Civil marriage and annullment

[Jrdiehn]

When I was 15, my parents chose to leave the Church for a lack of youth-oriented education and activities after Confirmation. I am now 42 and I was called to return to the Church. I was married and divorced twice (both marriages were civil only). From what I understand, both marriages are considered invalid as there was no religious authority presiding. I have been told I have to file for annullment as “lack of form.” If neither marriage is considered valid in the eyes of the Church, is this just a formality to ensure that I can remarry in the Church?

 

[1ke]

When I was 15, my parents chose to leave the Church for a lack of youth-oriented education and activities after Confirmation. I am now 42 and I was called to return to the Church

By this I take it to mean you were baptized into the Catholic Church as an infant. If so, this means you are Catholic and bound by Catholic law on marriage.

I was married and divorced twice (both marriages were civil only). From what I understand, both marriages are considered invalid as there was no religious authority presiding.

Not simply because it was not a religious ceremony, but because it was not a Catholic one. As a Catholic, practicing or not, you were bound by Catholic form or bound to receive a dispensation from form.

I have been told I have to file for annullment as “lack of form.” If neither marriage is considered valid in the eyes of the Church, is this just a formality to ensure that I can remarry in the Church?

Lack of form is not a decree of nullity, it is an administrative process. As you said, there is no presumption of validity for a lack of form situation.

Yes it is to formally document freedom to marry during the premarital process. You can submit your sacramental records (you have those sent from the parish of baptism to the parish helping you with your paperwork), marriage licenses, and divorce decrees to your local pastor and he will submit them to the diocese. Having this done before you become involved with someone will give you and that person peace of mind that you are indeed free to marry in the Church.

Welcome Home! Also, talk to your pastor about receiving any sacraments of initiation that you did not receive as a child such as Eucharist and Confirmation.