Canon Law ordinarily requires that Catholics marry before a priest or deacon. Unless they received a dispensation from this requirement (canonical form), Catholics who exchange vows in the presence of a non-Catholic minister or a civil official are not considered validly married in the eyes of the Catholic Church. Regardless of what happened in the past, the Church invites these Catholics to enrich their lives by embracing the vocation of marriage with the Church.
In the Catholic tradition, the vows exchanged by a couple are a sacred pact through which spouses embrace one another and together embrace Christ. For two baptized Christians, the pact is sacramental which bestows divine graces to strengthen a couple in living the duties and obligations of marriage. Social scientists are finding that couples who recognize God’s presence in their relationship experience greater satisfaction and are more likely to achieve a life-long marriage. Pope Francis told newly married couples: “It is the presence of the Lord and the gift of his grace that will render your marriage full and profoundly true.”
In the simplest terms, if a Catholic wishes to marry in the Church when there has been a prior marriage for either party, the partner of the prior union must have died or the Church must have issued a decree of nullity. The Church views all true marriages with respect and presumes their validity, even those entered into by non-Catholics. Consequently a study of the marriage by a diocesan tribunal is required to establish that an essential ingredient in the marriage was missing at the start of the prior marriage. The process is different (and simpler) if the prior marriage took place outside the church. If the prior marriage took place in the church, a formal case is required.
Make an appointment to meet with your parish priest or deacon. A few documents must be obtained and a questionnaire must be completed. A few formational sessions are required. In the case of a prior marriage, a decree of nullity must first be issued by the diocesan tribunal. Afterward a date and time for the convalidation may be set. Celebrate the Sacrament of Penance and become actively involved in your parish community.