There is a common misconception by both Catholics and non-Catholics alike that an annulment is a Catholic divorce.  That is not the case.  An annulment is a decree of nullity, which simply means that the marriage did not sacramentally take place.  There was a grave matter or matters which took place prior to the profession of the marriage vows.  These grave matters inhibited the marriage from being considered sacramental.  However, the marriage is still considered legal.

​Because a couple must obtain a valid marriage license from the state in which they are getting married to make this union legal in the eyes of the state, they are considered legally married.  Therefore, any children created from this marriage are perfectly legitimate.  If an annulment is obtained, that does not create illegitimate children from that union.

​The best thing to do is to counsel with the Tribunal Office at the Catholic Diocese to obtain all of the rules and regulations regarding annulments, so there won't be any confusion. 

​
​

Why me?  When something bad happens to us, don't we always resort to this question?  What if we turn that around and ask God the same thing when something good happens?  Why am I the one who got the first place ribbon in the contest?  Why was I chosen to receive that scholarship, versus someone else?  Why do I have abundant blessings when others around me seem to have less?  ​It's a mystery.  

I think we can all agree that no one likes suffering.  It stinks!  But it is a necessary part of this life.  Why?  Because our Savior, Jesus Christ suffered.  He suffered for us and opened those gates of heaven so we could be saved.  Why then aren't we willing to suffer too? 

​If we can think of suffering as a privilege instead of a curse, we can make it a joyful experience.  The privilege is being like Christ.  When we endure pain and suffering, we can make a free will act of offering that suffering up to God in an act of love for someone else or even for our own salvation.  We can attain grace through that act and apply it, with God's blessing, to the salvation of another soul. 

​God is so great about including us in His saving power.  He doesn't need our help in saving souls, but He gives us the opportunity to cleanse our own souls by being selfless and offering our sufferings for someone else.  It's a gift.  It's a grace.  It's love and that is what this life is all about...LOVE. 

​So the next time you want to say, "Why me?" just remember that this is your opportunity to pick up your cross, like Jesus, and carry it with joy.  Don't forget to offer that suffering up for the salvation of someone else and you will receive abundant grace in the process.

God is so wonderful in the way that He communicates with us.  He can speak to us through Scripture, through commercials on the radio or television, through nature and especially through other people.  But I think one of the coolest ways He uses to reach down to us from heaven is through miracles.   In my latest video (#6) on relics and sacramentals, I describe how God uses these items to show His magnificent power, increase our faith and enhance devotion to the saints. 

​A sacramental that I hold very dear is a rosary that turned gold for me at an apparition site many years ago.  It was originally silver in color and after I touched it to a 3rd class relic (which was a piece of carpet which the Blessed Virgin Mary had touched), my rosary turned gold!  I know some may scoff at this, but it is absolutely true and it is one of my most prized possessions.  It proves to me how God reached down from heaven and communicated with me on that day.  It's like He was saying, "I see you and I love you!"

​I am so grateful we have a magnificent Father, Son and Holy Spirit who continually reach out to us and show us how much we are loved.
​