If you and your spouse had a civil marriage and would now like to marry in the Catholic Church, you have the option of Convalidation.
What is Convalidation in the Catholic Church?
A Convalidation is the process of bringing a Civil Marriage into the Catholic Church. For Catholics whose marriage took place outside of the Catholic Church, this process allows you and your civil spouse to receive the Sacrament of Marriage together.
How Can I Get Convalidated in the Catholic Church?
Couples seeking a Convalidation must complete paperwork to verify that they are free to marry in the Church. This paperwork applies to all couples, both engaged and civilly married. Couples will also prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage itself.
What is the Importance of Convalidation?
By receiving the Sacrament of Marriage, you will be receiving God’s acceptance of your marriage, along with special graces from Him to strengthen your marriage and your love for each other.
Can I Still Receive a Convalidation if My Spouse is Not Catholic?
Yes, but only if your spouse agrees. As with all marriages in the Catholic Church, the Catholic spouse needs to understand that he/she should stay true to the Catholic faith. Also, both the Catholic spouse and the non-Catholic spouse should agree to raise any children Catholic.
I’ve been married before. Can I have my current marriage Convalidated?
If you or your spouse has had a previous marriage, you will need to petition for an annulment from the Catholic Church. (This applies to all previous marriages – Catholic or not.) St. Mary Parish has an Annulment Advocate to make this process as easy as possible!
How do I begin the Convalidation Process?
Just contact the Parish Office! We’re excited to begin working with you and your civil spouse to help you receive the Sacrament of Marriage!
An Example of Convalidation
Dale and Araceli Shaughnessy were civilly married but became interested in joining the Catholic Church. They Convalidated their Marriage at St. Mary Church and called the process very straightforward. “Convalidating your Marriage is a huge blessing and a beautiful experience,” they said.
“The overall process of going through the Convalidation was very straightforward. All [St. Mary] staff were very helpful and supportive…Our suggested tips would be to approach this with an open heart. Discuss everything together first.”
Watch Dale and Araceli discuss their Catholic reversion:
The Mokena Marian 