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Remarriage in Catholic church

bebedoll96
New User

Post #1 of 3 (7563 views)

Remarriage in Catholic church

My fiance and I have both been married before. I had been married for 4 years. His only lasted 6-7 months. She had an affair. He has told me that she said to him before the wedding that she did not want to marry him anyway but went through with it because the wedding was only a week away. I was married Catholic. He was married Lutheran but is a non practicing Catholic and tends to go to the Lutheran church when he does go. He would like to have a church wedding again. He does not belong to a parish and does not go to church so he has no priest that he can turn to. What do we need to do to have a Catholic church wedding again? Would we need to get an annulment for a Lutheran wedding?

RevSusanna
INTERFAITH MINISTER & AUTHOR / Moderator

Post #2 of 3 (7557 views)

Re: [bebedoll96] Remarriage in Catholic church [In reply to]

I know many divorced Catholics who have married in the Lutheran Church. Having said that, much depends on the pastor. So, I would speak directly and honestly with the pastor of the Lutheran church your fiance attends. The Episcopal Church is another church where many divorced Catholics remarry. Whatever you do, don't give up. There is church and clergy out there that will marry you. You should find a church and pastor with which you feel comfortable. The Unitarian Church is another possibility.

Where there is love, there lies hallowed ground.

Blessings,

Rev. Susanna Stefanachi Macomb
Reverend Susanna
Joining Hands and Hearts: Interfaith, Intercultural Wedding Celebrations : A Practical Guide for Couples

Deacon Bob
INDEPENDANT CATHOLIC DEACON

Post #3 of 3 (7062 views)

Re: [bebedoll96] Remarriage in Catholic church [In reply to]

The first issue is has your marriage been annulled as it was in the Catholic Church. If it has not that would be your first step. You would want to consult with the Priest at the Catholic Church you wish to be married in as to whether or not an annulment is necessary for the Lutheran wedding. If it is it seems like it will be granted based on his former wife's comments before the wedding and her actions shortly thereafter.

In order for an annulment to be granted there must be a defect found making the marriage invalid. Because his former wife stated that she did not want to be married prior to the marriage there is clearly an impediment to the marital contract. However, annulments do take time.

Rev. Suzanne mentioned some other alternatives. There are also Independent Catholic Clergy who would in all probability officiate the wedding.
Deacon Bob Tousey
Independant catholic Deacon