Whether the Catholic Church recognizes your marriage depends on several factors. Here's a breakdown:
Key Considerations:
* Were you Catholic at the time of the marriage? This is the most crucial factor.
* Did you obtain permission (a dispensation) from the Catholic Church to marry outside the Church?
* Was the deacon delegated by the bishop to be the official witness to your marriage?
* Did you and your spouse exchange valid consent during the marriage ceremony?
Scenarios and Outcomes:
1. You were Catholic and did NOT obtain a dispensation:
* Generally, the Catholic Church would *not* recognize your marriage as valid. This is because Catholics are bound by what's called "canonical form" for marriage. Canonical form requires that Catholics marry before a priest or deacon authorized by the bishop to be a witness, and two other witnesses. Without a dispensation from canonical form, a Catholic who attempts marriage outside the Church (e.g., before a justice of the peace, in a non-Catholic religious ceremony, or with only a deacon without proper delegation) is considered by the Church to have entered into an *invalid* marriage.
2. You were Catholic and DID obtain a dispensation from canonical form:
* The Catholic Church *may* recognize your marriage as valid. If you received a proper dispensation from the requirement of canonical form from the bishop or his delegate, your marriage, as long as you exchanged valid consent, would be considered valid in the eyes of the Church. The dispensation would have specified the conditions under which the marriage could occur validly outside the Church.
3. You were NOT Catholic at the time of the marriage:
* The Catholic Church *likely* recognizes your marriage as valid, *provided* that there were no impediments to your entering into marriage (e.g., a prior valid marriage, you were not under age, your consent was free and informed, etc.). When two non-Catholics marry, the Church presumes the marriage is valid (called the "favor of law"). The requirement of canonical form doesn't apply to non-Catholics.
* HOWEVER: If one of you subsequently becomes Catholic, and you wish to fully integrate your marriage into the Catholic Church (e.g., to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony), you might still need to have the marriage "blessed" (a process called "convalidation") by the Church. This is primarily for sacramental reasons.
4. Witnessed by deacon:
* A deacon does not have the authority to act on his own to witness a marriage. He must be specifically delegated by the bishop (or a priest delegated by the bishop) to be the official church witness to the marriage, within a particular territory. So, a deacon simply being *present* at your wedding does not automatically make it valid in the eyes of the Church.
* Even if a deacon was present, it doesn't automatically validate the marriage in the eyes of the Catholic Church.
Important Steps to Take:
1. Contact your local Catholic parish: The best course of action is to speak with a priest or deacon at your local Catholic parish. They can ask you the necessary questions to determine the status of your marriage in the eyes of the Church.
2. Gather documentation: Be prepared to provide information such as:
* Your baptismal certificates (if applicable).
* The date and location of your marriage.
* The name of the deacon who witnessed the marriage.
* Any documentation related to a dispensation, if you obtained one.
3. Be honest and open: The priest or deacon will guide you through the process and explain your options.
In Summary:
The validity of your marriage in the eyes of the Catholic Church is a complex issue that depends on the specific circumstances. Contacting your local Catholic parish is the best way to get accurate information and guidance. The priest or deacon will be able to assess your situation and explain your options.