Dear Parishioners,
On June 22, I celebrated the funeral Mass for Abbondanza Andaloro, who (gratefully) went by “Nancy.” She had 5 children, 4 of which were born in Italy. They came here from Sicily in 1972 in order that the children might have a better life. She was always thinking about what was best for them. Nancy was very active and enjoyed cooking, music, singing, gardening, and especially watching her 6 grandchildren. She had a devotion to 2 Italian saints, St. Padre Pio & St. Anthony of Padua. May she be one with them now in singing the praises of God.
I will be away this weekend while a missionary priest is here to remind us of our need to support those Christians outside of our own local area. Please welcome him and thank him as you always show hospitality to visiting clergy.
I thought I would use the rest of this space provide information about annulments which is taken from the website of the Tribunal here in the Diocese of Cleveland.
Common Questions Regarding Divorce and Remarriage in the Catholic Church
What is the teaching of the Catholic Church on marriage? Marriage is a covenant by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life directed toward the good of both spouses and the procreation and education of children. Marriage is distinguished by its indissolubility and by the fidelity of the spouses.
Is a divorced Catholic permitted to receive the sacraments? If otherwise properly disposed, being divorced does not, in and of itself, prevent a person from receiving the Eucharist and the other sacraments. A divorced person is fully and completely a member of the Church.
Does that mean a divorced Catholic remarried outside the church may receive communion? No. A Catholic who attempts remarriage without a declaration of invalidity (“annulment”) for a prior marriage may not receive Communion since the reception of Communion is a public statement that one adheres to the life and practice of the Church. Remarriage while the bond of the previous marriage remains is contrary to the lifelong nature of marriage.
How much does this process cost? Nothing. The Diocese of Cleveland charges no fees for any case. The operation of the Tribunal is funded by the offerings of the lay faithful of the Diocese.
Does a declaration of invalidity affect the legitimacy of my children? No. Church law states that the status of children is not affected. Furthermore, the result of the decision has no civil effects in the United States. Must the tribunal contact my divorced spouse? Yes. Your divorced spouse has the right to be informed of the petition and to participate if he or she chooses. If your divorced spouse is impossible to locate or refuses to reply, the Tribunal can still proceed with the case.
How do I start a case? Make an appointment with a trained Case Specialist at a parish of your choice. You can obtain a referral to a Case Specialist by calling the Tribunal; by contacting your local parish; or by visiting www.dioceseofcleveland.org/offices/tribunal.