In the Catholic Church, a declaration of nullity — commonly called an annulment — is a finding by a Church tribunal that a particular marriage, though presumed valid, was in fact never a binding sacramental union from the day the vows were exchanged.
It is not a “Catholic divorce.” It does not dissolve a valid marriage, it does not deny that a real relationship existed, and it has no bearing on the legitimacy of children. Because the Church presumes every marriage to be valid, a person who has been divorced — whether hoping one day to marry in the Church or simply seeking clarity and peace — may ask the tribunal to examine whether the essential elements of a valid marriage were truly present from the beginning.
The process is careful, confidential, and pastoral, and for many it becomes a path of real healing.
Beginning the Process
The process begins here at the parish. If you are considering an annulment, or simply have questions, please reach out — Fr. Timothy and the parish office will walk with you through the first steps and the paperwork for the Metropolitan Tribunal, the Archdiocese of Portland’s canonical court within its Department of Canonical Services. And if you are a parishioner of St. Patrick’s, Fr. Timothy is a trained Advocate-Procurator — much like a paralegal for the Church’s tribunal — and would be more than happy to assist and accompany you throughout your journey.
Schedule an Advocate-Procurator Meeting →
Called to serve the Church through canon law? The Department of Canonical Services directs the Saint Raymond Fellowship, which funds and forms lay leaders for canonical service in partnership with The Catholic University of America.