Explore the meaning of annulment to Catholics and the Church! This valuable book examines the use of annulment by the Catholic Church to grant divorced Catholics the right to remarry within the Church. Divorce, Annulments, and the Catholic Church: Healing or Hurtful? is the first published study on annulments with wide-scale usage of questionnaires and interviews comparing Catholics who have sought an annulment with divorced Catholics who have not sought an annulment as well as married Catholics. In addition to delivering a quantitative analysis of the responses to various questions (religious, social, or psychological), it explains in lay terms what annulments are and what the acceptable grounds are for annulment and takes you step-by-step through the process of obtaining one. This insightful book also contains case studies of individuals who have been hurt by annulments and offers suggestions on how people who want to contest an annulment should proceed. This well-referenced book: explores the factors that lead to divorce provides a theoretical perspective as to why people either support or oppose annulments examines the religious influence on divorce and remarriage discusses the social integration-related aspects of annulment and divorce for Catholics presents recommendations for petitioners, respondents, clerics, and the members of tribunals who act as advocates, defenders, and judges Divorce, Annulments, and the Catholic Church is an invaluable reference work for counselors dealing with the issue of divorce for Catholics, non-Catholics whose former spouses are seeking annulments, divorced Catholics who are contemplating an annulment, members of the clergy, and members of marriage tribunals and Family Life groups.

Few topics in the Catholic Church are more misunderstood than annulments. In Annulments & the Catholic Church, canon and civil lawyer Edward N. Peters answers common questions on annulments including: ● How is an annulment different from a divorce? ● Are there too many annulments granted today? ● Does the length of a marriage affect an annulment case? ● How do people begin the annulment process? ● Does a wedding between a Catholic and a non-Catholic require an annulment? ● Is alcoholism or physical abuse grounds for an annulment? Many questions abound regarding annulments, which unfortunately touch the lives of many in the Church. Annulments & the Catholic Church provides concise answers from an expert on this difficult and misunderstood topic.

Many people believe that the Roman Catholic Church's teaching on marriage is clear and consistent: marriage is a sacrament, the marriage contract is indissoluble, divorce and remarriage are forbidden. In this book, theologians, historians, and sociologists overhaul the church's teaching and practice on divorce and remarriage, as well as personal testimonies from a number of persons who have gone through the annulment process.

The revised second edition of the award-winning The RCIA: Transforming the Church incorporates new insights in liturgical catechesis and ritual celebration that have emerged since the original edition. The changed format includes an expanded commentary on each of the periods of the rite, expanded sections, all-new sections, practical guidelines, and suggestions for using the rite with children.Again divided into three parts, this resource first looks at foundational issues for implementing the rite, including underlying theological issues and ministries in initiation. The second section looks at each stage in the rite following a four-step process. The third section examines pastoral issues such as annulments, ecumenical sensitivity, discerning valid baptism, etc.

A readable and accurate account of the beginnings of the Anglican Church in America at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607, to the establishment of the Protestant Church in America after the War of Independence to the present day. All who are insterested in Americn church history and in the influence of the Espicopal Church on American history will find Holmes' book most enlightening.

A comparative introduction for students on the national laws governing religion in Europe, this book examines national laws, particularly as they affect the attitudes of states towards religion, religious freedom and discrimination, and the legal position and autonomy of religious organizations.

Who are American Catholics and what do they believe and practice? What is distinctive about the expression of Catholicism in America and how have Catholics influenced and been influenced by American culture and society? What different types of Catholics make up the church today? Chester Gillis offers a cogent survey of U.S. Catholic history, emphasizing the post–Vatican II era, and goes on to explore the various roles and missions of the church in education, health care, charity, and more. One of the themes running through the narrative is the persistent tension between Rome and the American church, which is shaped by a thoroughly modern, dynamic, and secular culture. Also discussed is the changing role of authority and how Catholic notions of authority have changed over the past forty years and why.

American Catholics in Transition reports on five surveys carried out at six year intervals over a period of 25 years, from 1987 to 2011. The surveys are national probability samples of American Catholics, age 18 and older, now including four generations of Catholics. Over these twenty five years, the authors have found significant changes in Catholics’ attitudes and behavior as well as many enduring trends in the explanation of Catholic identity. Generational change helps explain many of the differences. Many millennial Catholics continue to remain committed to and active in the Church, but there are some interesting patterns of difference within this generation. Hispanic Catholics are more likely than their non-Hispanic peers to emphasize social justice issues such as immigration reform and concern for the poor; and while Hispanic millennial women are the most committed to the Church, non-Hispanic millennial women are the least committed to Catholicism. In this fifth book in the series, the authors expand on the topics that were introduced in the first four editions. The authors are able to point to dramatic changes in and across generations and gender, especially regarding Catholic identity, commitment, parish life, and church authority. William V. D’Antonio, Michele Dillon, and Mary L. Gautier provide timely information pertaining to Catholics’ views regarding current pressing issues in the Church, such as the priest shortage and alternative liturgical arrangements and same-sex marriage. The authors, also, provides the first full portrayal of how the growing numbers of Hispanic Catholics in the U.S. are changing the Church.

One in four Americans is Roman Catholic, and the beliefs, practices, structures, and loyalties of this large faith community are important to the political, social, and religious life of America. This book explores the dynamic and sometimes difficult rela

Born in Indiana, Dr. Edward J. Clemmer is a social psychologist by profession. He now lives with his Maltese wife, Jane Zammit, and enjoys dual citizenship with Malta. His four sons by a previous marriage continue to live in America. His personal journey with the Lord into this Gospel (on the Road to) Emmaus began in a moment of grace on 12th September 2003, as Ed was on his way to the priest. The context for this initiation was the Feast of Exultation of Holy Cross (14th September), as the source of every grace is derived from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The gospel is explained for us as the author and reader journey with the Lord as potential disciples. Our journey begins at Bethany near the Jordan with John the Baptist preaching and baptizing. Part 1 continues up to the Transfiguration of Jesus. Volume One reaches its climax before the Lords final journey to Jerusalem, when Jesus returns to Bethany where the Baptist had preached. Volume Two resumes with the Lords healing and preaching at Bethany near the Jordan. Part 2 concludes in Bethany near Jerusalem with the Lords dinner celebration with Lazarus, after Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. This celebration anticipates the Lords death and resurrection, and ours in Christ. Part 3 takes up the Grand Liturgy of the Lords New Creation, with Holy Week. The book initially concludes with a retrospective of the incarnation, of Jesus as God-with-us, and with the parallel coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. Then, in the Part 4 conclusion of this gospel, our post-Emmaus journey with the risen Lord returns to our post-Pentecost life in the Holy Spirit. The authors seven-year personal journey through this Gospel Emmaus ends in 2010 with the Feast of Sukkot, just as when the Lord also had anticipated the Holy Spirit. But the Lord provides us with his own conclusion: although he had healed ten lepers as they were on their way to the priest, only one had returned to give thanks.