Ask a Priest

5,442 Responses

Joann, on July 7, 2015 at 2:48 am said:

Dear father
Would it be okay to continue a 2 and a half year relationship just because my parents don’t approve of him? My parents don’t know him, they just won’t approve of him because I’m dating outside my race. He respects me treats me very well & loves me very much as well as I. I just don’t know what to do? What can I ask God in this situation?? Do I give up my happiness to satisfy my parents or do I continue my relationship as it is and keep my parents out our lives???

FATHER JOE: I think you miswrote. One would not continue a relationship just to irritate parents, but because of genuine love and affection. How old are you? If you are under 18 then you are bound to obey your parents in dating anyone. If you are an adult, then you are free to date whomever you please… although I prefer the concept of courtship over dating. There is nothing immoral about interracial dating. However, you may still face a certain social stigma or bias. God bless!
glo, on July 4, 2015 at 4:58 pm said:

Dear Fr Joe,
I have always felt overwhelmed by everything and i wish i could just escape. Suicide is always on my mind but i know it is morally wrong. I have thought of being unconscious and abused drugs for a while which was wrong, led to sin and was dangerous too.
Is it ok to pray that God grant me death quickly?

FATHER JOE: If you are in a state of despair then you certainly should not want to die. We pray for strength to accept God’s will. You need to find hope and joy, not frustration and despair. However we are when death overtakes us, death makes eternal. Death is not the answer. You should love your life and fight for it. We do what we can and give the rest to God. I pray you find peace.
Seraphim, on July 3, 2015 at 12:45 pm said:

Dear Father,
Christ is Risen!
Good day!
I have a question – What exactly is the Roman Catholic view of other religions – especially Hinduism and Buddhism, which say that all religions are just different aspects of the same truth?
Thank you.
Your servant,
Seraphim.

FATHER JOE: Catholicism believes that the Church was established by Jesus and that Jesus is God, the Second Person of the Trinity. Christianity is a supernatural faith give this revelation of the Trinity. It is a true religion just as Judaism, albeit a natural faith, is a true religion. It all started when God called a people to himself. Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Outside of Christianity, other religions may share the belief in one deity, but otherwise be very different, like Islam. Saint Pope John Paul II caused some unrest in the Buddhist community when he associated their religion with atheism. However, given our perspective, this is how it seems. Hinduism fails because it its typically referenced as a pagan religion with idols or multiple deities. This is incompatible with Christianity. However, there seems to be an evolution or development in Hinduism, perhaps because of Christian and Islamic influence. Some of their authorities suggest that their pantheon of deities are all expressions of the many facets of a single god. In any case, it would be hard to see this as the Christian God. False gods are judged as either non-existent or as demons in disguise. Catholicism will work with people of good will to make a better society. However, religious indifferentism is a grievous sin. All religions are not the same. They may each possess certain truths, but outside the true faith, they may be utterly contaminated by error. We would tolerate much for the sake of peace; however, we would not compromise our religion or faith.
confused janie, on July 2, 2015 at 2:32 pm said:

Dear Fr Joe,
I am wondering about something that has come up in our national news and is even being discussed in parliament now.
In catholic sponsored schools is it discrimination to require all students attend mass?
The muslim students especially say they shouldnt be required to. The school says the parents signed before admission that the children would take part in all school activities which include mass attendance.
Thanks for your response. God bless you.

FATHER JOE: Catholics who attend Protestant schools, will also attend their worship, but they take no active part. The same is true with Protestants. Indeed, I have never known the Jews to complain either. If the Moslems are offended by the Mass then maybe they should attend a different school entirely? Catholic schools are sectarian. They teach the faith and offer Catholic worship. Religious indifferentism would be a sin. There is no discrimination here. Non-Catholics are not obliged to attend Catholic schools. I had an issue along these lines with a parochial school years ago. Protestant parents wanted the crucifixes removed from the classrooms and replaced with crosses. We were accused of idolatry. My answer was clear… this is a Catholic school… if you do not like it you and your child can go elsewhere. We will not stop being Catholic just because you are afraid of the public (government) schools.
ts82177, on July 2, 2015 at 7:00 am said:

Hello Father,

I have recently been through RCIA and spent a few years studying Catholic apologetics. This one issue I can’t answer for my wife.

I was married before at a very young age while in the army and got divorced within 2 or 3 yrs. I was later remarried and we have a child. We decided to go through RCIA and that’s where the annulment came in.

