Day 222: Matrimonial Consent - The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) 

Hello All: I am a convert, 2 years into my chosen and loved Catholic faith. I was married and divorced years prior. I have not applied for annulment but see that I should. A lot of pain will need to be faced. A lot of sin claimed by me. And I need to do this-in my own strength, clearly have not yet. Im in my late 50s. This grieves me even deeper, now. Please pray for me to follow Christ and His will about this. Thank you, and may God bless each of you.

I love how Father has the couple pray before the tabernacle . A sacrament of service, saying 'Yes' to your spouose but to the church too. I love it!!

I listen every day. I am still learning at age 81!

Yes being married is the hardest job there is where two entirely different people stays in one roof trying to get along for the rest of their lives. With God as the center of every marriage nothing is impossible. It is a responsibility of every married couple to bring each other to heaven. So pray for each other husbands and wives. Thank you Fr Mike for always praying for holy marriages in your Sunday mass and singing Salve Regina at the end of the mass. To God be the glory.

I had my first marriage annulled and it was approved. I was married for 4.5 years and it was a very horrible, hurtful time and when I finally got it annulled, that also hurt because the declaration said the marriage did not happen. But I did marry again for all the right reasons and we stayed together until he died 12 years ago. We were married for 29 years and were blessed by God Himself. Now my life belongs only to God for the rest of this life and in the next.

August 10, 2023 If you ever feel alone or need guidance consider Saint Faustina’s Diary and EWTN Mother Angelica’s Classics. Oh my goodness so much life guidance in conjunction with Father Mike’s Bible and Catechism in a Year!

My nullify was such a hard process for me, answering the questions, reliving the pain. It took me a long time. My priest, my Mother, a family fried who was a Msgr, kept prodding me very caring, to complete it. I remember the evening I carried the 'packets to my priest and told him it was complete. It was a huge weight lifted, it was over, I knew that what I had done was right for myself and my children. I completely forgot about it and was honestly surprised when many months later (dont remember how long) I received my Decree of Nullity. What a gift the process is if done with the right people!

Matrimonial consent is given when a man and a woman manifest the will to give themselves to each other irrevocably in order to live a covenant of faithful and fruitful love. Since consent constitutes matrimony, it is indispensable and irreplaceable. For a valid marriage, the consent must have as its object true matrimony and be a human act which is conscious and free and not determined by duress or coercion

Fr. Mike I went through the annulment process 30 years ago. I was married at the age of 30 years old. It was a mixed marriage Catholic/ Jewish. I thought it would work... I said to myself, " I'll never be one of "THOSE" divorced couples. I went into the marriage with fear. We were counseled by our priest not to get married... we knew better, we did it anyway. Three and a half terrible, terrible years went by till I chose to get a divorce. As a man it was very hard to move forward... mind numbing, spiritual darkness... too much to mention here. Going through the annulment process was the hardest thing I ever did in my life! Even at the age of 66 years old I still weep. The annulment process is very thorough. You, family, siblings, friends, faiths, drugs, drinking....how you were raised, what was your family like? Your mom? Your dad? Brother? Sister? Alcoholism and much, much more. I wept constantly!!! I got angry... WHY ALL THESE QUESTIONS!!!! Why ALL THESE STUPID QUESTIONS!!!! It took weeks to answer the questions because the pain was excruciating and that was on a good day. But through Gods good grace ( giving me what I need ) I got through it. After the paper work was done... know what I realized.... I married what I knew! My mom and dad got divorced when I was sixteen. My dad was a terrible alcoholic. My mom and dad were never supportive and never gave emotional support. Our family ( after the age of 11 years old ) never did anything as a family. There was abuse and verbal put downs.... nothing was good enough. I married what I knew. When this hit me, I wept like St. Peter. Very, very bitter tears. But in those tears there was great healing!!! After 2 years the annulment came. I stayed single for 17 years. I remarried at 50. My wife is truly a gift from Almighty God. Our first date was at Sunday mass. Her mom was present too. The rest is history! If I could say one thing, if you are single and Catholic, get yourself a good Catholic man or woman. It's worth the wait.... trust me. God Bless you Fr. Mike and everyone doing Catechism in a Year+++

