While carefully protecting Jesus’ teaching of the sacredness of marriage, the Church also is obligated to provide justice for anyone whose marriage has failed when it can be shown with moral certainty that the marriage lacked from its onset some essential element for a true sacramental bond.Catholic Update, St. Anthony Messenger Press
Annulments in the Year of Mercy
Pope Francis has announced the Jubilee Year of Mercy which directs us to simplify strict and rigid rules and practices regarding annulments in order to bring us more meaningfully into the Church.
With over 6 million divorced Catholics in the United States, this represents a searing experience of personal tragedy for these 6 million people. Many are wounded further by feeling cut off from the Church when they so desperately need her.
The Church has new insights into interpersonal relationships which may affect the validity of a marriage which appears by all outward signs to be valid, even by the parties.
Tribunal Advocates Assist with the Process
Leah Walker and Bill White recently completed Tribunal Advocate training and are available to anyone who has questions about annulments, whether your are asking for yourself or someone you are concerned about.
Both Bill and Leah are active in ministry life at Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Bill serves as the lead for the Social Justice Ministry. Bill will be working with parishioners in general.
Leah will focus on members and former members of RCIA and ReMembering Church— ministries she has been deeply connected with for many years thorugh her service. Leah also serves as the ministry lead for Arts & Environment.
The Tribunal Advocates are ready to discuss or meet with you at a convenient time and place.
The Faith Community Works Together
Let us all work together to bring justice to our fellow men and women and bring them into the Sacramental fullness of the Church.
Visit Annulments for additional resources from The USCCB, The National Catholic Register, and the Seattle Archdiocese.
