How do I validate my civil marriage in the Church?

[fgsena]

I have an annument from my previous marriage.
I got married again a civil ceremony.
We are faithful and practical catholics.
We have been married for 51 years and had five children.
I was told we need to have our marriage blessed?
If so, how do we go about getting married in church?
I live in New Jersey. Are there any special licenses necessary?
Thank you.

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

You are not getting legally married so there is no license requirement for the state. You need to make an appointment with your parish priest to have what’s called a “validation” of your marriage. Essentially you will say the wedding vows in front of a priest or deacon and two witnesses. You’ll need to provide your parish priest with both your and your husband’s sacramental information (baptism, 1st communion, & confirmation), a copy of the wedding license from your current civil marriage, and proof of the annulment from your first attempted marriage.