My wife feels like she is a “whore” who is married to me but I’m still married to my ex according to the Church, and she thinks our daughter is a bastard kid born out of wedlock. She is very hurt by this, she cries, and cannot get over the fact that we are not married according to the Church, and that I’m still married to my ex until the annulment is complete.

We were never Catholic, so we don’t understand why we are being held to the Catholic standard when we didn’t know, and why my wife has to go through this. It hurts her more than me to bring up the past.

We are quitting the church because of this unless I can give her a better understanding of why the Church does this. I’m still holding on to faith in hopes of a good explanation that can help my wife understand this. I don’t like to see her feeling this way— it’s been horrible. How would you explain this to a wife caught up in the middle of this like her? What can I tell her? How do I explain this to her?

Thank you so much for your time and concern regarding this matter.

FATHER JOE:

Dear Travis, the purpose of the annulment process is not to stamp people with the stigma of shame and/or guilt. The process is an expression of the Church’s compassionate desire to bring healing to brokenness and genuine union with the Lord. While certain Christian communities either ignore or explain away Christ’s prohibition against divorce (see Matthew 5: 31-32 and Matthew 19: 3-12), the Church rightfully acknowledges that the promise of marriage binds couples until natural death. We are servants of the Word, not its master. The only loophole, if we can call it that, is the reference to unlawful unions. Sometimes the word here PORNEA is wrongly translated as sexual immorality, adultery or fornication. Within this context it actually means incest… thus the reference in Catholic bibles to “unlawful” marriages. An annulment is not Catholic divorce but an effort to show that a prior bond was not a true marriage at all. The grounds go beyond incest but would include elements at the time of the vows like immaturity, deceit, impotence, mental instability, addictions (and other factors that would make fulfillment of marital responsibilities impossible). You already feel that the prior bond was not a true marriage. Given this is the case; this would give you confirmation from the Church’s Marriage Tribunal. Instead of increased anxiety, this would give you peace of mind.

Abandoning the process and turning away from the Church would forever place this judgment in doubt. It is best to go through with it and then to embrace your current union with a clear conscience. What you want for yourselves is what you did not have initially, a marriage made permanent by your vows, until death do you part. Jesus keeps his promises to us and he wants us to keep our promises to each other.

While I do not know the grounds for your annulment that are being explored, you do make allusion to your youth and the bond’s short duration. I would urge you to go through with it. While your current wife feels hurt by the process; I would suggest that she view it as a healing of your past that you need. Yes, it brings back to mind hurtful memories— and in this she should place the greater gravity in assisting you than to lament how the process makes her feel. This requires faith in Christ and trust in the Church. If either of you do not have this, then I can see why there is trouble. Did you both complete the RCIA program?

Today, many dioceses are also removing the fees and as of this week, annulments in the Archdiocese of Washington are free. This is applauded by many but I would urge you to put the case in as soon as possible as it may increase the case load and the time required for adjudication.

Given that there were grounds, the annulment would mean that you are free to marry in the Catholic Church. Neither of you were Catholic at the time of the second marriage. If the first union were not a true marriage then the current bond would already have a certain weight. Again, you already seem to suspect this is the case. While a convalidation frequently functions as the genuine marriage ceremony, it can also make licit a bond that is either dubious or valid and outside our ecclesial context. Protestant churches rarely have a mechanism to deal with these situations.

Tell your wife not to make matters worse than they are. No one is calling her names. You understand each other as spouses. As for the legitimacy of children, that is respective of civil law. No one is castigating them either. I will keep you both in prayer.
Maxwell Garrison, on July 2, 2015 at 6:48 am said:

Hello again, Father

I appreciate and thank you for your advice. You are right. I am going to be seeking some kind of guidance on this issue. Looking back, I have had issues with obsessive compulsive disorder before (I wouldn’t shake hands or touch doors, and I had to always keep my body semetrical and balanced). Now I think that’s creeping back into my life with Christ. You helped me realize that.
For instance, I’ve lately been worrying that not fully kneeling, but resting my rear against the pew during the Mass (and this is the Latin Mass, so there’s a lot of it!) is a sin, because I faint if I kneel too long, but feel I am not being reverent of the Real Presence; or getting distracted by a baby (because I just love seeing new Catholics) at Mass, is a mortal sin; or getting the Host stuck in my teeth. These are totally irrational (and crazy!), and I don’t let them stop me from taking Communion anymore, but I will still be seeking something to help me calm my nerves and get closer to Christ, because these things are making me get the Gospel all wrong. Thanks again for your help and God bless you and your ministry!
chinonye, on July 1, 2015 at 9:07 pm said:

Hello Father
Can I say like three decades of the rosary in the morning, and then say the remaining at night? Is it permissible? Thanks.