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world. Immaculate heart of Mary pray for us ✝️🙏

It truly was a healing process for me, twice...& oh my story..but..God is good & works all things for good...if we love Him & follow His way...amazing graces!! Thank you Fr Mike for your candidacy!!❤️🙏❤️😇

The topic of matrimony is a tough one. Having been married then going through a divorce was very hard. However I found going through the Annulment process was even more difficult I was granted the Annulment but I felt like my heart was torn again. I’m glad I did go through it but it’s hard reliving what happened then waiting 2 years to get an answer. It’s by no means an easy process but I know necessary

I was married in the Catholic Church but was way too young to be married, we were barely 20 and 21. After trying to stay together for the sake of children the marriage was very painful. I chose to go to marriage counseling through Catholic Charities but my husband refused to go. The problems in our marriage was so painful, I was thinking of suicide. Finally my counselor told me to end it with divorce which was painful within itself. After several years I remarried by the Justice of the Peace due to not having an annulment (that I didn't know about). The annulment process was difficult and time consuming but was one of the best things I've ever done. When it went through after about 9 months, we had a small but very beautiful wedding in the Catholic church with only family and best friends. I advise anyone who was married in the church to get an annulment. As Fr Mike said, it is a healing process. ❤

This episode is 'especially' applicable to our situation. Definitely, during this time of processing and waiting for our annulments to be 'approved' or 'not', the more and more we reflect on our past, the mistakes made, and the more we learn.

Day 222 Today is Thursday August 10th of 2023. Happy 222 day. Thank you Father Mike Schmitz and Ascension press 🙏❤ God help us all to become better and better for the Kingdom of God our Creator. Viva Cristo Rey. ❤

There was a lot in this but so good to hear....Thank you Fr Mike. Praying for you, all married couples and everyone here. God bless🙏❤️🙏

“and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭5‬ ‭

My prayers and love go out today to the many people who have had to go through the annulment process - time consuming, sorrowful and painful., but also uplifting and healing- leading in many cases, to healing and a powerful closure for oneself and the other partner. Please know that I speak from experience & understand how difficult this is- especially when there are children. Place all in the hands of The Divine Mercy - He never fails in His love for us - just waiting for you to ask. God be with you! 🇨🇦🙏🙏🙏🤗❤️🙏🇨🇦

Hmm... still chomping some delicious chocolate chips😂 thank you so much Fr Mike, this is a truly amazing journey, I'm loving every minute of the catechism and ready to challenge myself, God bless you and all doing ciy, we are all united in prayer and love by God's Grace we are one Holy Catholic Apostolic Church and family.

Would you please consider doing the Theology of the Body in a Year? There are so many who could benefit from it! And I personally promise to subscribe if you do 😉

Father, may everything that I do this day, whether it be full of joy or pain, whether it be full of love or of grief, I ask that everything I go through today be offered to you just like Jesus offered everything to you. It is in his name we pray. Amen. 8/10/2023.

Such an important episode that tells why marriage is a unique relationship through a great analogy of chocolate chip cookies. Also loved the inclusion of why marriages can't be anywhere outside the Church building. Only after studying/listening to the Catechism in a Year Podcast, we can learn the logical reasons behind the traditions and rules. Thank you for your work and time, Fr. Mike and team Ascension! God bless

Praise be to God forever❣️ Thank you so much Fr. Mike and Ascension. I am continually praying for all. God Bless 🙏🏻

Yes, huge topics! I’m praying for you Fr. Mike, thank you for praying for me 🛐

I’m going to forward this to our daughter who we raised Catholic however is going to get married outside in a field to a man who has ever been baptized - please pray for Jenna and Patrick to repent, for a Patrick to believe 😞🙏❤️

Thank you father Mike, praying for you all. God bless .. August 10, 2023 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Thanks Father. Difficult subject for some ..i went through an annulment..it was just as you have articulated . I encourage those who are thinking about it to try. The Lord is with you He will guide you Amen 🙏

Very heavy, my heart goes out to all struggling to keep there marriage together and to those who didn’t, do the best you can and with God’s grace your journey will get you to heaven ❤

While somewhat long and painful, I found the annulment process to be very healing at the end of the day.

