Should I begin annulment process before RCIA classes?

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Having read many responses, I am still uncertain about my situation. My husband and I are in the process of divorcing due to his adulterous behavior. I am a Lutheran, but have been attending Mass quite frequently and wish to take the RCIA classes. My question is "when" to begin the annulment process. Knowing that it can take up to 18 months, I would like to get it over with so that I can get on with my life. Can I do this before I convert? Is it "less involved" since he has committed adultery and does not wish to salvage our marriage? I want to make sure I handle everything correctly to be right with God. Thank you, Lucy Camp

-- Lucy Camp (anotherwomanoffaith@yahoo.com), March 25, 2003

Answers

Dear Lucy,

I don't know! I have known a number of "mixed faith" couples who have sought annulment, but usually the Catholic person has initiated the procedings. I have not met a person in quite your situation. Every situation is different, which is one reason the process may take a fair amount of time. Give your diocesan Tribunal office a call, explain your situation, and they can advise you. They may set up a meeting for you with a counselor, or they may be able to tell you what you need over the phone. Look in the city phone book under "Diocese of ...(wherever you live)". There should be a list of Diocesan offices. "Tribunal" may be listed. If not, try "Marital Affairs', or "Family Life", or "Life and Family Ministry". Or just call some other office and ask them to direct your call.

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), March 25, 2003.


Jmj
Hello, Lucy.

You wrote: "My husband and I are in the process of divorcing due to his adulterous behavior."

One thing is for sure ... The marriage tribunal will not begin to consider your case (and the priest may not even begin to work with you on it) until after the divorce is final. According to what I have read, this is done to protect the Church from legal action that could be brought by your husband (who could claim that the Church was alienating you from him).

Unless you would prefer not to discuss it, is your husband Catholic, and, if so, in what kind of ceremony were you married?

The fact that "he has committed adultery and does not wish to salvage [y]our marriage" does not make the situation "less involved." The tribunal cannot determine the invalidity of a "union" based on unfaithfulness that occurs during a marriage, but rather on the facts that existed on the wedding day (especially, whether there were any impediments to a valid marriage and whether you gave each other full and free consent).

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), March 27, 2003.


No, my husband was not a member of any religion. He had been baptized as a child at an Assembly of God, but no longer considered himself a member. We were married in the Methodist church, but were not members there. I am the one who wishes to become Catholic. Which is why I am inquiring about the need for the annulment. My husband always said I pushed him into getting married. We dated for four years and were engaged for three more. When I reached the alter at our wedding he was very drunk. That was evident even on the video. I was holding him up, and he couldn't even say the Lord's Prayer! Thank you for all your help. I will wait to everything is finalized with the divorce before I approach my priest. God bless you.

-- Lucy Camp (anotherwomanoffaith@yahoo.com), March 28, 2003.

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