FATHER JOE: You can do as you like. There are no rules about it.
Jackie, on July 1, 2015 at 6:09 pm said:

Hello Father, can you tell me more about medical marijuana use. I recently got a license for my PTSD. I’ve never tried hiding it from GOD and don’t feel like there is anything wrong with it. Am I sinning?

FATHER JOE: If a doctor prescribes it for therapeutic use, then it is permissible like any medicine. Of course, like other prescribed drugs, it should not be abused.
Daryl Ann Guy, on July 1, 2015 at 12:33 am said:

Father I have been away from the church for quite some time. However I feel I have failed God by not raising my children in God’s image. My eldest son has a good moral compass however he has declared himself an atheist. I have tried desperately to get him on track. In this age I feel the end times are closer than ever. I just want my son to be one of the blessed. What can I do? I cannot force him to go to church. Please advise.

FATHER JOE: You could invite them to attend church with you. If your children are adults then the train has left the station in regard to much that could have been done. However, you can return to the practice of your faith as a witness to them and others. I would not panic about the end times, it is enough to know that we are mortal and our days in this world are numbered. When the topic of faith comes up, speak about how a good God would not abandon us and how we are made for more than this world can offer. Share the Bible and maybe gift them with a book on prayer. I would not get into fights about it. Be an example in word and deed as to what it means to be a Christian… one who loves God and neighbor.
Bob, on June 29, 2015 at 2:24 pm said:

Father Joe: Referring to Kevin’s post about his atheist friends I too had an encounter with atheists. I never experienced such hate for religion especially for the church and God. I was asked to “Define God”, I said you can’t define him its a relationship with-in. I was very inept to give a satisfying answer to the question. How would you respond to this question? these people have blind hate for our Catholic beliefs.

FATHER JOE: There is no definition of God they would accept. They already reject him as Creator and Savior. If I were to attempt an answer, I would explain that as creatures we can know and believe in God but that we can never exhaust the divine mystery. God is the source of all perfections. Everything created can only participate in these perfections in a limited way. I would explain that he is a perfect Spirit, outside of spacial and temporal confines. While we are given a share in existence as created “beings,” God is the divine “Esse” or “To Be” through whom all things are made. I would explain that creation is dynamic and that God sustains it moment by moment because he perfectly knows what he has created. Men are made in his image, able to both know him and love him. If they then say, “Prove it!” then I would turn to the arguments from motion, causality, contingency, degrees and design. If they insist upon a scientific proof then I would tell them to prove their case first. It is doubtful they would know the math for any of the string theories and even if they do, how do we transition from numbers to the real?
Kathy, on June 28, 2015 at 2:35 pm said:

Dear Father Joe thank you for your wonderful reply to my concern written 6/26/15
Barbara, on June 28, 2015 at 1:18 pm said:

I am embarrassed to ask this question, but it bothers me. Growing up Catholic we were always warned about impure thoughts. As a mature, married woman of many years I am wondering if erotic thoughts during marital relations are considered immoral, or if they are permissable as part of the marital act?

FATHER JOE: Particularly in reference to the spouse, it is an immediate human element of the natural act.
Evan, on June 27, 2015 at 5:07 pm said:

Hello, given the recent Supreme Court of the U.S. decision permitting homosexual “marriage” in every state of the U.S., would God be ok with my wife and I becoming divorced in the eyes of the state, but remaining married in the eyes of the Church? We would do this because the state’s version of “marriage” has no meaning to us anymore, not because we actually want to be divorced. We prefer to be married in the eyes of the Church only.