So does this mean older couples, who may not be able to have the sexual embrace, should not get married?

Lord Jesus, thank you for the blessings of Holy Matrimony. Help us to call on you when things are not going well, and to praise you when things are going well. We ask this in Your Name, as we live our vows of love and service.

19:38 Holy Matrimony is a sacrament of the Church. It is me, declaring that this Sacrament of Marriage and family, Holy Matrimony, is the way I believe Jesus is calling me to build up the body of Christ. For a Catholic couple to enter into the Sacrament of Matrimony, they're saying this is the way I believe that Jesus Christ is calling me to serve His Church. I believe that this is the way Jesus Christ is calling me to be His disciple. It's a day for the entire Church. It's the day where you're declaring discipleship for the Lord in this particular vocation.

Praying for Father Mike and all in CIY! Matrimonial Consent How are we going to focus on our faith together? You have to consider how the two of you will make your faith a focal point of the marriage. Consider what can unite the two of you and how you can turn to your religion in times of need. Think of what you can do to focus on your faith every day of your marriage. Such Catholic pre-marriage questions encourage couples to find ways to find a balance between their marriage and their faith. How will we raise our kids and instill religion into their lives? One of the most important parts of Catholic pre-marriage preparation is to consider how you will handle a family. How will the two of you accept children and instill your faith into them? How can you ensure that your family is united in faith from the time that your children are born? These are important things to consider before you walk down the aisle.🙏❤️

Your Song of the Day: “Two Becoming One”- by John & Emily Martin.🎶 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bG6_hzNiWQo.html

Day 222…! Matrimonial Consent… Heavy stuff, today, Father..! Thank You, Lord, for the grace you give me, freely, to carry on..! Thank you, Father, for giving me the ‘tools’ I need when dealing with couples getting married and asking if a priest would marry them on the beach..!! 🙄🙄 Oh boy..!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I CANNOT WAIT to hear you again..! ❤️❤️❤️ I am praying for all of you, 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 especially Fr. Mike and MY priest. Please pray for me. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 God bless. ❤❤❤

The chocolate chip cookie🍪 analogy was great! ✝🙏 thank you Father Mike -

Thank you

Today's gospel: Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr Jesus said to his disciples: "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me." Jn 12: 24-26

Fr. Thank you ❤. Praying for you and for all my CIY brothers and sisters. Lord thanks for the gift of the sacrament of matrimony. God bless ❤🙏.

Blessing for all who are participating in the CIY and BIY today🙏🏻🕊✝️🕊🙏🏻

Interesting! Thank you Father Mike

If freedom is lacking, the marriage is invalid. The process of applying for nullity is meant to be a process of healing, to know self even better and stand befire God in this new and deeper way. Better to regret trying than to regret not trying. Matrimony is a call to discipleship to serve the church in a particular vocation, so its important to get married in a church.

You are awesome Father Mike❤

As always, many thanks Fr. Mike for the wonderful way you explain things. Having gone through the annulment process myself, I totally endorse your reasons for doing so! I learned an awful lot about myself and what marriage really is -and a big reason why I have now been very happily married for over 30 years! After 20+ years in Pre-Cana ministry, I truly loved your explanation about the reason/need to be married in the Church. On the application form that asks "Where are you going to be married?," fully 98-99% of the engaged couples put down where their "reception" is going to be held. Something for engaged couples to think about. In our years in this ministry, we have had several different pastors. I am aware of two occasions where the wedding party arrived at the church directly from the bachelor/bachelorette party. One pastor informed them that they should just go to their reception and reschedule the wedding as they needed to be sober to give proper consent. The other pastor informed the couple that he could not marry them - and suggested that they take a YEAR to reconsider what they are entering into!

