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Married Civilly then Blessed in Catholic Church

whatzmyname
New User

Post #1 of 4 (3259 views)

Married Civilly then Blessed in Catholic Church

My fiance married his exwife in a civil ceremony in a court. They then had a church blessing afterwards at a catholic church. So they were 'married' by law and religion. She then divorced him by having the court(civil) papers annulled. She has already remarried by civil law 6 years ago.The church blessing was never annulled,however we have applied and were told administration takes 2 years.We want to get married? Can we legally (civil) do so? Then later when annullment is granted have a church blessing?

Frieda Arpoika
CATHOLIC LAY PASTORAL MINISTER

Post #2 of 4 (3257 views)

Re: [whatzmyname] Married Civilly then Blessed in Catholic Church [In reply to]

Civil law and church law are separate. Therefore you can marry by civil law. All you need for that is that both of you are free to marry by civil law. You just cannot take the vows in a Catholic Church until the annulment is approved.
Frieda Arpoika
Catholic Lay Pastoral Minister
St. Daniel Catholic Community

Deacon Bob
INDEPENDANT CATHOLIC DEACON

Post #3 of 4 (3255 views)

Re: [whatzmyname] Married Civilly then Blessed in Catholic Church [In reply to]

The short answer is yes. Once the annulment is granted you may have your marriage blessed by the Catholic church.
Deacon Bob Tousey
Independant catholic Deacon

startingover
MARRIAGE PREPARATION ADVISORS

Post #4 of 4 (3252 views)

Re: [whatzmyname] Married Civilly then Blessed in Catholic Church [In reply to]

There is little we could add to Frieda's and Deacon Bob's accurate and informative posts, but we would strongly urge you both to seek out some pre-marriage counseling before you take that permanent step down the aisle.

When two people marry, they bring with them emotional baggage from previous relationships that can affect future relationships and marriages. There are potential problems that should be discussed, such as rearing of children, in-laws, who balances the checkbook, and how to celebrate holidays.

The Catholic Church has several excellent programs like Pre-Cana and Engaged Encounter. Taking advantage of programs like these, in addition to talking to a priest or minister, can be of great benefit and possibly help you avoid problems in your marriage.

May God bless you.
Kay and Dennis Flowers
Authors of
Catholic Annulment, Spiritual Healing