Annulments

"Annulment" is an unfortunate word that is sometimes used to
refer to a Catholic “declaration of nullity.” Nothing is made null through the process. Rather, a Church tribunal (a Catholic Church court) declares that a marriage thought to be valid according to Church law actually fell short of at least one of the essential
elements required for a binding union.

Office of Marriage Tribunal - Diocese of Sioux Falls

The Marriage Tribunal is the judicial arm of the Bishop of Sioux Falls. It renders decisions to persons alleging invalidity of a previous marriage(s), based on the law of the Catholic Church. 

 

Even though a divorced person remains in full communion with the Church and, if free from serious sin, can receive Holy Communion, common pastoral advise is for one to first take advantage of the healing graces of the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation)(Confession).

 

If you or someone you know would appreciate learning more about how petitioning for an annulment can often became an experience of closure and healing, please contact the parish office and ask to meet with one of our priests or deacons. One can only petition for an annulment but, granted or not, the process always moves us forward with life and into a future full of hope.  

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