I sure wish someone like you had been around when I got married. It may have saved a lot of heartache. But that was then and I survived. Thank you Fr. Mike I am learning a lot from this❤

CCC 1632 (VERY POWERFUL) “IT IS IMPERATIVE TO GIVE SUITABLE AND TIMELY INSTRUCTION TO YOUNG PEOPLE, ABOVE ALL IN THE HEART OF THEIR OWN FAMILIES,…

My marriage was annulled as my ex-husband abused me both physically and emotionally. The priest who granted my annulment could not believe why I stayed with my ex-husband for so long after he read what I went through. Going through the annulment was very healing for me for sure. It brought back a lot of pain and suffering of what I went through but it did heal me tremendously. Anyone who is thinking of processing this I would recommend it for sure.

August 10, 2023 Do you have 45 seconds to pray for Souls in Purgatory with me? According to tradition, St. Gertrude the Great was told by Our Lord that each time she piously recited the following prayer, it would release 1,000 souls (or a vast number) from their suffering in purgatory: The Prayer of St. Gertrude Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family.
Amen.

Hello everyone & Happy Day 222!🙏😊

Fr. Mike, thank you so much for this! I went through the annulment process and it was very healing🙏 I feel like it could be its own sacrament 😇 I encourage anyone thinking about it to find a priest to walk with you and enter in😇 you’ll be glad you did 💕

Thank you Fr. Mike! Blessings everyone! 🙏

So good. Ty Fr. Mike. This is beautiful.

Yes this is a very deep subject I've never been married but I saw my parents it wasn't a very good remembrance but I pray for the community and I pray for everyone and you father Mike and I'm learning a whole lot and you're explaining it so well and so I guess I'll just keep hitting play Goodnight you guys sleep well God bless

Again... Thank you Dr Mike for presenting CIY day 222. We are praying for you, and for all. God bless everyone. 🙏 🙏 🙏

Thank you Father Mike and God bless you! God bless all families of CIY,❤️🙏❤️ Catholic marriage counseling is to strengthen the bond between the couple by addressing the issues. The counselor works with the couple to identify the root causes of those problems. And then, helps them develop strategies to overcome them. One fundamental principle of this counseling is the belief that marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman. And this bond is instituted by God. Therefore, the counseling focuses on helping the couple understand and embrace the sacramental nature of their marriage. It provides a safe and supportive environment for couples to explore their feelings and work through their issues. For many Catholic couples, their faith is an essential part of their marriage. Catholic marriage counseling can help couples explore their faith together and deepen their spiritual connection. Which can provide a sense of comfort and support during difficult times.

"Marriage is a liturgical act" this was explained to me in a way when I was younger, but really seems like a fresh perspective because I'm starting to understand and see liturgy differently. Its kind of blowing my mind ✨✨✨✨😮✨✨✨✨

The annulment process for me was a loving process that helped my ex-wife and me become better friends and close our relationship in a good way. I strongly recommend seeking counseling in this process because it helps with any new relationship AND helps you to understand what you are doing when you get married - that's what it was for me and my wife and my ex-wife and her husband and my daughter by my first marriage.

Thank you Fr Mike. Good night.

Thank you Fr Mike and Acension CIY is a blessing everyday all year.

Thanks, Father Mike.

I asked about annulment. My reasoning for it was infidelity. I was told that was not a valid reason. (?)

Mary and Joseph were the exception

😴

Very informative and interesting.

As I said before, there was a lot to take in, in this, but it's so good. Thank you, Fr Mike. Praying for you and everyone here. God bless 🙏 ❤️ 🙏

I started my annulment right after I received a civil divorce and so thankful I did. I was 33. I never remarried, but I felt a huge relief after it was over. Funny...my divorce took over a year and my declaration of nullity took less than a year.