FATHER JOE: I would follow the lead of your bishop on this.
Hallo, on June 27, 2015 at 2:12 am said:

Dear Father,

Might be a sad day today because of legalizing gay marriage. Anyways, I would like to ask books in the bible that has very important teachings to live the way Jesus would want us. I know every book is important but I would like to know important ones that Jesus taught. Also, which bible version do you trust or recommend for bible readers? Thanks and GBY

FATHER JOE: A gravity is given the Old Testament over the New, but I would be hesitant to rank individual books of Scripture. God’s Word is God’s Word. The Church here uses the New American Version although the Catholic edition of the RSV is good and literal.
Kathy, on June 26, 2015 at 10:55 am said:

Dear Father Joe, I’m having a real difficult time with something. I have prayed wholeheartedly and faithfully prayed everyday to God,Blessed Mother and prayed to several Saints, written online prayer requests etc since about February of this year for my son to not be using driugs, get a job, and get his new life started. He finally miraculously got a wonderful job and he’s been stable,but within the past two weeks he’s starting to show evidence of drug use. He wont talk to me about this but just says hes not doing anything, but from past experience that doesnt mean anything. My friend took him into his home until my son found an apartment but he’s ready to kick him out due to apparent verbal and mental signs of drug use. My reason fior writing is if I’m praying very hard every day for my son to not lose his job and not use drugs in every prayer I say or every request i ask for why does it seem suddenly these prayers are not being heard. Why is suddenly he’s about to lose everything even when my prayers have been being answered everyday and suddenly there not. I was so happy I had even got him to start to pray. My other prayers are still being answered but it seens just not the ones for my son. Please Father what can I do prayer is the only thing I know, but why isn’t it working when I pray for him. Thank you Father

FATHER JOE: I also believe in the power of prayer and would urge you to keep your son in your prayers. Prayer and love like yours can bring real grace to bear on the problems and challenges of life. But it sounds like your son is fighting that grace. It does not function as magic. There must be a certain level of cooperation and a proper disposition. It may be that your son needs professional help to break a habit or addiction. Intervention must sometimes be joined to prayer. But keep praying… no matter what happens or what he does. I will pray for him, too.
Eleanore, on June 25, 2015 at 2:04 pm said:

Good afternoon Father,

I am interested to know what your views are on traditional surrogacy. I know the Church is prolife and so does not support IVF but how about when a baby is created via artificial insemination?

I carried a baby for my sister and her husband. My sister was left infertile after cancer. My sister and I are extremely close and as soon as I knew she could not have a baby I felt in my heart it was the right thing to have one for her. I fell pregnant from artificial insemination and now I am the baby’s special auntie and Godmother. I did this out of love for my sister and a desire to help complete her family. We will be completely honest with the baby as he grows up and I have regular contact with him and my sister’s family.

I have read conflicting information on the Church’s view and would really appreciate some clarification, thank you so much.

FATHER JOE:

Dear Ellie,

You acted out of compassion and love, but evidently in ignorance of the Church’s stance. Of course, it is often the case that people deliberately try to remain in the dark, suspecting that the Church may have moral qualms. This brings with it a level of culpability for which a Catholic should see a priest for Confession. Sometimes things might “feel” right but in truth they are not. We must also acknowledge that people are formed today more by a society saturated with secular humanism than by the Gospel and the teachings of faith.

The universal catechism [CCC 2376] makes the matter clear: “Techniques that entail the dissociation of husband and wife, by the intrusion of a person other than the couple (donation of sperm or ovum, surrogate uterus), are gravely immoral.”

Both gestational and traditional surrogacy are regarded by the Church as immoral. The initial issue with IVF is that it bypasses the marital act and involves a third-person. The subsequent freezing and destruction of unused embryos is demeaning to human persons and a violation of the sanctity of life. Traditional surrogacy is somewhat different but also fails the ethical test. If the means is artificial insemination then again the marital act is wrongly bypassed. Everyone is entitled to be conceived through this human act of love between a husband and wife. Traditional surrogacy might also include natural genital intercourse. However, here the test fails because the parties are not husband and wife. All forms of surrogacy are regarded as either akin to fornication or, if any of the parties are married, as adultery. These are not considered mere ecclesial laws but the application of immutable divine and natural laws.

Many people keep matters of this sort quiet so as to avoid anger and confusion to a child. No matter what the child calls you, biologically you will always be the mother. Your sister’s status is that of an adoptive parent, but this could have been accomplished ethically without the use of surrogacy. Nevertheless, what is done is done. The obligation now is to love and nurture this child within a caring family.

Our culture today tends to look at the child as a commodity. This mindset would have women wrongly think they have an absolute “right” to a child and yet every child is a gift. Couples can be infertile for many reasons and the Church would allow intervention in terms of diet and fertility drugs. However, when cancer strips a woman of her uterus, and transplants are in their infancy, the couple needs to either adopt or to share the love they have within them with the community. I know teachers and leaders in scouting who have demonstrated a paternal and maternal love for children— making a difference.

