Annulment” is an unfortunate word that is sometimes used to refer to a Catholic “declaration of nullity.” Actually, nothing is made null through the process. Rather, a Church tribunal (a Catholic Church Court) declares that a marriage thought to be valid according to Church law actually fell short of at least one of the essential elements required for a binding union.
A valid Catholic marriage results from five elements: (1) the spouses are free to marry; (2) they freely exchange their consent; (3) in consenting to marry, they have the intention to marry for life, to be faithful to one another and be open to children; (4) they intend the good of each other; and (5) their consent is given in the presence of two witnesses and before a properly authorized Church minister.
There is no such thing as “Catholic divorce” but the bad news is Catholics do civilly divorce. The Marriage Tribunal of the Diocese of St. Petersburg however, and the many Lay and Pastoral Ministers, offer help, and encourage healing through the Sacraments where you will personally encounter Christ-with all His love and tender mercies. And that’s the REALLY good news.
The ending of any marriage is a traumatic experience. The adjustments which follow can either be positive or negative; but always difficult. The road to healing, reconciliation and rebuilding of your life and that of everyone in the family can be slow and painful. If you are willing to begin the journey, St. Peter the Apostle is here to help.
An Annulment is a Catholic Divorce.
The above re-printed in part from the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Family Ministries
Try through daily prayer to remember:
If you are a single parent, ask for help when you need it.
If you are co-parenting, learn to share the children in a kind way. Do not punish the other parent. Only the children suffer with that behavior. Each time you diminish the other parent; you diminish half of your child. For your sake and sake of the children – it’s better to be kind than right.
Seek effective, professional counseling to help you manage the changes in your life; get plenty of rest and exercise, eat smart, do not drink alcohol.