marriage

[charrie]

Good morning,
My question is: I am a divorced non catholic female. I have a wonderful boyfriend that IS catholic and has not ever been married. We want to get married very soon. I know his family will want him to get married in their catholic church and I am completely fine with that. But will we be able to since for 1, I have been married and divorced and 2, I am not catholic. Learning catholic and becoming part of the congregation does not bother me at all.

 

[jwashu]

You can get married in the Church but you will need to get your first marriage annulled by the Church. If you are considering become Catholic you would want to go through RCIA. Usually the fall is a good time to start to join at the Easter vigil. If there is no impediment to your annulment you guys could probably get married sometime after Easter of next year.

Note that being Catholic or not will not keep you from getting married in the Church, needing the annulment will though. My point would be that if you are waiting on an annulment and are considering becoming Catholic, might as well do both at the same time. Annulments take anywhere from 6 months to a couple of years and RCIA usually runs from the fall until the Easter Vigil.

Joe

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Your previous marriage will be an issue. Go with him to talk to his priest and see what possibilities are available. You will most likely have to deal with a Tribunal which will see if your first marriage was valid. His priest will be able to explain the details and help you with the process.

 

[SpaceNeedle]

I encourage you to meet with your boyfriend’s priest now, rather than later.

The nullity process takes a long time (for other than those who had “lack of form” or could utilize Pauline Privilege). You can not set a date or start pre-cana until the Declaration of Nullity has been made. So, best to get the ball rollin’. I know plenty of people who regret they didn’t start sooner, but have yet to meet anyone who wished they put it off

 

[Texas_Roofer]

Let me explain the problem so you can understand them. You have to show you are free to marry for a catholic wedding, AND complete reasonable marriage preparations. So marrying in 6 weeks is out of the question. Since you once attempted a lifelong marriage the church assumes you are not free to marry. Ever situation is different but typically if you have no ties to the Catholic Church your annulment is based on formalities rather than content (lack of form, or insufficient understanding of marriage, etc). If you do not join the church your husband obtains a dispensation (permission to marry outside member or in another location) if you join the church a sacramental wedding is held.

 

[lil_flower_luv]

Don’t worry, hon! Everything will work out fine!! Simply ask your husband-to-be and his priest for guidance on getting your last marriage annulled and joining our Church.
And my family and I will be praying for you!!!


~Therese