I hope this clears up matters.
confused janie, on June 23, 2015 at 2:25 pm said:

Dear Fr Joe,
Supposing someone goes to a witchdoctor due to infertility and afterwards gets children can evil spirits later in life torment these children? This is a real life story. Thanks.

FATHER JOE: The devil is not creative. He cannot create anything from nothing. This would be a variation of Manichaeism which is a heresy. The devil can manipulate but that is all. Unless there are potions with medicinal benefits, then this is pure superstition. The children would have a greater danger from the poor witness of parents who practice false religion. It is a sin.
Maxwell Garrison, on June 23, 2015 at 8:49 am said:

Hello father,

I’m very recent revert to the Church (and basically a new Catholic), and right now I do not have a spiritual director. I am eligible for Confession and Communion, but I never feel worthy to receive the Eucharist.
When I first went to Confession after many years, I honestly forgot two or three mortal sins (out of a laundry list), but my priest says I don’t need to confess them, even after I remember them (and this is a FSSP priest at that). I cannot live with myself knowing I have unconfessed sins, and cannot accept that they were absolved. I want to ask my pastor, but I feel unworthy to even approach him, like he is too dignified for me to be worth his valuable time, and I have not had the opportunity to find a spiritual director yet since work keeps me extremely busy.
Now I feel the need also to go to Confession everyday, multiple times a day, because this weight of those forgotten mortal sins is weighing down on me, not to mention how long I was profaning Christ before I returned to the Church.
My question is, father, do you have any advice for someone in my position that can help be worthy of the Eucharist? At this point, I’ve given up because I know I’ll probably forget another sin (like last Sunday, I forgot to mention that I failed to attend the previous Sunday’s Mass), and profane the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Now I mostly go to Mass and sit there, and the few times I do manage to get the courage to take the Eucharist, I end up feeling guilty after a while, because I remember a mortal sin I forgot, a sin my confessor says I don’t need to confess!
I’ve considered becoming a monk or something, just so I can have a life that is tightly regulated, and in which I have access to daily Confession.

With much reverence and respect,
Maxwell

FATHER JOE:

The help you need is not spiritual but psychological. I would urge counseling in this regard. A scrupulous conscience can be sinful but it can also cross over into a mental malignancy. Mortal sins forgotten are forgiven by the absolution in Confession. When you commit small venial sins, just say a quick act of contrition and put them behind you. The whole point of the sacraments is that none of us are worthy. It is wrong to question the efficacy of the sacraments. We must acknowledge that Christ has the true power and that his sacraments do what they are designed to do. Your heightened sense of guilt and scrupulous conscience would invalidate you as a prospect for the monastery. We do not embrace the religious life to escape the cares of the world, but to pray for the world. You are overly preoccupied with yourself. You do not need a tighter rein upon your life. Rather, you need a relaxation— a sense of joy that comes with freedom in Christ. Your perception of the moral life, is oriented in the wrong direction, toward bondage.
amoiesu, on June 23, 2015 at 3:13 am said:

Hello Father!

I was wondering what I should do regarding the disposal of spilled holy water and drippings from blessed candles. Are these things disposable, or do I need to bury them like other sacramentals? Thanks!

Grace J.

FATHER JOE: Water evaporates, even from a paper towel. Candles are blessed but not the wax drippings. When something is destroyed, the blessing is lost.
Aja, on June 22, 2015 at 2:21 pm said:

I was once married in a civil ceremony to another woman (I am a female) from whom I am now divorced. I am an Episcopalian and my boyfriend is a Catholic with a family tradition of getting married in their family church. We would like to get married next year but I am unsure of if I would be allowed to get married in the Catholic church and, if so, what procedures must I take. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

FATHER JOE: Your first marriage would have no standing. Civil or not, you would not even need a declaration of nullity because of a lack of canonical form. Unions that violate natural law cannot be genuine or sacraments. Thus, you are free to marry in the Church. Bisexuality and/or lesbianism might be an issue but you would have to discuss this with your intended and the priest. If you can pledge life-long fidelity to your fiancé, I see no reason why you could not be married in the Catholic Church. There is a six month waiting period and necessary preparation. Since you are an Episcopalian, the priest will assist you with the dispensation.
Jeffrey, on June 22, 2015 at 4:44 am said:

Hi Father!

I won’t tell you my exact age but it’s somewhere 13-19.

FATHER JOE: Then I really can’t properly respond to your question. Thirteen year olds should not be dating or romantically involved. Attend to your school work, say your prayers, do your chores and be a good boy.

