Divorce and annulment

[Ronin]

Wife filed for divorce two years ago, still in process - custody in dispute.

I was baptized Catholic, she Presbyterian.

She has absolutely no desire to try to save the marriage.

I do not want an annulment. (She could care less about that).

How does this affect my standing in the church?

Thank you,

Ronin

 

[pianoplayingmom]

Your divorce doesn’t affect your standing in the Church. You may still receive the sacraments. The problem would be if you wanted to remarry. Without an annulment, you cannot remarry in the Church. If you remarried outside the Church, you would be excommunicated and could not participate in the sacraments, given that the Church considers you still married to your first wife. And, keep in mind you may not obtain an annulment, even if you apply for one. I didn’t, the first time I applied. I am working on it again but I may not get it. I plan to stay true to the teachings of the Church so, if I don’t get an annulment, I will have to live the rest of my life alone, unless my ex-husband dies. It seems harsh. I’m praying for the strength to endure this. I am also making a concerted effort NOT to date. It would be really difficult if I fell in love with someone…or someone fell in love with me…and we couldn’t do anything about it. I call it marital limbo. On the other hand, this life is so fleeting. Can’t we do this much for Our dear Lord who suffered so very much for us?

 

[Joe_Kelley]

pianoplayingmom:

. . . If you remarried outside the Church, you would be excommunicated and could not participate in the sacraments, given that the Church considers you still married to your first wife. . . .

Barred from the Sacraments because of continuing sin [adultery], but not excommunicated

 

[pianoplayingmom]

Joe Kelley:

Barred from the Sacraments because of continuing sin [adultery], but not excommunicated

You are correct. I mispoke.