So I married a Baptist

[MeInMississippi]

I am a cradle Catholic. Almost 25 years ago I married my husband. He is a cradle Baptist. My husband and I were married not quite 6 months after we met. We were also 4 months pregnant by that time (I know!!). Because I was young, I was embarrassed to tell the priest I was pregnant. I was in love and I was in a hurry to get married. We were married in the Baptist Church. Being young I just didn’t think it was that big of a deal to marry outside the Church. Now I regret that. My father told me back then I was excommunicated. I, however, never stopped going to the Catholic Church, and both of our children have been baptized, raised and one confirmed Catholic. I never thought myself as fallen away from the Church, and I made it clear to my husband from the get-go I’d be raising the kids Catholic. He never did anything and still does nothing to stand in the way of any of my religious choices. He’s even considering becoming Catholic, as he does not attend Baptist church services except for when he visits his mother in another state about once a year. If my priest decides to bless the marriage, and I honestly don’t see why he wouldn’t, how long would this normally take? Is there a process? Neither of us were ever married to anyone previously.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

The process of the Church blessing your marriage is called convalidation. This happens regularly. Speak to your pastor. He can tell you what you need to do.

 

[OraLabora]

I had my marriage convalidated. I am married to an Anglican. Only marriage for both of us. The longest delay was getting my wife’s baptismal record, it took about 6 weeks. My own arrived within 48 hours of requesting it from the parish where I was baptized. Once the documents arrive, then you go through the pre-nuptial investigations with the priest (you make an appointment), and you schedule a date and format for the celebration together. It’s all pretty swift. We waited a few months to have it fall on the anniversary of the date we met.

 

[1ke]

My father told me back then I was excommunicated.

Your father was wrong then and he’s wrong now. You are not excommunicated, nor were you ever.

If my priest decides to bless the marriage, and I honestly don’t see why he wouldn’t, how long would this normally take?

Depends on the local diocesan policies. There’s some paperwork and a few meetings you will need to attend with your pastor. The diocese may have some additional requirements, but it shouldn’t be more than a few months. Given the fact you’ve been married 25 years and have raised your children Catholic, it might be much sooner.

Is there a process?

Yes, but it shouldn’t be too cumbersome for you. Go talk to your pastor. I’m sorry your father’s words have kept you at arm’s length from the church all these years.

God bless you.

 

[ajg]

I know of someone that had there marriage convalidated last year. It took a month or so for them to get everything done

 

[Pup7]

My mom is a cradle Baptist and was married to my late Dad, a cradle Catholic, for over 50 years. I just joined the Church at Easter. I have no valuable advice…just smiles, virtual hugs, and prayers. Your story strikes familiar chords with me, so I just wanted to say hello.

 

[MeInMississippi]

Thank you, sweet lady!

 

[MeInMississippi]

Thanks for letting me know that. If I was excommunicated the priest surely never told me! I would think he would’ve not let me receive communion at that point were it true.