Hello,

I was married at a young age 21; and I divorced at age 24. I was married by the Justice of the Peace. At the time of the marriage, I was not interested in religious teachings. I was raised catholic and have been confirmed. Although, my parents did not practice weekly masses even though they claimed to be catholic. So I didn't have very good guidance at the time.

During the marriage we did not practice any form of religion. The marriage ended in divorce just after three and a half years. My ex-wife sent divorce papers to me. Since than, I have not had any contact with her and wish not to. The divorce was in 1995. No children came out of the marriage. My ex-wife was only 23 and wanted different things in life than I.

It has taken a lot of thought and patients to find myself; and where I am at today. I now want very much to become part of the catholic church and practice the sacraments. I have grown over the years and relize what I have been missing and the importance of Jesus in ones life.

I have recently become engaged to a wonderful women who is a practicing catholic. We both see the importance of religion in a marriage and family. I hope to have and raise children in the eyes of God and the Catholic church. I must admit. I slept through a few of my CCD classes and I am not knowledgeable of all the catholic teachings. Im a little rusty. I haven't practiced for over 10 years. I have now with my loving fiancie returned to weekly mass.

I guess my main question is whether I need to have an anullment of my previous marriage to be married in the catholic church? I do not wish contact with my ex-wife. And it is very hard to dredge up such old memories I have since put behind me.

Your help and advice is appreciated. Dave

-- David Hussey (hussey@tconl.com), November 06, 2001

Answers

Though I am no expert on canonical marriage, I would suspect you would benefit from consultation from your parish priest who could delve into details that may require annulment proceedings. I suspect that baptised parties entering into a lawful marriage through the JP may be recognized by the Church, but not in Canonical Form. As I understand it, you can marry by JP, and then have your union blessed by the Church upon meeting certain requirements. Therefore, I suggest covering all bases.

Peace and all good,

Melissa

<')))><

-- Melissa (holy_rhodes@earthlink.net), November 06, 2001.

I agree with you, Melissa. The place for David H to start is with his parish priest. If he has not joined his local parish yet, he should do so right away. Then he can begin receiving some "refresher" instructions and the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.
(All the best, David -- and a warm welcome back home! And don't worry. Though you will have to go through the "nullity process," it is highly unlikely that you will have any personal contact with your ex-wife. It will not be like a secular court in which things happen in public.)
JFG

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), November 07, 2001.

It is my understanding that if you were a baptised Catholic at the time that you married, that a civil marriage would not be considered valid. It is likely that you will need to go to confession and you would be able to bring this to the priest's attention at this time.

-- Nina (Ninasinthegarden@aol.com), November 11, 2001.

Post Script: Dave, you can ask the folks at Catholic Answers. They are on the web. They have a phone line for inquiries and a radio program. Their tracts online are excellent for learning more about the faith and include words from the Early Church Fathers. Their address is www.catholic.com

-- Nina (Ninasinthegarden@aol.com), November 12, 2001.