• Living Your Marriage As A Sacrament - Getting Your Marriage Convalidated in the Catholic Church 
  What does the Convalidation of a marriage mean?
   

  For various reasons, Catholics may find themselves in a civil marriage, in a marriage that took place before a non-Catholic minister without the knowledge or permission of the Catholic Church or in a common-law marriage.  In time, some seek to have their marriages approved or “blessed” by the Catholic Church. When this can be accomplished, the ceremony that constitutes the marriage as a true sacramental union is called a "convalidation."  A convalidation involves the willingness of both husband and wife to make a new act of the will to enter into a valid Catholic marriage.  Because of the number of variables involved in convalidation situations, such as possible previous marriages to other parties, the length of time married civilly, and the reasons which led to the choice to marry outside of the church the first time, each convalidation case is unique.  Please contact Marcela Solis , Adult and Family Ministry Assistant Director, to discuss your particular situation.  Marcela also will provide you with information about what documents need to be gathered prior to convalidating your current marriage.  If either party has a previous marriage, Marcela also will provide some information about the annulment process and, if you wish, help you get started.
  
  
  For more information, see here or contact Marcela Solis , Adult and Family Ministry Assistant Director.