Infertility is not an impediment to marriage, so an annulment could not be obtained for such a reason.
Spiritual fathers and mothers? How??
Think about what you just suggested. You suggested finding someone, promising your life and everything you have to them until death do you part, and then up and leaving because of a physical condition beyond their control. I know this happens to infertile people way too often, but I think it’s tragic. Finding out that you can’t naturally reproduce to grow a family is hard enough, but finding out that you’ll be losing what you do have because of it would just be too much to take.I think that is “easier” in some cultures than in others. It could be that you get very involved in the care of a young person who is extremely sick . . . and get to love that “child” and his/her family . . . then it is “very natural” to call the young one my son or daughter – in the USA, I would ask the parent’s permission. It would be good to let them know it is a love relationship and let them know how much you love both the child/young person and them.
Why would you seek out an annulment?
Being Godparents is definitely one way. I had the honor and privilege of asking my wife’s cousin and her husband (who I’ve come to count as one of my best friends and who are both active Christians) who have been dealing with really bad infertility issues for some time (they’re never going to be able to have kids of their own) to be my daughter’s godparents. None of our family to date had asked them to be godparents as we’re the first members of the current generation to want to baptize our kids, so she was beyond happy to have been asked.
…], and never had any biological children…we have many Godchildren, and help take care of other children who are in less than ideal circumstances…some of ‘our kids’ are now grown and have families of their own, and the ‘grandchildren’ are regulars at our house…we haven’t missed much, and ‘our kids’ haven’t, either…In addition to all of these excellent ideas, some couples use their childlessness as a door into a vocation that would have been difficult with children such as missionary work, housing foster children, being house parents in half-way houses, etc.
So you’re saying that your marriage is worthwhile even without having biological children?!My wife and I have been married for 37 years, never used any form of birth control [even now
I suggest you talk to your pastor. Infertility is not grounds for a decree of nullity and I’m not sure where you got this idea. You need to have a more firm understanding of the sacrament of marriage. Your pastor can give you that. It will be hard to come by on the internet.
My Grandparents were devote Catholics and never had any biological children of their own
I think the primary purpose of marriage is love.
In fact, there’s a thread still running about how hard it is to find practicing Catholic godparents.
There are conditions that can prevent a woman from being able to engage in intercourse.
Hard to find Christian Godparents in some circles too, not just Catholic. I’d have loved to have had my brother (and his wife) or my sister serve as Godparents/sponsors as well since the Episcopal Church allows up to 4.
