[llpp]

Hi, I am a Catholic that was marrried several years ago in a civil ceremony to another Catholic. He rushed me into marrying him without my family present (only his was present), and promised me a Catholic Church wedding later. I found out later that he was not honest about several things, one of them being his idea of marriage, and another his criminal background. I tried to fix the marriage, but at the time he was trying to date other women. Recently I have met a Catholic man who shares my views and values. In the future, can I still marry in the Catholic church? What is the process? Do I need an annulment?

[Fr. Anderson]

Go to your local parish priest and explain to him what you just wrote us... I am not sure what the RCIA process is but they would be able to get you started. I do know the Church provides for un-disclosed criminal records as grounds for annulment.

Best Wishes,

[startingover]

Congratulations on having the courage to love again. Yes, you will need an annulment, but it will be the shortened form for Catholics who marry outside the Church. It should take only a few days. Then you will be free to marry again in the Catholic Church.

As Fr. Anderson has advised, please see a priest who will give you the necessary paperwork and guide you through the annulment process.

Please also consider getting some Christian counseling to help you deal with any emotional baggage from your previous marriage. Allowing God to purge your spirit from wounds of your past will be a wonderful gift for both you and that terrific guy you'll be marrying.

God bless and comfort you.