[lelmenhorst]

I was raised in Baptist church and baptized. My husband is a cradle catholic. Both of us were married previously in civil union and divorced. We married in a civil union 5 years ago. Since that time we have started to attend Catholic church and I have decided to convert. In keeping with the laws of Catholic church can we be married in the Catholic Church once I complete RCIA and if so can we have a full mass at the ceremony? This is very important to me. What do we need to do to be married in Catholic Church. Thanks Linda

[Frieda Arpoika]

Dear Linda,
The person who signed you up for the RCIA was supposed to discuss this with you when you signed up.
Was your ex-husband Catholic? If not, you most likely need an annulment. Only baptized Catholics are required to marry in the Church. If your ex was not Catholic then you will need most likely an annulment since the Church would recognize that marriage as valid. Apply ASAP since annulments do take more than a year.
Your current husband however has an easier process since he as a Catholic was expected to marry in the Church, however he did not follow "canon law form" - therefore he would apply for a "Lack of Form Decree of Nullity" which is simpler to obtain. He simply needs to proof that he was not married in a Catholic Church and therefor his marriage was not "sacramental" - not a sacrament since it was not in the Church. The process to proof that is by calling his parish of baptism for a newly issued baptismal certificate "with Notations" on marriage and completing a Lack-of-Form applicatio for nullity.
The best is for you to discuss this with the appropriate staff person (who is authorized to handle annulments) or pastor at your parish. They can help you sort it out.

[startingover]

Frieda has given you excellent advice. Please talk with your priest about your case. According to your post, you are already married. When your previous marriages have been annulled, the Church can validate your present marriage. This means the Church will bless and recognize your present marriage as valid and sacramental.

It is doubtful that a priest would perform a full wedding mass at your marriage validation, since you are already married, but there may be some other way to make it extra special for you. Let your priest know about your case.

When going through the annulment process, keep an open mind and an open heart to perceive all the benefits you can gain from learning about your previous marriage and how you can grow to be a better person through stronger faith in a God of incredible love. May He bless you richly.