Marriage/divorce: lapsed Catholic, non-Catholic

[flameburns623]

Hi!

Two questions:

1. If a lapsed/never-practicing/never-confirmed Roman Catholic marries and divorces a non-Catholic (nominally baptised Protestant, but who affirmed themself an atheist) in a Protestant or Civil service and then re-marries, also in a Protestant or Civil ceremony what is the normal status of the second marriage by Catholic understanding? I suspect I know–that they are obliged to seek an annulment of the first marriage in order for the second marriage to be validated. I am not entirely certain I have this right however. There is speculation that the Catholic need not annul the prior marriage but only confess the sin of marrying outside of the Faith in order to be able to be restored to full communion. My impression is this is mistaken but . . . . .any thoughts?
2. Does the likelihood of an annulment increase if in the first marriage the non-Catholic spouse showed symptoms of acute depression prior to the wedding, and very shortly following the marriage was in fact diagnosed and treated for this condition? Again–I suspect I already know the answer to be ‘probably’, but want to get some ‘feel’ for this from folks more likely to be knowledgeable. I do understand that I am not giving all of the details of the situation the Catholic now finds themselves in, and that therefore no definitive answer can be offered. I am only asking for the most general response.

Thanks for any attempts at an answer. Yes, I realise this topic only comes up mebbe weekly, so I appreciate patience–it’s hard to locate a thread which fits the situation I am addressing perfectly.

Additonal info: I assumed the Catholic, who I knew was raised Protestant, was bpatised but never confirmed as an infant. Turns out they were converted Catholic and baptised as a teen, but only attended a few years–four to five–before going back to their Protestant roots. So this was a converted but unconfirmed Catholic if this affects the response in any way.

 

[stbruno]

familyministries.org/divorce.htm
also marriagepreparation.com/AnnulmentLagges.htm
You have about 10 questions in regard to the prior marriages. Short of making an appointment to talk to a priest about this state, I would try browsing through this website or pick up one or more of the resources that are suggested here. The fact that you are inquiring so that you can resume a strong relationship with our church and receive the many graces and benefits of a sacramental marriage is a positive thing. As with all things that are to be discerned, pray and pray some more.
Have a blessed Advent.

 

[Viki59]

flameburns623:

Hi!

Two questions:

1. If a Catholic marries and divorces a Protestant and then re-marries, what is the normal status of the second marriage by Catholic understanding?
2. Does the likelihood of an annulment increase if in the first marriage the non-Catholic spouse showed symptoms of acute depression prior to the wedding, and very shortly following the marriage was in fact diagnosed and treated for this condition?
   Thanks for any attempts at an answer. .

The second marriage is invalid, until the first one is annulled.
Until then,the participants would be advised to live as brother and sister in order to receive the sacraments (if they are Catholic.)Then they would need to have their present marriage convalidated.

Acute depression might be a factor in an annulment of the first
marriage. I don’t see that people in a situation like this have much choice but to apply for an annulment and pray.

Hope that helps.

 

[flameburns623]

familyministries.org/divorce.htm
also marriagepreparation.com/AnnulmentLagges.htm
You have about 10 questions in regard to the prior marriages. Short of making an appointment to talk to a priest about this state, I would try browsing through this website or pick up one or more of the resources that are suggested here. The fact that you are inquiring so that you can resume a strong relationship with our church and receive the many graces and benefits of a sacramental marriage is a positive thing. As with all things that are to be discerned, pray and pray some more.
Have a blessed Advent.

Thanks, StBruno. I will forward the links to the appropriate party. Since you are addressing this as if to me, I should note I am not Roman Catholic. I don’t know how seriously the person asking is about the issue. It may be more of an academic issue. In fact I am pretty certain this is the case. But thanks again for the response.

Viki59:

The second marriage is invalid, until the first one is annulled.
Until then,the participants would be advised to live as brother and sister in order to receive the sacraments (if they are Catholic.)Then they would need to have their present marriage convalidated.

Acute depression might be a factor in an annulment of the first
marriage. I don’t see that people in a situation like this have much choice but to apply for an annulment and pray.

That would be my guess as well. But I am only guessing. Years ago I knew of a couple in which one party was divorced and had converted after marying the Catholic. They sought and eventually received an annulment, but meanwhile did not partake of the sacraments. However, the person I am presently in communication with kept emphasizing that this was ‘years ago’.

BTW: BOTH parties in the present marriage are divorced. There is little chance this side of hades that the never-Catholic Protestant will ever convert, suggesting they will also never seek an annulment. How would THIS change the situation? My guess is the Catholic party needs to seek out spiritual solace in a good Eastern Orthodox church, since they AREN’T going to dissolve their present very-happy marriage and would never be allowed to receive sacraments in the RCC. I apologise for ‘complificating’ an already-muddled story. At some point this person is going to just have to tackle a priest and present the whole mess to them to sort out if details keep compounding upon details. Thanks again!

 

[flameburns623]

stbruno:

You have about 10 questions in regard to the prior marriages.

This is a bit obscure. What did you mean ‘10 questions’? I can’t find anything on the links you offered which include anyting about 10 questions. Thanks again for responding.

 

[stbruno]

familyministries.org/time_update.htm

I meant "ten"rhetorically speaking. This is a facts sheet with questions and answers about annulments specifically. A Catholic lapsed or not is bound by the church to marry in the Catholic church. If they formally declare that they are no longer Catholic and join another church then different rules apply. Annulment is not an issue unless they wish to return to the roots of the faith and once again become a practicing Catholic. Perhaps this link will answer some of their questions. If they wish to learn more about Catholic marriages alone,…here is another link.

familyministries.org/www.inthespiritofcana.org/default.htm
Hope this helps better.