The number of Catholics inquiring about a marriage annulment in the Diocese of Pittsburgh more than tripled from the previous month following Bishop David Zubik’s announcement that all fees will be waived.
The diocesan tribunal received 138 annulment petitions in April 2015, according to Father Dennis Yurochko, judicial vicar, compared to 40 inquiries in March. The tribunal received 22 requests in February and 29 in January. A year ago, in April 2014, there were 40 inquiries.
“When I heard the news, I thought it was an April Fools joke,” said a young woman who was considering seeking an annulment. “I called the tribunal and asked, ‘is this for real?’ The fee was holding me back, and this is just a wonderful gift.”
Sacrificial donations to Our Campaign for The Church Alive! enabled the Diocese to make the change.
“I have to say, the fees were a turn off,” said another woman. “I did not break my vows, I took them seriously. I also grew up believing that God is forgiving and loving. This change has restored my faith, and I’m starting to want to return to the Church.”
“Seeking an annulment is important for divorced Catholics because it allows them to return to the celebration of the sacraments and practice their faith more fully,” Father Yurochko said. “Many have a real hunger for the sacraments and especially the Eucharist itself.”
Divorced Catholics who wish to remarry require an official church finding that the first marriage was not spiritually binding. Those who remarry without first receiving an annulment should not receive the sacraments, become godparents, confirmation sponsors, or hold leadership positions in the Church. They should attend Mass, especially on Sundays, but an annulment opens the door to marriage in the Church and full participation in Catholic sacramental life.
The diocese had always subsidized most of the cost of the annulment process. Previously, the fees charged to individual petitioners ranged up to several hundred dollars. The total received by the diocese was about $120,000 per year. In 2015, two-thirds of that amount will be covered by a grant from the campaign, with the balance paid from regular operating funds given through the Parish Share program.
Over four years, the campaign funding will diminish, so that by the fifth year, Parish Share will cover the full cost. The campaign will provide a total of $200,000 over four years.
“Our dear Pope Francis inspired us to act now,” Bishop Zubik said. “He has called for marriage tribunals to ‘do justice freely, as we have freely been forgiven by Jesus Christ.’ My hope is that this decision will enable many people to participate fully in the sacramental life of the Church.”
Father Tom Kunz, episcopal vicar for canonical services for the diocese, welcomes this new day.
“Waiving the fees removes a barrier for some people,” Father Kunz said. “An annulment for divorced Catholics helps them with their relationship with God, to live their faith fully.”
One man who put off seeking an annulment for four decades says he’s now ready to move ahead.
“I saw my pastor after the announcement and he said, ‘Good news!” the man said. “He’s supportive and positive, and my kids are all pulling for me. I feel pretty optimistic.”
Father Yurochko, who is also pastor of St. Barbara Parish in Bridgeville, knows many divorced Catholics look for healing through an annulment.
“It means the world to some people,” Father Yurochko said. “For whatever reason their life did not work out as intended, and they’re yearning to live their faith for themselves and with their families.”
Father Yurochko also asked petitioners to be patient, because the increased number of inquiries may result in a longer annulment process. Some cases are more complicated than others.
A woman seeking an annulment, who also supports the campaign, said her divorce has been a struggle.
“Waiving the fees takes a huge burden off me financially,” she said. “I’m very grateful to all our donors. We know that God can never be outdone in generosity.”
