I am a Catholic who married a Catholic in a Methodist Church. We chose that Church because my intended at that time had already been married in a Catholic Church and had since divorced. She had children by the first marriage, so would not consider an annulment.

Now, we are divorced and I am in love with another Catholic girl who has never been married. My inclination is to believe that, since the Church would not perform the ceremony in my first marriage, it must not be valid in the Church's eyes - and therefore, I should be able to marry freely in the Catholic Church.

Is this a an accurate assumption?

Thanks in advance for any insight anyone might have.

-- Terrance O'Connor (himself02@hotmail.com), January 13, 2003

Answers

If you wish to be married in the Church, then no matter what you will need to see a Priest. At that time, the priest will ask you if you've ever been married before. You should then explain to him your situation (truthfully and fully). He can then help you in understanding the Churches possition.

It could verywell be that you will need an annullment, but again only the priest will be able to help you.

I will pray for you, Terrance.

may God bless you.

In Christ.

-- Jake Huether (jake_huether@yahoo.com), January 13, 2003.

I believe there are a couple of instances where the Church will make certain determinations that past marriages were not valid. Specifically, they are called the Pauline and Petrine privleges, but I no little other than that. Your Catholic pastor can advise you. Pax Christi

-- Anna <>< (FloweroftheHour@hotmail.com), January 24, 2003.

"know"...(sorry!)

-- Anna <>< (FloweroftheHour@hotmail.com), January 24, 2003.

My husband and I were married in a civil ceremony due to his previous marriage. I am Catholic and he is coming into the church at Pentecost. His first marriage was ruled invalid in the eyes of the church because of his first wife's first marriage. It took about two months to for the Tribunal to reach a decision after we supplied copies of marriage and divorce papers. We are to be married in the Catholic church in May. It took him four years to finally pursue his dream to go through with getting an answer. We were discouraged a lot but in the end God answered our prayers. It may take a while but God's blessing is worth the wait. Every situation is different and I suggest talking with your priest is the best way to proceed. Waiting and wondering is the hardest part. Good luck to you. God Bless.

-- Sylvia Garza Jennings (sgjenni@aol.com), April 12, 2003.