Expert: Tom Schott - 4/22/2010

Question
Dear Expert,

I have been seeing a woman for some time now. She is of the catholic faith and I truely do love her.  She was married in a catholic church and has a child.  I'm not an atheist and believe in god, however I don't have a faith I follow.  I attend various mass's of various faiths.  

I have been attending catholic mass's for some months now as it is her religion and I believe in the faith too.  My real question is, can I marry her in a catholic church as she has already been married previously in the church.  What happens to her as she has a child, is this just a recipe for hell?

My concern is her wellbeing and faith an as I don. Have a vast understanding of catholic marriage I resorted to someone who hopefully knows.

I have read many articles but nothing that gives me a definitive answer.

Thankyou in advance.

Answer
David,

There is absolutely no "recipe for hell" involved here. The Catholic woman you intend to marry must have her first marriage annulled by the Church. This is an ecclesiastical procedure that has nothing to do with you. After her first marriage has been annulled, you are free to marry her in the Church. The annulment process also has no effect on her child. Don't worry about it. She should go talk to the pastor of her parish about this.