I’m angrier than a certain Albany-based blogger who can’t find a place that makes daiquiris in Albany over this next story, gentle reader. As many of my readers know, I’m Catholic. When I joined through the RCIA program, I was told that I’d have to get my first marriage annulled before I could be baptized and confirmed. Thankfully, the diocese backed down from that requirement.
I’ve been pretty active since joining. I’ve served as a lector, an altar server and a sacristan. But now, I want to become a eucharistic minister, someone who helps serve Communion. But guess what? I must get my first marriage annulled before I can train to be one.
My first marriage, by the way, ended on January 19, 2000. Twenty-four years ago! But now, I have to jump through hoops given all the time that has passed by. Let me first say that I understand that there are rules and that there are reasons for those rules. But it’s just frustrating.
Now, I have to come up with statements from two people to whom I talked to about the marriage. Right now, that’s going to be my mother and second wife. They’re really looking for statements from witnesses to the wedding, a ceremony that took place in my Mormon bishop’s living room on July 17, 1999.
All the witnesses are dead. The former bishop and his wife are both deceased as are the two witnesses, required by New Jersey state law. So, then, statements are all I can use. If for some reason I can’t get the statements in, I can never be a EM and that would suck.
I don’t know how long it’s going to take to resolve it, but until it is resolved, all I can do is deliver the readings during Mass and help set up for Mass. It’s disappointing and a little frustrating. But the tribunal people have been super polite and helpful. Now, I admit that I didn’t realize how rigid the Catholic Church’s rules are, but I can roll with the punches.
Here’s hoping that I get it resolved sometime this year.