While waiting for an annulment, how much one-on-one socializing is allowed?

[madridsquid]

As a Protestant, I married, divorced, and remarried. My first husband is living, and my second is died in 2009. I have talked to my parish priest and gotten an annulment packet to complete so that I can request an annulment for my first marriage. I have not dated anyone since my husband’s death because I’ve not wanted to, but I’m wondering if I were to eat dinner with someone or go to a movie on a friend basis, would that be wrong or just unadvisable?

I know people who are dating frequently when they have not received their annulment yet, although they have submitted their paperwork. They assume that they will get their annulment when maybe they won’t. If they don’t, then what will they do with their new relationship?

My understanding, which may be in error since I’ve only been Catholic since Easter 2010, is that the Church still considers me to be married to my first husband (who has remarried). Since it does, it would be wrong for me to “date,” however casually. Is this just for romantic dates or just any time spent in the company of someone else?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

I commend you for you appropriate concern. As for going out with a man while waiting for an annulment, ask yourself what would have been appropriate when you were living with your husband before you decided to separate. Would you have felt comfortable with your husband having dinner with another woman or going to a movie with her? Until an annulment is granted, the Church considers the person to be still married and expects such a person to behave in the manner of being married. Of course, going with a group is another matter.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.