What is an annulment?
An annulment, formally called “a declaration of nullity,” is an official declaration by the Roman Catholic Church that a marriage did not meet the requirements for validity. Validity means that the desired outcome (in this case, marriage) has actually taken place as recognized by the Church.
Although to all outward appearances, a wedding was properly celebrated (the vows were recited before the priest in a Catholic church, etc.), there is much more needed for the wedding to be understood as a sacred union. For instance, the internal dispositions of the parties and a proper understanding of what marriage is all about are also requirements for a valid marriage.
This determination is based on a thorough examination of the marriage in question by the local diocesan tribunal. The tribunal–the formal name for a church court–looks at information submitted by one or both of the former spouses to see if all the requirements for a valid marriage were present in their union.
Annulment vs. Divorce: What is the difference between a Church annulment and a divorce?
A civil divorce is the dissolving of the marriage relationship by the State in which the parties live. The Church holds that marriage is a sacramental union of a man and woman that can be dissolved only by the death of one of the spouses. In the annulment procedure the Church examines whether the union did in fact reach its fullness and become all that the Church believes a marriage to be. It's important to note that the Church recognizes all marriages whether it's to Catholics, to Lutherans and mix of religions etc., you can be in a sacramental marriage and not be Catholic.
When is an annulment needed?
In order for a Roman Catholic to re-marry it is necessary that a previous marriage be determined defective in some manner (declared null). The Church believes that “marriage enjoys the favor of the law” and is therefore presumed to be valid, unless the contrary is proven.
In short, if a Catholic who has been married and divorced wants to enter into a valid Church marriage, an annulment is needed.
For more information, please contact the Office to schedule am appointment with the clergy. 808-623-3332