Topic: Can you help me to understand if my marriage is valid?

Date originally posted: March 11, 2002

Source of this posting: Moderator response to emailed question

Moderator who originally posted this source: J. Ruffo

Question:  I have just come back to the church after many years of not attending.  There are a lot of things that I don't even know about the catholic religion but I'm learning.  What I'm wondering is this.  I was married almost 8 years ago and my husband is a Baptist, first of all is my marriage valid in the eyes of the church? And if not what can I do about it to make it right? Thank You.

Answer:

Dear Renee, 

Welcome back!  Most parishes have adult education programs which you could attend to learn more about our Catholic faith.

 In response to your question about your marriage 8 year ago to a Baptist man: you, as a Roman Catholic, are bound by the Church’s laws governing marriage.  If you married this man without the Church’s permission, that is outside the Catholic Church, in the eyes of the Church your marriage is invalid.   

What you and your husband should do, Renee, is call and make an appointment with your parish priest.  He will be able to guide you through a process to have your marriage convalidated, or “blessed” by the Church.   

Father John