Help me, please

[heathernoel]

I am a Candidate in RCIA. I have been in the program while waiting for my husband to deal with his annulment issues.

We have pulled together his divorce papers, and finally found his records of baptism and First Communion. Unfortunately, we just found out he was never confirmed (due to familial reasons he has blocked out years of his life).

Where does this leave me now? I have been waiting to see if his annulment would be granted, and have stated before that I will wait until the time is right since it’s in his hands.

Does this mean he needs to be confirmed? I don’t want to ask him to make a profession that he doesn’t believe…

I am devastated.
Heather

 

[po18guy]

I am a Candidate in RCIA. I have been in the program while waiting for my husband to deal with his annulment issues.

We have pulled together his divorce papers, and finally found his records of baptism and First Communion. Unfortunately, we just found out he was never confirmed (due to familial reasons he has blocked out years of his life).

Where does this leave me now? I have been waiting to see if his annulment would be granted, and have stated before that I will wait until the time is right since it’s in his hands.

Does this mean he needs to be confirmed? I don’t want to ask him to make a profession that he doesn’t believe…

I am devastated.
Heather

Start off by Asking An Apologist regarding your status. Go here: forums.catholic-questions.org/announcement.php?f=4&a=34

As a know-nothing layman, I see at least three issues: 1. Your husband’s former marriage (which may still be considered valid) 2. Your relationship with your husband (if he is still married in the Church’s eyes, you must live as brother and sister), and 3. Your husband needs to be catechized sufficiently to receive Confirmation.

God bless you in your journey.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I am a Candidate in RCIA. I have been in the program while waiting for my husband to deal with his annulment issues.

We have pulled together his divorce papers, and finally found his records of baptism and First Communion. Unfortunately, we just found out he was never confirmed (due to familial reasons he has blocked out years of his life).

Where does this leave me now? I have been waiting to see if his annulment would be granted, and have stated before that I will wait until the time is right since it’s in his hands.

Does this mean he needs to be confirmed? I don’t want to ask him to make a profession that he doesn’t believe…

I am devastated.
Heather

It seems that you have the cart before the horse. Getting the papers together would be necessary for the Annulment process (which ever form it takes)

Getting the Marriage license, Divorce papers, Baptismal certificates, Sacramental records are all pre-process preparations. If the first Marriage is found invalid it would be recomended during the Marriage preparation process that he be Confirmed before entering another Marriage.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Re Confirmation - He cannot be confirmed until the marriage situation is corrected. While it is desirable that one be confirmed before marriage, most priests will accept the fact that one is preparing for Confimation as sufficient with the expectation that Confirmation will follow in due time.

 

[heathernoel]

So if I am reading this correctly (obsessing, more like it), then we are still needing to clarify/deal with his previous marriage. His act of confirmation is secondary to this, correct?

How does all this relate to my standing? I have asked the apologetics, but I would like to have your (name removed by moderator)ut, if I may.

In other words, my marriage to him is valid in the eyes of the Church but it can’t be recognized until his previous marriage is annuled. Therefore, I cannot receive Communion/Confirmation until I and my marriage are validated through the CHurch?

OMG I think I just sprained a brain cell on that one!

TIA,
Heather

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

So if I am reading this correctly (obsessing, more like it), then we are still needing to clarify/deal with his previous marriage. His act of confirmation is secondary to this, correct?

How does all this relate to my standing? I have asked the apologetics, but I would like to have your (name removed by moderator)ut, if I may.

In other words, my marriage to him is valid in the eyes of the Church but it can’t be recognized until his previous marriage is annuled. Therefore, I cannot receive Communion/Confirmation until I and my marriage are validated through the CHurch?

OMG I think I just sprained a brain cell on that one!

TIA,
Heather

You can continue in the RCIA process. However you do have to realize that IF his first Marriage is found valid then you cannot Marry him. You would be unable to continue to full reception and the Sacraments as long as you were still living with him as though you were Married.

If his first Marriage is found invalid then you would have to complete Marriage Preparation. You could however be received into the Church and receive the Sacraments in the mean time under certain circumstances.

 

[kage_ar]

In other words, my marriage to him is valid in the eyes of the Church but it can’t be recognized until his previous marriage is annuled. Therefore, I cannot receive Communion/Confirmation until I and my marriage are validated through the CHurch?

OMG I think I just sprained a brain cell on that one!

TIA,
Heather

Your attempt at marriage to him is not recoginzed until the Church determines if he is free to marrry, so, there is no validity.

If and when the Tribunal determines he is free to marry, then you can approach the Church for convalidation of your civil marriage.

Pray and stay close to Jesus.

 

[puzzleannie]

I We have pulled together his divorce papers, and finally found his records of baptism and First Communion. Unfortunately, we just found out he was never confirmed (due to familial reasons he has blocked out years of his life).

Where does this leave me now? I d.
Heather

nothing whatever, this will have no affect on the annulment process. once that is complete (and bear in mind there are no guarantees the marriage will be annulled, and you should be prepared for decisions in that eventuality) you will have your marriage convalidated, and you can proceed with the initiation sacraments, and your husband can be confirmed, possibly at the same ceremony depending on custom in your diocese.

 

[puzzleannie]

It . If the first Marriage is found invalid it would be recomended during the Marriage preparation process that he be Confirmed before entering another Marriage.

if you are still living together at this time, the marriage will have to be convalidated before he can be confirmed.

with regard to your own standing, his confirmation is not an issue. his previous marriage is the issue. as long as you remain together in an invalid marriage you yourself cannot approach the sacraments. the solution is starting annulment process and convalidation (if annulment is granted). You should meet the priest ASAP to discuss your marriage situation, and your own personal pastoral situation. He will advise you on how to proceed in the meanwhile. we cannot give that kind of advice here.