Marriage status question

[auttiesvet]

I was a cradle Catholic and got married in the Catholic Church when I was 22 years old. I got divorced three years later. Fast forward thirty something years. I’ve been attending and been a member of the Episcopal church for the last thirty years or so. I got remarried in the Episcopal church, raised my children Episcopal, etc. About one and a half years ago, I decided to return to the Catholic church. I went through the annulment process of my first marriage from over thirty years ago and finally had it finalized. My husband went through RCIA and is now Catholic. My question is does the Catholic church recognize my Episcopal marriage? We are planning to have our marriage blessed in the Catholic church, but I’m just wondering since it was more than a civil marriage and the Episcopal church considers marriage a sacrament and also expects a lifelong commitment similar to the Catholic church, even though a formal annulment wasn’t required.

 

[ClaireS]

Not valid for two reasons. First, at the time of your second marriage you and your first husband’s marriage was still in effect (no declaration of nullity at that time). Second, even if there had been an annulment, as a Catholic, even though attending the Episcopal church, you were obliged to obey the marriage laws of the Catholic church.

The Church recognizes your Episcopal marriage to be legal according to laws of the state but not a valid sacrament.

 

[1ke]

We are planning to have our marriage blessed in the Catholic church

What many people call having their marriage “blessed” is actually a simple convalidation. It is the act of making your marriage valid by a new exchange of consent in the Catholic form. It is a Catholic marriage ceremony.

It is also possible that a radical sanation could be granted instead, meaning that no new consent is given and the marriage is convalidated back to the original date. Since you had multiple impediments, I am not sure a sanation is an option in this case.

 

[Joe_5859]

The other posters are correct. I just wanted to pop in and say welcome back.

 

[auttiesvet]

Thank you. It’s a great place to be

 

[zz912]

Welcome back home! Make the convalidation a celebration! Jesus Christ Himself will be physically present as a guest at the convalidation of your marriage! Make certain to take a picture with the priest and with Him.

God bless!

 

[auttiesvet]

Thank you! The plans are in the works…small, since most of our family are many miles away, but special. And we were able to schedule it so that it fall two days before our “official” anniversary so that when we celebrate our anniversary in the future we are celebrating our Catholic vows also. This is something I wanted so I was happy that the annulment came through in time! I am ecstatic that the day has finally come! Were both very happy about it.