Is my marriage valid?

[RyanJPII]

I am a baptized Catholic who spent a few years away from the Church. I have since returned, but while i was away from Catholicism I married my wife in a Protestant church. She is a baptized Protestant. Is my marriage recognized by the Church? If not, what do I need to do?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

It depends on whether, at the time of your marriage, you sought and obtained permission from your bishop to marry a non-Catholic Christian in a non-Catholic marriage ritual. If you did not, and if there are no known impediments to the marriage (e.g., previous marriages), then your marriage will need to be regularized in the Catholic Church. I recommend that you and your wife make an appointment to talk with your pastor about your situation.