[kpandar]

Hi, this is a great forum and although it has an immense amount of information, I can't quite find my situation mentioned.

I am a Catholic who has received the sacrements of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. I frequently attend mass and receive the Eucharist. I have never been married.

My fiance has never been baptized. He was previously married to a lady baptized Church of England, in a ceremony held in a local chapel with some form of priest/minister. They obtained a civil divorce after the marriage ended, and I was lucky enough to meet him many years later.

My parish priest menitoned annullment for his previous marriage (not knowing my fiance had not been baptized) and suggested we see the Regional Tribunal to understand our options. Due to demand and work committments we cannot see anyone at the Tribunal in the near future.

I'm hoping you can help me understand whether we can be married in the Catholic Church and whether our marriage will be recognised in the Catholic Church. Is annullment the avenue we have to take, or is there another process for non-baptized divorcees? I am a devoted Catholic and would be devastated if after marrying my fiance, I was considered an 'outcast'. I want to continue to receive the Eucharist and raise my children in the Catholic faith.

Additionally, if we marry outside of a church, in say a garden ceremony (as churches make my fiance uncomfortable), could we do so with a Catholic priest and if not, what would I then need to do to have this recognised by the Catholic Church?

Many thanks in anticipation of your response.

[Deacon Bob]

You have not been forgotten. I have had a busy week and I want to double check Cannon Law on some items before I give you a response. If you can bare with me for a few days I will have a complete response for you. []

[kpandar]

Thanks Deacon Bob. I look foward to your reply!