Can this marriage be sanctioned by the Church

[MaryLouB]

I am coming to the Catholic faith at age 54, after never really having any religious background. I was baptized Catholic as a baby, and have just found my baptismal cert. which is being mailed to our parish.

In the past, I led a very self-centered life and now realize that I have mortal sins on my soul. Our town is very small and we do not have an active RCIA.

My real concern right now is my current marriage. I want to do everything I can to make things right with God, and my husband is a wonderful man, but an agnostic. Will I ever be able to be confirmed in the faith and one day receive communion? Will we ever be able to be married with the Sacrament of God? Or are we considered to be living in sin? Can a practicing Catholic be married to a person who is not a Catholic and have the blessing of God?

I will be taking all of this up with my parish priest in a month when he returns from vacation, but of course, I am impatient and want to know what I will need to do to make this right in God’s eyes. I was married in the past and that ended in divorce. Any information will be appreciated.

 

[Corki]

Was your husband ever baptized? That’s a key issue with the Sacrament.

The Church recognizes a marriage between a baptized and a non-baptized person as vaild but not Sacremental. Since you were baptized Catholic, your current marriage is likely to be considered invalid for lack of form. That just means that Catholics are supposed to be married according to the rites of the Church and from the information in your post, it sounds like you weren’t. The priest can convalidate your marriage providing there are no impediments (other marriages, etc.)

If your husband was baptized in a Christian faith, your marriage can be Sacrmental even if he is not practicing any religion now. (Again, as long as there are no impediments)

I know waiting is hard. You might try calling your diocese offices while you are waiting for your pastor’s return. Since you are already Baptized, RCIA isn’t the only option. Many diocese have other programs for those who were baptized Catholic and are returning to the faith. They can also help you sort out what you need to do to regularize your marriage.

Best of luck and welcome home!

 

[Cristiano]

The first thing to do is to relax, you have chosen God and his yoke is not heavy. You are trying to put your life on the right path and that it is God’s will. I think that talking to the priest is the second best thing to do. Be careful in asking for detailed information on this web site. You could be overwhelmed and it could impact your spiritual life in a negative manner. When you will work with your priest you will see that by proceeding one step at the time you will be able to regularize your situation and at the same time you will also grow in your spirituality. Remember that being a Catholic is a matter of choice and faith it is not about rough emotions. While you wait for the priest get a Catholic Bible (any version would do) and start reading the Gospel of Mark, it will tell you about Christ. Read it and let it sink in.

 

[Seatuck]

I am coming to the Catholic faith at age 54, after never really having any religious background. I was baptized Catholic as a baby, and have just found my baptismal cert. which is being mailed to our parish.

In the past, I led a very self-centered life and now realize that I have mortal sins on my soul. Our town is very small and we do not have an active RCIA.

My real concern right now is my current marriage. I want to do everything I can to make things right with God, and my husband is a wonderful man, but an agnostic. Will I ever be able to be confirmed in the faith and one day receive communion? Will we ever be able to be married with the Sacrament of God? Or are we considered to be living in sin? Can a practicing Catholic be married to a person who is not a Catholic and have the blessing of God?

I will be taking all of this up with my parish priest in a month when he returns from vacation, but of course, I am impatient and want to know what I will need to do to make this right in God’s eyes. I was married in the past and that ended in divorce. Any information will be appreciated.

Welcome Back! Ok , so there are some things you want to do. Keep that appointment with the priest as he is the one to help you with all this. You will need to get educated in the faith . Perhaps lessons with him or another person he recommends or RCIA at another parish. Not sure how it is done there. In the mean time you can look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Catholicism for Dummies. Your priest will let you know how and when you may recieve the Sacraments of Penance, Communion and Confirmation.

Your marriage right now appears to be invalid and possible a sinful situation. You will need to get an annulment of your first marriage. Should be easy if you didn’t get married in a Catholic Church or have a dispensation to get married outside the church. Just a matter of paperwork. Get your marriage certificate and divorce decree together to show the priest so he can get started on that. As long as your present “husband” doesn’t have a marriage in his past it should be fairly simple to get the marriage convalidated when your priest thinks you are ready. You will want to hold off on any marital relations until your marriage is convalidated.

A practicing Catholic can marry a non catholic with a dispensation. Your husband will have to agree to allow you to practice your religion.

Prayers for the journey.Peace be with you .

Some resources for you to start studying.

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

catholicscomehome.org/

 

[MaryLouB]

Thank you for your words and your insight. I won’t be anxious about this, instead I’ll keep learning, going to mass, (I am doing the bible study DVD with pastoral asst.) and doing lots of reading on my own. I will read Mark and let it sink in. Thank you all for the good advice. I know that there is hope for this situation. God Bless…