Troubled

[maxfield]

I was born & raised protestant, and was baptized in the Methodist church. The past couple of years I have been listening to EWTN continuously, reading the Catechism, etc. and want to join RCIA classes this year.

My wife was generally raised protestant, but never baptized. She was married twice before me, both civil ceremonies to non-Catholics (if that matters). This is my first marriage.
Like I said, I’m interested in joining. My wife is on the fence a little.

My worry (and my question) is this:
Is there a path for me to become Catholic given my circumstances? What is that path?

Thank you for your responses.

 

[MichaelHowling]

They will want to baptize your wife (your baptism…so long as they can find record of it…should suffice). They will want to bless your marriage and place you both into faith formation classes. You could both be confirmed next year at easter and given all your sacraments if you both are willing!

God bless!

if you have any questions…don’t hesitate to ask. There are some very knowledgeable people on this site.

Your first move is to go to a healthy nearby parish in your area (ask around, look on the internet) . Make an appointment with a priest. Both you and your wife should attend (she does not have to commit to anything). This meeting should be about telling the priest where you both stand, what sacraments you’ve had if any, your faith backgrounds, and talk about your marriage and where you both are at. No one needs to commit to anything but this first talk will let the church know where you are at and they can tell you what you need to do.

 

[MichaelHowling]

My post was assuming that they both may be interested in coming to the church

 

[NHeath]

Please dont be timid or unsure or hesitant…just go and speak with a priest. Make an appointment through the office when you call so he can give you plenty of time to air out questions and make you feel comfortable.

I dont think your wife needs any annulment from her first marriages because they were not in the church. I think since they were civil marriages and she is not even baptized it will not be a big deal. This is my third marriage. I was born and raised Catholic and my priests and family helped me through everything step by step so dont stress out and feel you are not a candidate. You are probably responding to God’s call since you keep thinking about it.

Let me say this about being Catholic, there is nothing, no words to describe the feeling of receiving your first Holy Communion and actually touching Jesus (through receiving the host and wine) which is no longer bread and wine, but Jesus himself… it is worth it all and you will be so spiritually fulfilled and happy you pursued this…

I will say a prayer for you. God bless you and your wife.

 

[bzkoss236]

Considering that your wife was married 2 times before, especially to non-Catholics, she will likely need to receive a declaration of annulment before you can have your marriage convalidated/blessed, as the Church views non-Catholic to non-Catholic marriages as valid, unless proven otherwise. You should get in contact with a priest for further discussion.

The annulment process is important because Catholics truly view marriage as a lifelong commitment, and no man can dissolve a valid marriage (“What God has brought together let no man put asunder”, in reference to marriage). Divorce doesn’t exist with God. Getting an annulment simply says that the previous marriages were proven to be “invalid”, meaning that a marriage never actually took place because one of either party did not intend to commit to the marriage at the time the wedding took place.

And since your wife hasn’t been baptized, if she wishes to enter the Church, she will be baptized in the RCIA process.

Again, speak with a local priest for more specifics. I will pray and wish you luck for your journey to the Catholic faith. I’d say you are making the right choice, but you could say I’m biased, but you are making the right choice

 

[ChibiViolet]

His wife does NOT need to be baptized in order for him to enter the Church. But….her previous marriages will need to be investigated by a marriage tribunal and found to have been invalid (annulment). Again she does not have to be baptized or become Catholic for this to take place. Right now the Church considers his wife to still be married to her first husband so they are living in a state of adultery. OP, go talk to a priest.

This.

 

[mab23]

if you are attending a parish I would make an appt with the priest and let him know your situation and your desires and ask to discuss the options -

may want to try a few parishes if you are not registered at a particular parish