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 Archdiocese of Portland’s Marriage Tribunal. 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.