Annulments

1614 In his preaching Jesus unequivocally taught the original meaning of the union of man and woman as the Creator willed it from the beginning permission given by Moses to divorce one's wife was a concession to the hardness of hearts.[106] The matrimonial union of man and woman is indissoluble: God himself has determined it "what therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder."[107]

1615 This unequivocal insistence on the indissolubility of the marriage bond may have left some perplexed and could seem to be a demand impossible to realize. However, Jesus has not placed on spouses a burden impossible to bear, or too heavy - heavier than the Law of Moses.[108] By coming to restore the original order of creation disturbed by sin, he himself gives the strength and grace to live marriage in the new dimension of the Reign of God. It is by following Christ, renouncing themselves, and taking up their crosses that spouses will be able to "receive" the original meaning of marriage and live it with the help of Christ.[109] This grace of Christian marriage is a fruit of Christ's cross, the source of all Christian life.

The Catholic Church begins with the belief that every marriage is to be considered valid and therefore lasting until death. At the same time the Church provides a process for those who believe a first marriage was invalid and that they should therefore be free to now marry in the Church.

For an Overview of this process click here.(PDF File)

If you believe a previous marriage was invalid and wish to begin the process, please contact Fr. David.

It is helpful if you can begin to gather certain basic documents which will be necessary for the process:
A recent copy of your baptismal certificate
A copy of the marriage license.
A copy of the final divorce decree.