Expert: Fr. Michael - 7/23/2009

Question
my finance and I are both of the catholic faith and want to get married in the catholic church,but I was married before in city hall. I spoke to the priest in my parish and he said as long as it was not a marriage in the church or any Christian church I would be find. I would like to if this is correct because, according to my priest the catholic church do not consider city hall marriages to be sacred?

Answer
Traditionally, by marrying before a civil official, you have excommunicated yourself from the Church by your public action.  You need to address this much more serious question before any consideration of marriage can occur.  The internet is not an appropriate venue for such questions.  You need do take up all aspects of this matter personally and privately with a traditional priest.  There is a geographic list at www.traditio.com/nat.htm.