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At a parish that recently welcomed several adults into full communion with the Catholic Church, questions have arisen regarding the status of their marriages. When individuals enter the Catholic Church, their existing marriage vows typically remain valid without requiring any additional ceremonies or blessings from the church.
According to Canon Law, “the marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of their whole life... has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament” (Canon 1055, 1). This means that a marriage is recognized as valid if it aligns with the Catholic understanding of marriage as a permanent, faithful union aimed at family life.
For those whose marriages predate their conversion to Catholicism, there are distinctions based on baptismal status. A "natural marriage" occurs between non-baptized individuals or when one party is not baptized. Such marriages are presumed valid unless proven otherwise. If both spouses are baptized after marrying, their union becomes sacramental upon baptism (Canon 1055, 2), providing additional grace but not altering its validity.
Non-Catholics are not bound by canonical form requirements for marriage validity; thus, even secular ceremonies can be recognized if they align with basic marital principles. For example, two Protestants married in their church would be considered validly married upon converting to Catholicism.
Complications may arise for those in unions deemed invalid under church law. For instance, divorced and remarried individuals may need to consult with local marriage tribunals before joining the church fully. These issues are generally addressed during catechumen preparation.
Jenna Marie Cooper, who writes for OSV News and holds expertise in canon law as well as being a consecrated virgin and canonist, provides insights into these matters. Questions can be directed to her column via email at CatholicQA@osv.com.
"Question Corner" Marriage
