The Catholic Churches of Lake and Geauga Counties

Ministry for the Divorced and Separated presents:

 “QUICK-START"

The Annulment Process

St. John Vianney Church

7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor

Thursday, March 4, 2010 – 7:00-9:00 PM

The Tribunal of the Diocese of Cleveland will be presenting the Quick Start Program at St. John Vianney Church, Mentor, at 7:00 p.m on Thursday, March 4th. This user-friendly program has successfully provided individuals with a simplified method for the initial presentation of a case to the Tribunal.  The program consists of two sessions.  The first meeting, on March 4th, will be a general overview of marriage as understood by the Catholic Church and an explanation of the Tribunal process.  This meeting is also open to anyone who would be interested in deepening his/her knowledge of marriage in the Catholic Church and the annulment process.  Individuals who would like to submit a case to the Tribunal using the Quick Start Program will be given the appropriate materials at the conclusion of the meeting.  For those individuals desiring to present a case, the second meeting, also at St. John Vianney, on Thursday, March 25th, will be an individual meeting, by appointment only, for the purpose of presenting the completed materials.  If you have questions, please call Lynette Tait at the Tribunal, 800-869-6525, ext. 4000.

What is the purpose of this workshop?

• To educate individuals regarding the understanding and requirements for a valid marriage as recognized by the Catholic Church.
• To educate individuals regarding the annulment process, including the various situations under which this may be necessary.
• To help those individuals who currently may not be in a valid marriage begin the process necessary to annul a prior marriage, if necessary, and work toward validation of marriage within the Catholic Church.

What consequences affect someone who is not in a valid marriage?

• A person not in a valid marriage may not receive the sacraments of the Church (i.e. may not receive communion)
• A person not in a valid marriage may not act as a sponsor for baptism or confirmation (i.e. may not be a godparent)

Who should attend this workshop?

• Anyone interested in learning more about these topics.
• Those who believe they may not be in a valid marriage and wish to explore the process of working towards establishing a valid marriage in the Church.

Please Note:    

This workshop is meant to be informative, nonjudgmental, and is offered as a way to reach out to those whose marriage, for whatever reason or circumstances, may not be valid in the Church.  Even if it has been many years, all are invited and encouraged to attend and, hopefully, begin the process of re-establishing full communion within the sacramental life of the Church. To help us plan for the evening, please call Karen at 440-352-8282 or email kjubeck@st-gabriel.org to register or for further information.