Many years ago I was married in a civil union and later had my marriage blessed by the Catholic church. I am now divorced and wondering if my earlier marriage blessing was indeed seen as an official Catholic wedding? In other words, do I need an annulment to get married in the Catholic church again?

-- Jean M. Kozlovich (koffeegurl@charter.net), February 26, 2005

Answers

First of all, blessing of the marriage is not the proper term, but it is the common term. If your marriage was validated (made valid by an official act in the Church [not necessarily in the church building]), i.e. you intended to have that marriage recognised by the Catholic Church, then Yes, you need an annulment.

-- Fr. Paul (pjdoucet@hotmail.com), February 26, 2005.