[CFoster12]

I actually have 2 questions! FIRST: We actually married 6 Months ago in Las Vegas in a simple wedding chapel ceremony, as my husband is a Lieutenant in the US Army and just being engaged and moving from FT Sill, Okla to his permanent station in FT Drum, NY also knowing he would be leaving in a few months upon our NY arrival for Iraq, we decided that at the time would be the best avenue for us to take for financial and legal reasons for me to be able to have health care and take care of the bills while he was gone. He is now in Iraq and we have discussed renewing our vows and having a proper wedding ceremony as we had no friends/family or such things. How does the church look at this and what do we have to do to make a church wedding possible?SECOND:Also I was raised Baptist and he Catholic he hasnt gone to church in quite some time thou he just recently started attending services over there. What do I need to do as a non catholic to make all this possible??

[Deacon Bob]

I am assuming this is a first marriage for both of you. If that is the case I would talk to a local Catholic Priest or the Catholic Chaplain on base (He will be a Priest). If neither of you have been married before I am sure they would be pleased to "bless" the marriage. The fact that you are not a Catholic should not have much bearing at all. If you wish to become Catholic you could sign up for the RICA program at the church. God Bless.

[CFoster12]

Deacon Bob-

I have previously been married before it only lasted a year, it was a non-religious ceremony we just went to the local county courthouse/JOP??? What kink is this going to throw into the situation? As far as I was reading related to other peoples situations they do not look at the non-religious previous events as if they did not happen, which I wish I could do that too, laugh,...pretend it never happened but the previous experience is what helps me realize how much I love my husband and why I am extatic about renewing our commitment to each other upon his return from Iraq. So is this something that is going to mess up our plans is this Annulment thing people speak of on this site going to be needed and if so, is that something I can during this next year while he is gone so we dont have to wait on it when he gets back???? Esp since I wasnt raised Catholic nor was the guy I was previously married to I think he was non-demoninational, he was not raised in church at all. I dont want anything like this previously immature situation holding up my husband and I's renewal ceremony. Please advise...

[Deacon Bob]

Normally, a civil ceremony is not recognized by the Catholic Church. However, some parishes will still want an annulment. Since your husband is in the military I would visit the Catholic Chaplain on base. They are normally very practical and do not create an extra barriers.