What is an annulment and why is one necessary to remarry after divorce?

An annulment is a declaration by the Church that serious personal or spiritual flaws prevented the relationship from becoming a marriage.  In essence, an annulment is a declaration that the marriage, as the Church understands marriage, was not valid or never existed.  This is a decision made by the diocesan Tribunal only after careful investigation.

Catholic teaching is that a marriage is a permanent partnership between a man and a woman that lasts until death.  While the Catholic Church recognizes that there could be legitimate reasons why the marriage was not valid, it does not recognize a civil divorce as ending the partnership entered into before God.  Therefore, no one may enter another marriage while the first spouse is still alive until a thorough investigation allows the Church to determine, with moral certitude, that no valid marriage ever took place.

Doesn’t an annulment mean that any children born during my marriage are illegitimate?

Annulment does not affect legitimacy of children.  Legitimacy is a civil concept that traces its roots to medieval property inheritance issues.  If a person died without legitimate heirs, all property reverted to the crown.  Catholic Church teaching is that all life is sacred "because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end."  (CCC 2258)

Those seeking annulment may contact Deacon Dan who will explain the process and assist as a sponsor in completing the forms required by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

After submitting the forms, a final decision in the case may take a year or two during which time a date for marriage in a Catholic church may not be set.

For more information about annulments you may check this website:  www.archgh.org/Tribunal/annulment_info.htm

Contact:  Deacon Dan Pagnano at 713-663-3540 or at dpagnano@svdp-edu.org