Beginning a Marriage Annulment

Part IV. Additional information. Here's where it gets really detailed. You have to tell about your and your ex-spouse's education and work history and any military experience. Then on to your and your ex-spouses dating and engagement history. Tell about the children you had, if any. Describe major marital difficulties and the final break-up.

The questions about the dating and engagement history aren't just about this relationship, but all relationships you have ever had. Its a bit much for a middle-aged person to deal with, especially the questions about "going steady." I haven't used that term in years. Does anybody?

Do you ever get the urge to turn the tables and ask priests all these questions? I do. Like, "Prior to becoming a priest, how many persons were you sexually involved with?" or "Have you ever been unfaithful to your vows of celibacy?" I'd never do this, but I do think about it. It is aggravating that Church officials can grill you about your life and judge you without you having any reciprocity.

Part V. Tell about any other marriages you or your ex-spouse had and if you are re-married, tell about your new marriage.

Attachments A baptismal certificate, marriage certificate, and final divorce decree.

Here's where I get mad. I was never issued a baptismal certificate and the letter I had from the minister who did my baptism was lost by a priest. So getting a baptismal certificate is going to be a bit of trouble for me. Oh well, I'll just do the best I can and keep records of my efforts to obtain documentation that I am a baptised person.

Conclusion and Encouragement

If you are not caught up on going to confession, filling out this form can be a "outline" and a reminder for you to use to go and get that sacrament over with. You'll feel better if you do!

The initial form doesn't have a lot of room for answers. They want short answers and will ask for more information or explanation later, if it is needed.

Remember, you are not alone. Thousands of persons are going through this process. Ask if your parish or diocese has a support group. If not, look into starting one.

And remember you are not the only person not having fun. We can all imagine some of the grouchy and rude people the diocesan staff has to deal with. I would think that those employees dealing with annulments

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