Non-Catholic Marriage Convalidation

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Verny

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Hi! I am searching for some information about what the process of convalidation may look like for me and my husband. I am wanting to enter into the Catholic Church but am afraid that my marriage can not be validated. I was baptized Baptist when I was 12 years old, my husband has never been baptized. I have (1) prior marriage which ended when my husband left me & our child for someone else and asked for a divorce. My husband has (2) prior marriages, his first wife has passed away (recently, not while they were married) and his second wife has remarried. He and I were married in a civil ceremony 15 years ago and have (1) child together. He does not have an interest in joining the church. I have not been through RCIA yet because, frankly, I am afraid that my marriage cannot be convalidated…where do I start with the process of sorting all of this out?
 
Talk to the priest at your nearby parish. He will know what to do to get the process started. I would call ahead of time and set up an appointment with him.
 
Hi, welcome to the forums.

Contact a parish near you, a personal visit during office hours may help you to feel more comfortable with going forward if you chose to do so. After speaking with a member of the parish staff, and, probably making an appointment, you may end up speaking with a deacon or a priest about convalidation or RCIA. At my parish, there is a nun who heads up RCIA. It all depends on the parish and how they have things set up.

I wish you all the best!
 
As someone who has been involved with RCIA, I can assure you that marriage issues come up all the time. Don’t let your fears stop you from starting RCIA. As others have said, make an appointment with the pastor of the parish where you will go through RCIA. He’ll know how to help you get started regarding your marriage.
 
Verny said:
Hi! I am searching for some information about what the process of convalidation may look like for me and my husband. I am wanting to enter into the Catholic Church but am afraid that my marriage can not be validated. I was baptized Baptist when I was 12 years old, my husband has never been baptized. I have (1) prior marriage which ended when my husband left me & our child for someone else and asked for a divorce. My husband has (2) prior marriages, his first wife has passed away (recently, not while they were married) and his second wife has remarried. He and I were married in a civil ceremony 15 years ago and have (1) child together. He does not have an interest in joining the church. I have not been through RCIA yet because, frankly, I am afraid that my marriage cannot be convalidated…where do I start with the process of sorting all of this out?
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You need to make an appointment to speak to a priest about your marriage situation and conversion to the Church. Your husband does not have to convert, but he may have to seek an annulment for his second marriage (since the first wife is deceased, that will not be a problem) before you can convalidate this marriage. Only the priest can tell you that for sure. RCIA will be starting up soon; make the appointment as soon as possible and leave the rest to the Holy Spirit! Welcome Home. :grouphug:
 
tseleehw said:
Talk to the priest at your nearby parish. He will know what to do to get the process started. I would call ahead of time and set up an appointment with him.
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^^This. Call the parish office and make an appointment to speak to the pastor. He will guide you through the process.
 
I agree with the previous posts Please contact your priest. I am a new convert and I had been previously protestant my entire life along with being previously married and divorced at a young age. My husband of 25 years did not plan on converting however, he too ended up on the journey home 🙂 All the details may seem overwhelming at times but please keep your eyes on Him. I will keep you in my prayers.
 
Verny said:
Hi! I am searching for some information about what the process of convalidation may look like for me and my husband. I am wanting to enter into the Catholic Church but am afraid that my marriage can not be validated. I was baptized Baptist when I was 12 years old, my husband has never been baptized. I have (1) prior marriage which ended when my husband left me & our child for someone else and asked for a divorce. My husband has (2) prior marriages, his first wife has passed away (recently, not while they were married) and his second wife has remarried. He and I were married in a civil ceremony 15 years ago and have (1) child together. He does not have an interest in joining the church. I have not been through RCIA yet because, frankly, I am afraid that my marriage cannot be convalidated…where do I start with the process of sorting all of this out?
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Hello,

Certainly, you will need to work with a local priest/tribunal. Your situation may seem rather complex but it really isn’t. That doesn’t mean that entering the Church will be quick and easy but that those who will deal with trying to help you should know what to do.

As for what will be required specifically, that depends on particular circumstances which you have not (and need not) mentioned here.

Dan
 
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