** In order for a society to function at its best, the family unit, founded in a solid marriage, must be stable. Catholics achieve this stability through marriage, and we believe that for a marriage to exist, it must be done in a way the Church recognizes.**
In a nutshell!
Thank you for posting this. Given the likelihood of an inpending "do-it-yourself marrage within my own family, it is timely and I will certainly pass it on.
Question from a rookie:
If one (say, non-catholic) is divorced, and wants to marry a Catholic, will he/she still be required to go through annulment, even if he/she did not get married in The Church?
There's a "Mamas and Papas" joke in here somewhere. Someone more talented than I will find it, I'm sure;)