So, I really like this girl because she is nice, she seems humble, beautiful and etc. I’m trying to get nice clothes for next year and I try to do some exercises as well. I might probably try and look nice for her. I really like her and I try to be respectful and funny, but I’m not sure if I’m doing anything against God. I’m just curious because I don’t want to do anything against Him. I’m kind of trying to do things for her without doing anything against God. Please help and mention the possibilities I could probably do against God. Thanks father and I hope this isn’t weird for you, I’m just trying to know if I’m doing something wrong with crushes and stuff. Is there anything wrong with wanting nice clothes maybe to look nice in front of a boy/girl? Example: like wanting to look nice at an occasion maybe to impress him/her. Also, is there anything wrong with girlfriends/boyfriends, and is a hug/kiss/and etc. acceptable? Thanks father and sorry about these kind of questions. God bless!

FATHER JOE: Again, it all has to do with what is age appropriate. Young teens get crushes, that is natural. And there is nothing wrong with dressing nice for a girl. It shows both self-respect and respect for her. But young children should not date and older teens must be cautious that hugs and kisses do not lead to more serious intimacy, particularly that reserved to spouses.
Nigel, on June 21, 2015 at 3:08 am said:

Hi Father Joe. I am having so much trouble forgiving a person who hurt me badly. Last year, he filed a false Police Report on me and later tried to suggest the Police was setting me up and it wasn’t his fault. I tried to be his friend again but he lies so much about everything and never takes responsibility for his actions. Since January 2015, I have deliberately avoided this person as i do not wish to be near him because he never apologized for what he did. Unfortunately he lives in my neighborhood but i still avoid him. I know we are supposed to forgive our “Brother” but is it wrong of me to stay away from this person?

FATHER JOE: Forgiveness does not always mean active or practical friendships. It sounds like this person has serious personal problems and you are probably right to give him space. Pray for him and focus on your own life and those who want your help. Peace!
Kevin, on June 20, 2015 at 4:10 pm said:

Hello Father,
I have a couple of atheist friends that say they don’t believe in God because of the things he allows (cancer…satan etc). They would also ask me why I would want to worship such a God that allows this with the ability to create paradises. I regret I am fairly new in my faith and I am having trouble responding to them. Could you point me in the right direction? Thank you Father!

FATHER JOE: We believe as Christians that suffering and death enter the world through sin. The fault belongs to us, not God. Even spiritual beings (angels) were given the opportunity to freely respond or to turn away from God. This freedom we share and sometimes it is misused. Would your friends have preferred that life not be sentient at all? Would they prefer a race of robots or ants with no free will of their own? There will come a day, at the final consummation, when harmony will be restored and suffering and death will be no more. The paradise (or our version of it) they want now will be ours. But can they even imagine what heaven is? In any case, what alternative do they offer? In their worldview we try to steal as much pleasure as we can amid suffering and death only to become forgotten as the food for worms. Is that really a choice. We have everything to gain if right (and we are). They grasp at despair and nothingness.
pamela ferland, on June 20, 2015 at 1:19 am said:

Dear Father Joe,
When reading my Bible I was surprised to find The Gospel of Mathew and The Gospel of Luke have different genealogies for Jesus Christ. According to the Old Testament King Solomon was denied the honor of having the Messiah descend through his line because of his idolatry in his old age. Which of King David’s sons does the line go through? Are there other references or information about him?

FATHER JOE:

There are many difficulties in trying to harmonize the genealogies, although some earnestly try:

http://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/genealogy-of-christ

Note also that they trace the Davidic line through Jesus’ stepfather, Joseph, or at least appear to do so given that some authorities argue that the Joseph in Luke’s list is actually Joachim the father of Mary. People married within their own tribe, so either way, Mary would also have been a daughter of David. Speaking practically, the dates do not line up. The late Fr. Raymond Brown argued that they were theological constructs to illustrate something of the salvation history that leads to Christ. He is the fulfillment of the promised redemption given to God’s People.
Linda L. Reindl, on June 20, 2015 at 12:09 am said:

My first marrage wasn’s in a Catholic church. I am now divorced, due to an abusive marriage. Can I be remarried in the Catholic Church.

FATHER JOE: If you were a baptized Catholic at the time of the wedding and no permission was granted for a service outside the Church… then yes. However, you will have to request a declaration of nullity because of lack of canonical form. If you were not Catholic, and neither was your spouse… then no. That is until or unless a formal annulment can be procured. Then you would be free. See a priest.