post. I was raised Lutheran, then spent quite some time away from any church. During that time, i was married by a justice of the peace. We are no longer together and I live with another woman whom I have 2 children with and one on the way. The woman I am married to is with another man and they also have children together. I am currently in RCIA and am really enjoying the classes as well as exploring and immersing myself in the Faith. However it is starting to dawn on me that come Easter, I wont be able to receive. I have gathered that there are circumstances around the marriage that should qualify it for an annulment. My main concern is do I have to wait until becoming Catholic to seek the annulment from the Church? Or can I leading up to Easter? Does the fact that I am basically living in sin prevent me from becoming Catholic? This has become the biggest part of my life over the last several months and I feel like it will be forfeit now because of poor decisions from my past. Can anyone help clarify what I need to do and/or how for me?
 
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This is something that should have come up when you first started RCIA but marriage issues can be hard to discuss. See your priest ASAP so you can get things resolved before Easter .
 
Remember this one thing: God wants you in the Church even more than you want it.

Check out your Diocese website for some detailed information and contact info for the Tribunal. You will be assigned an advocate who may or may not be a priest, but, they are well trained.

The US Bishops also have a very good resource:

 
Are you still married? I believe you need to have a divorce before you can begin the annulment process. Please set up an appointment with your priest right away!
 
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Please talk to your priest ASAP. He will guide you on what you need to do. Pray and trust God, he will find a way forward for you though it might take time.

I do agree that RCIA leaders should somehow be bringing up the issue of marital and partnership situations earlier in the course so the priest can have the necessary discussions with catechumens, but maybe they don’t want to scare people away.
 
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By the way, I forgot to welcome you. Welcome!
Please don’t be frustrated by the process of having a marriage annulled. I was in RCIA three years ago and also went through the annulment process. Depending on where you are, the process can take a while, which is why you need to start by talking with your priest. They’ve heard it all before and will again, so don’t be shy. You may have to wait until everything is done to enter the Church, but it’s worth it. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. God Bless!
 
There are a few things that are unclear in your post. Are you still married to your wife or divorced? Was she Catholic at the time.

You really should talk to a priest by way of an appointment so that you do not stress out over your situation.
 
I entered RCIA late. We havent had a chance to go over anything I filled out yet. I had one or two classes then a snow day, then we had off for Christmas.
 
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This can’t be solved on this forum. It is good you brought this up here, though, because it is good advice to see the parish priest and because people are wishing you well, and, I am sure, praying for you.
 
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Thank you (and everyone!) For your responses. I will be calling the parish office first thing Monday during operating hours to schedule an appointment.
 
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