Annulment process explained at workshops

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
May 31, 2007

Three parishes in the Diocese of Sioux City recently hosted informational meetings about annulments.

The Office of Adult and Family Ministries along with the Office of the Tribunal for the Diocese of Sioux City sponsored the three workshops.

Father Michael Erpelding, a member of the Tribunal and pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Sioux City, presented information about annulments and answered questions.

"The main goal was to be available for people to ask questions and feel comfortable with the process," said Father Erpelding.

The workshops were held March 26 at Corpus Christi in Fort Dodge; April 23 at St. Mary School in Storm Lake; and May 21 at St. Joseph Church in the former convent in Sioux City.

According to Vera Ludwig, coordinator of family programs for the diocese, there were more people who attended at each site than were registered.

"Some people came because they wanted to know for themselves. Other people came because they wanted to know for a friend or family member," said Ludwig. She added that one man attended to broaden his own understanding of the process because people had asked him questions about it.

Father Erpelding talked about Canon Law and the theological reasons for obtaining an annulment.

"The meetings were wonderful," said Father Erpelding. "The people who attended asked very good questions."

The priest mentioned that attendees asked questions about their particular circumstances and whether it would be beneficial for them to "submit a petition for the investigation of their former marriage."

"They asked questions about how the former spouse would be contacted and what information they could and could not have," said Father Erpelding. "They asked about the role of witnesses."

He added that people also asked about the length of time an annulment takes and how much it costs.

"There were questions about whether or not they could receive Communion," said Father Erpelding. "Your divorce does not mean that you may not receive Communion, but the fact that you enter into a marriage that is not legal in the Catholic Church causes restrictions upon people receiving the sacraments."

The priest pointed out that some people are concerned that an annulment takes too long.

"I think it (the workshop) dispels a lot of rumors and misinformation that are out in the public," said Father Erpelding. "I think it allows people to find a comfort level in applying for an annulment, if it is appropriate for them. It gave me a chance to present the compassion of the Catholic Church in a difficult situation."

The attendees were provided with information about whom to contact to get the annulment process started.

"It went very well," said Ludwig. "Father Michael did an awesome job of sharing the information and also giving people time to ask their questions, either in the large group or if they wanted to stay later and talk to him one on one. He is also open for them to contact him."

She hopes the attendees gained "a greater understanding of the fact that even though someone might have a civil divorce, they are still welcome in the church. The church wants and needs them."

"Hopefully healing came from it for those who are in the process," said Ludwig.