I am planning on getting married next year and have not yet spoken to my pastor because I would like some information going in. I am a Catholic who has been baptised and confirmed, as well as my fiance. However, he has a child out of wedlock with another woman. He was also married by the state once before but never married by the Catholic church or any other church. What obstacles will I face in trying to get married in the Cathoic Church? Please give me as much information as possible. Thank you!

-- Stephanie Smith (Napolits@yahoo.com), July 31, 2003

Answers

Dear Stephanie,

The fact that he has a child will not be an obstacle. The fact that he was married before could be an obstacle, and a marriage trubunal will have to examine the circumstances of his previous marriage to determine whether or not that marriage is an obstacle to your intended marriage - in other words, whether or not that first marriage of his was a valid marriage in the eyes of the Church. You should see your priest as soon as possible, to make a formal petition for annulment. This process can take some time, so you should really get it started soon.

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), July 31, 2003.

I, too, am getting maaried in a year and a half. My fiance has been married previously, but not in The Church. The previous marriage was done by a justice of the peace at a courthouse. The Vatican's website mentions that gthere needs to be a priest or presbyter to present to validate the marriage. My fiance's previous marriage was performed not in God's house, but by the State (as in the case stated above), so why would the previous marriage need to be nullified if it never existed in the eyes of The Church?

-- Kevin Edward Lewis (kevin_e_lewis@hotmail.com), August 02, 2003.

A marriage does not "get nullified". The facts surrounding a putative marriage are carefully examined by a tribunal of experts, and based on their findings, the union is declared either valid or invalid (null). This process applies to all former marriages, in order to determine the current eligibility or ineligibility of a person to marry. The nature of the original marriage may indeed serve as reason for a finding of nullity, but it cannot be a reason for failing to make such a determination.

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), August 02, 2003.

I have a BIG question, I married my husband 5 years ago, we married in the Justice of Peace court house. How can we renew our vows in the Catholic Chruch? Do we have to take any classes? Can someone please help. He or I have never been married before and we have children together. He is catholic and was baptize. I have not been by any chruch that I know of. I want my marriage to be seen in the eyes of God as valid, I don't like to see mine as not.

-- Christy Vogel Huerta (solocontu@aol.com), August 04, 2003.

Well, I don't think your marriage is considered valid in the eyes of the Church, since Catholics must marry in a Catholic Church (unless you're given permission to do otherwise). So it seems to me you would go through a regular marriage ceremony. Talk to your priest about it.

-- Paul (foo@bar.com), August 06, 2003.

By the way, my previous answer was addressed to Christy. But I believe it applies to your husband's marriage as well.

-- Paul (foo@bar.com), August 06, 2003.

Thank you for your response.I really am thankful for your help. Foofoo

-- christy vogel huerta (solocontu@aol.com), August 06, 2003.