CatholicView:
When I was 23 I got married, we were both young and I felt pressured to get married. The day of the wedding (a justice of the peace in a park) I wanted to run away but felt like I had to go through with it. The marriage was horrible from the beginning, he did drugs and was never really home, I was miserable and felt like I was stuck in a situation I didn’t want with a person who I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life with. We had one child together. After the baby was born things got worse, I loved our child but I dreaded him coming home. It came to the point wit the drug use and taking money that I needed for feeding the baby that I said enough was enough and got a divorce. Since the divorce he has signed away all parental rights to the child and I have remarried. 10 years later my husband has adopted my child and we have two more of our own. We are exploring our faith and my husband and I are both interested in joining the Catholic Church. However, because of my divorce I am afraid I will not be accepted and my husband has put everything in his journey on hold because of me. I am deeply saddened by all of this and wondering what I should/could do? Is there no place for me in the Church because of a mistake I made when I was very young, and had no real idea what I was getting into. Or is here a chance?
Sincerely, Jenny
Jenny:
I am so sorry to hear that you felt pressured to get married. The sad part is, you allowed yourself to marry a man who used drugs. He was not the man you needed. However, because of this marriage, you had a beautiful baby that you love; but your husband still used drugs and family money the baby and you needed. Sadly,you finally had to get a divorce.
I am happy to say that you now have a special new husband who cares about your young baby girl. And you both are happy also because of your two new children.
I am happy that you and your new husband want to speak to the Parish Priest at the Church. Don’t be afraid to do so. I am sure you will be able to move forward with this. Tell him your situation. The Priest will talk to you about joining. When you and your husband talk to the priest, explain to him that both of you want to become members of the Catholic Church. Speak about what happened during your first marriage. Again, don’t be afraid
I will pray for you and your husband. May the Lord bless you and family, Know that God will watch over you and give you the strength to keep moving. You are in my prayers.
Please speak to the Priest at the Church. I am sure you will be able to move forward with this. The Priest will talk to you about joining. Don’t be afraid to talk to the Priest. He will understand. Tell him that both of you want to become members of the Catholic Church. Explain about what happened during your first marriage. Don’t be afraid. God, Who knows all things, will strengthen you and your husband during this time.
I will pray for you and your husband. May the Lord bless your wonderful family. Know that God will watch over you and give you the strength to keep you strong. You are in my prayers.
A Catholic View Staff
