Dread, fear, depression

[TheExorcist]

I’m not sure if this belongs in Family Life or not, but here goes…

I am not Catholic. Officially I’m Mormon but have spiritually given up on Mormonism a while ago. My wife is an utter dyed-in-the-wool Mormon. We have had marital problems before so my leaving the church is the final nail our marital coffin for her.

I’ve been studying Catholicism for a couple years and decided to start formally studying. I started attending a local FSSP parish because I liked the reverence of the Latin mass better than the OF and began catechesis with the asst pastor.

So now I’ve been thinking. I’m going to be getting divorced. If I indeed join the Catholic church I won’t be able to remarry unless I can get an annulment. What if I CAN’T get an annulment? That would mean that I’m destined to live the rest of my life single and alone. I know married life is not the be-all-end-all of Catholic life but this prospects fills me with dread, fear and depression.

 

[monicatholic]

In no particular order:

Dread, fear and depression are not from God. Your speculations and future- reading are destructive endeavors.

Does the Church teach Truth? Does it contain the fullness of everything God has revealed? Yes and yes. If you believe that, you go where it leads you regardless of the cost.

Talk to a priest about Pauline privilege.

Do you have kids? If you do, you’re obligated to keep your family together if at all possible.

Unless you were really engaged in intense fasting and mortifications, consider changing your screen name. Real exorcists undergo significant spiritual disciplines. Exorcism is no joke.

 

[Megan7]

In no particular order:

Dread, fear and depression are not from God. Your speculations and future- reading are destructive endeavors.

Does the Church teach Truth? Does it contain the fullness of everything God has revealed? Yes and yes. If you believe that, you go where it leads you regardless of the cost.

Talk to a priest about Pauline privilege.

Do you have kids? If you do, you’re obligated to keep your family together if at all possible.

Unless you were really engaged in intense fasting and mortifications, consider changing your screen name. Real exorcists undergo significant spiritual disciplines. Exorcism is no joke.

Hi Monica,

I agree with your post!
If he has children, he should try to keep the family together if at all possible. Especially, because if the marriage is over, the children in that marriage will be raised Mormon The soul of those children is at stake.

Having said that, if I am not mistaken, Mormons & Jehova Witness are not considered Christians, because they do NOT believe in the Trinity, so would it be possible that he is not even in a Sacramental marriage to begin with?

And he would not have to get an annulment, am I wrong here?

Obviously, the best route is to speak with the FSSP Priest regarding the marriage situation as well.

Either way, I am sure it is a hard road ahead, a hard cross to carry…

Thanks for your post Monica, you are always so wise!

To the OP, I will keep you in my prayers!
Best of wishes,

Pax

 

[Soler]

I’m not sure if this belongs in Family Life or not, but here goes…

I am not Catholic. Officially I’m Mormon but have spiritually given up on Mormonism a while ago. My wife is an utter dyed-in-the-wool Mormon. We have had marital problems before so my leaving the church is the final nail our marital coffin for her.

I’ve been studying Catholicism for a couple years and decided to start formally studying. I started attending a local FSSP parish because I liked the reverence of the Latin mass better than the OF and began catechesis with the asst pastor.

So now I’ve been thinking. I’m going to be getting divorced. If I indeed join the Catholic church I won’t be able to remarry unless I can get an annulment. What if I CAN’T get an annulment? That would mean that I’m destined to live the rest of my life single and alone. I know married life is not the be-all-end-all of Catholic life but this prospects fills me with dread, fear and depression.

It would seem that you qualify for the Pauline Privilege, unless either you or your wife have previously received Christian baptism. (Mormon baptism is not recognised as Christian by the Church.)

This process would enable you to have your marriage dissolved in the eyes of the Church, thus eliminating the need for an annulment.

 

[TheExorcist]

Thanks for your responses everybody. I need to call Father and schedule another meeting for this week, we got off schedule because of the busyness of Holy Week. I’ll ask him about the Pauline Privilege next time we meet. Im sure I’ll get the most orthodox answer possible from him.

Thanks again!

Charles

 

[nevadairenaeus]

I was in a situation somewhat similiar to yours a couple of years ago. I was on my way out of the Mormon church and divorce seemed a real possibility. My wife is a RM and very active in the LDS church. We are still together, although religion remains a sensitive area. I did have to choose at one point whether following Christ or preserving my marriage and family was more important to me. With much anguish and many tears I chose Christ. I was baptized and became Catholic this Easter.

Its also my understanding that the Pauline privilige should apply to situations like ours since we were not married as baptized Christians but became Christian later. I don’t think you would have any major problems getting married again in the Church, although its best to talk about it with your priest.

Be of good cheer!

 

[TheExorcist]

I was in a situation somewhat similiar to yours a couple of years ago. I was on my way out of the Mormon church and divorce seemed a real possibility. My wife is a RM and very active in the LDS church. We are still together, although religion remains a sensitive area. I did have to choose at one point whether following Christ or preserving my marriage and family was more important to me. With much anguish and many tears I chose Christ. I was baptized and became Catholic this Easter.

Its also my understanding that the Pauline privilige should apply to situations like ours since we were not married as baptized Christians but became Christian later. I don’t think you would have any major problems getting married again in the Church, although its best to talk about it with your priest.

Be of good cheer!

Thanks NI,

There are quite a few ex Mos on this board as you can see they frequently weigh in on the Non Catholic Religions section. Thanks for the encouragement. My wife had her papers in when we started dating…12 kids in her family, 8 girls and 5 of them served missions. She’s not taking this easy AT ALL.

 

[Rita77]

In no particular order:

Does the Church teach Truth? Does it contain the fullness of everything God has revealed? Yes and yes. If you believe that, you go where it leads you regardless of the cost.

wow Thanks Monica I’m going to have to write that one down. OP you may find confort and understanding in the book **“He Leadeth Me” by Father Walter Ciszek. **its a amazing book to help others understand suffering and God’s Will through his own story. He was a priest that was (name removed by moderator)risoned (in Russa) during and after ww2 for 23 years and was denied the ablity to practice his vocation of priesthood for over 2 decades. I highly suggest this book it has helped me stay faithful and follow Christ regarless of the cost by helping me understand my suffering and following God’s will and helped me not fall into despair.