Legal marriage? or not

[magoose]

Hi, I have a question about a friend that I am trying to help.
Her situation:

Her father was catholic and her mother an episcopalian. Her mother would not baptize her - left it to her. She ended up getting married at 18 to a methodist but was not baptized until the same
time as her first child - 2-3 yrs into the marriage. She, since then
is divorced from husband 1 and currently separated from husband 2 ( who was married in the church with his first wife).

My question is: In the eyes of God is she truly married to her first
husband? She eventually would like to convert but if she does,
will she be able to marry in the church? also her younger children are not baptized and she would like them to be baptized in the Catholic church, but I think the local priest might be discouraging her.
any info/advice would be greatly appreciated.

magoose

 

[David_Puthoff]

magoose:

My question is: In the eyes of God is she truly married to her first husband?

This is between her and God, lest we be judged. We as Catholics believe in the sacrament not just the legal union. This would be a great discussion with a great parish priest.

magoose:

She eventually would like to convert but if she does, will she be able to marry in the church?

Once again, she should really discuss this with a great parish priest.

magoose:

also her younger children are not baptized and she would like them to be baptized in the Catholic church, but I think the local priest might be discouraging her.

Baptism is the only sacrament shared throughout Christianity, even you in a time of need could baptize. The sign of the cross and blessing with water, then saying I baptize you in the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit”. Once again, she should really discuss this with a great parish priest.

In closing, find a parish priest and have her discuss her situation at length, I doubt that the priest would discourage anyone looking to “reconcile” with the Church.

      Also, pray for her and her children, pray for guidance and compassion.

Peace,
David

 

[1ke]

No one on this forum can answer your question about this specific case. She would need to bring her case to the Church tribunal and discuss it in detail with competent authorities.

Urge your friend to do just that.

 

[puzzleannie]

1ke:

No one on this forum can answer your question about this specific case. She would need to bring her case to the Church tribunal and discuss it in detail with competent authorities.

Urge your friend to do just that.

correct. her first step is to contact her parish priest who will direct her how to proceed. Every marriage is considered valid until proven otherwise, and every marriage situation is unique. Fruitless and pointless to discuss specific cases here. The investigation looks at the ability and freedom to consent to marriage of the woman and each of her marriages, and each of the men she was “married” to, including their previous marriages, if any, and the women they were “married” to. Each of those “marriages” has to be looked at. A complex investigation and the sooner she begins the sooner she will get an authoratative answer.