❤‍🔥

Amen

Greetings Father Mike, Thoughts :- -> Message reflect with, "The Significance of Holy Matrimony through One's Pure Free Will with Dignified Acceptance of Sexual Dimorphism through Consummation for Procreation in Progressive, Spiritual Servitude in The Holy Church through Holy Sacraments in The Holy Path of Lord Jesus Christ in all aspects of Life." -> Thanks for the Interesting, Valuable Insights on Matrimonial Concern, Father Mike. With regards and Prayers for Everyone, Ranjith Joseph (R.J)

I'm wondering why 1624 says "The various liturgies abound in prayers of blessing and epiclesis asking God's grace and blessing on the new couple, especially the bride." Why especially the bride?

Thank you Amen

Father Mike, my marriage of 27 years and 4 children was annulled. I do not understand how this is possible. The grounds were that we were too young. He was 21 and I was 20. In 1964 this was not unusual. Can you explain this.

Day 222. 🙏🙏🙏

Praise to you God and Jesus Christ🙏❤🕊😇

May God bless you always 🙏

Teaching the truth that will help us follow God thank you 🙏🏻

This podcast is wonderful and has really confirmed me in my faith. I have a query regarding consummation as discussed in minute 11. Would the marriage between Joseph and Mary be considered to have met this requirement?

Sadly though Father, people don't think of that, very sad to look at brides' immodest dresses, I include myself in this, we need to have Jesus at the heart of our weddings, not just about the bride and groom and spending a ton of money. God help us :)

Please address the issue of married couples abstaining from the marital embrace for the sake of the kingdom. Mary and Joseph were not the only couple.

What about Josephite marriages where both spouses are married without engaging in sexual activity

DaY 222 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 A m e N 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Kindness between the two people in a marriage is very important, without it, it can be hell. 👹😈

What about a Josephite marriage, in which they don't engage in the conjugal act?

❤

Yes, very interesting Session today, but Heart Rendering. Receiving my Annulment Papers was a hard bite to swallow, after seeing what my Husband put down for the Reason. It is not an easy process, but worth it so I may attend Mass and continue to recieve the Holy Eucharist.

Thank you Father Mike Praying for all brothers and sisters

When my wife feels better I'm going to make chocolate chip cookies WITH CHOCOLATE CHIPS! Thanks Father!! - GOOD CALL.

💫💐💫Thank you💫💐💫

Praying for all who are going through the difficult process of annulment. Praying also for all married couples for strength and courage to live as God has called us to live. Peace. God Bless.

I dont mean to sound like i am contradicting church teaching but i have true concern as divorce has increased so much and decrees of nullities rise with them. This ground of consent i totally agree with the concern is how easily it appears one can manipulate it. The church at least in america has the common practice requirement to seek divorce (a serious offence against the natural law) pior to seeking the churches decree of nullity. It seems as though it would be easy to implaint false emotion of the wedding day and the validity of consent plus you have all these people pushing for divorce and then pushing for nullity. I am concerned for all the souls involved on these tribunal and bishops as well as the married who are forced into divorce and have to face such a stacked deck to their marriage.

Amen

Wow. Thank you Fr. Mike you have really explained clearly all the heavy stuff. I pray for all the married people in the Church. May God help you to be faithful to your promises to God and to each other. God bless you dear Fr. Mike and all of us here.

Thank you Fr. Mike for your kind words. You are so right about the healing coming through from processing an annulment. God Bless you Fr. Mike. You are a blessing having you help us understand all of this. 🙏

Thank you Father.

Tnx Fr.Mike🤗👍🙏➕🛐📿🔥📖🧡🕊🧡💐

🙏🏽

So…..”shotgun weddings” are invalid…..?😉

Thank you Father

amen

Procreative sexual embrace. Openess to life is important.