Support During Annullment Process

[loralee238]

I am not Catholic, but planning to start RCIA in the fall. I am recently engaged to a wonderful Catholic man I have known for over 30 years. I submitted my forms for annulment in March, my witnesses statements were completed in May, and now I am waiting for publication of the acts.

I have been married twice. In going through this process I have found that my understanding of marriage before was wrong. (Protestant background, Family with multiple divorces and marriages.) I am thankful for the healing and the understanding that this process brings about, but I’m frustrated that this process takes so long. As someone who wants to join the Catholic faith, it seems like a shorter process would be more welcoming, but I understand that it is very serious work that is taking place.

Any advice on how I can get through this process with grace and come out on the other side? Right now it feels like there is no other side.

Thank you all for your support.

Lora

 

[SuperLuigi]

You’re going to have to ask a priest to help you navigate through this. I can say that marriages between two protestants may be valid in the eyes of the Catholic Church.

 

[nodito]

Dear Lora,

Welcome to CAF! I hope your time here is fruitful and that you are made to feel included!

I don’t have any personal experience with the annulment process, but I understand it can be long and frustrating and it would not surprise me if it takes longer when an applicant has had multiple previous marriages. But there are a number of people on this board who have gone through the process; maybe you will have some luck getting in touch with some of them for support.

You should know, if it hasn’t already been made clear to you, that divorce is not an impediment to reception into the Church, so as long as you do not civilly marry your fiance, you can go through the RCIA process and become Catholic at Easter with the rest of the candidates. Maybe you could try to see this process (RCIA, waiting for the annulment, etc) as a long Lent. Lent involves some sacrifice and suffering, sure, but it’s with an eye to the Risen Jesus and the joy of Easter at the end.

God bless you.

 

[GreyWings]

Congrats to you on obtaining annulment and finding love again.

I’ve been there, and annulments are indeed intended for healing, too. It can take some time, so you might feel some frustration but hang in there and look towards the future. Ask for the intercession of saints to pray for you; St. Michael helped me during my own process.

With my prayers,
GreyWings

 

[loralee238]

Thank you all for your support.

I received a letter yesterday that the proofs are complete for my first marriage. My advocate said we should have a decision in 2-3 weeks.

I keep picturing Mary Untier of Knots in my mind. I am so drawn to her as I am going through this process.

I will keep praying and keep positive!

 

[loralee238]

I was blessed to receive an Affirmative decision for my first marriage through my local diocese. This is great news - and I am grateful.

The bad news is that my ex husband for my second marriage seems to be putting up obstacles (asking for extension to fill out questions, yet not returning them). He is spiteful, so part of me isn’t terribly surprised. I understand at some point the process will move forward with our without his (name removed by moderator)ut. He could care less about the Catholic church or this process, he is remarried - his motivation is only to make things difficult for me.

I am trying to keep positive and I pray that we will indeed move forward with the process. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers - today I am just so beaten down by this man. The fact that he can still ‘reach me’ through this process and try to inflict more pain is just unfathomable to me.

Thank you for your support here. It means the world to me.

 

[1ke]

Thank you for updating us. I am sure it is difficult to wait, when things are not in your control. That’s a universal frustration, no matter if it is a small or large thing we desire.

Keep praying, Mary Undoer of Knots… she will help you get through this!