How do I go about getting remarried in the Catholic church?

[ellam25]

Hi,
I am 24 year old Catholic woman who was married a little over a year ago to my best friend and husband. We did not have a Catholic ceremony because at the time I was having second thoughts about the faith and foolishly wanted the “perfect wedding” that had no restrictions such as being in a church. (We were married outside by my husband’s father). My father wasn’t happy and almost didn’t come because it wasn’t a Catholic wedding but in the end he did which I am thankful for because I’m not sure if I would have gone back to the faith because I started going to church with him again shortly after.
Anyway, I really want our marriage to be valid in the Catholic church, and am wondering how I do this? I was never confirmed Catholic, and I’m not really sure why, and my husband is neither baptized or Catholic although he is willing to be.
My dad wasn’t happy that I married a non-Catholic but from my viewpoint I was put in my husband’s life and became his wife to show him the path to the true faith. There was just some hiccups there that I hope to remedy.
Thank you all, and God bless you.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

The short answer is that you need to talk with your priest and explain the situation to him. He’ll be able to help you from there.

You bring up a lot of different issues that can all be dealt with separately:

1. You were married outside the Church. You can exchange vows again (“convalidate” your marriage) and bring it into the Church.
2. You’re not confirmed. Ask whether your parish or diocese has a confirmation program for adults. That will allow you to prepare to receive the sacrament. Many parishes use RCIA for adult confirmation preparation as well. While this isn’t ideal it meets the need.
3. Your husband’s baptism. He doesn’t need to be baptized or to become Catholic in order for the two of you to marry. If he is unbaptized when you marry you will have what is called a natural marriage. If he is later baptized, then your marriage will become sacramental. (Both parties must be baptized to have a sacramental marriage.) If he is interested in being baptized then RCIA will be the path for him. It will lead to baptism, confirmation, and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.

But mostly, talk with your priest and get things started! Blessings and prayers as you go forward.

 

[MacQ]

Hi,
I am 24 year old Catholic woman who was married a little over a year ago to my best friend and husband. We did not have a Catholic ceremony because at the time I was having second thoughts about the faith and foolishly wanted the “perfect wedding” that had no restrictions such as being in a church. (We were married outside by my husband’s father). My father wasn’t happy and almost didn’t come because it wasn’t a Catholic wedding but in the end he did which I am thankful for because I’m not sure if I would have gone back to the faith because I started going to church with him again shortly after.
Anyway, I really want our marriage to be valid in the Catholic church, and am wondering how I do this? I was never confirmed Catholic, and I’m not really sure why, and my husband is neither baptized or Catholic although he is willing to be.
My dad wasn’t happy that I married a non-Catholic but from my viewpoint I was put in my husband’s life and became his wife to show him the path to the true faith. There was just some hiccups there that I hope to remedy.
Thank you all, and God bless you.

Get in touch with a parish and get your husband signed up for RCIA, and yourself for confirmation.
You could have your sacraments at the same time, followed by convalidation of your marriage.
I have seen several couples do this process.
It’s Sweeeeet!!!
You will have a stronger marriage for having done it.
I will pray for you.
Bless you!!!