In divorce cases, a decree nisi is issued by the court to tell the parties that they have to wait a certain period of time before making their divorce final. This is to allow time for anyone who objects to the divorce to tell the court why they object. The decree nisi can often be set aside with mutual consent of the spouses. When the period expires, they can apply for the “decree absolute”, which means the divorce is completed and the partners are no longer married. Some states grant divorces using decrees nisi. That info was found at http://definitions.uslegal.com/d/decree-nisi/

Thank you for leaving a comment, Pauline. May God bless and bring you peace!
Manya

After reading your story about divorce,I feel comforted by the thought that I am not alone in this world going through this embarrasment having to face my friends and colleagues that I am a practising catholic (Lector as well) and going through divorce proceedings! Well the ex-husband, a catholic petitioned for this as I caught him having a long-time affair with his fellow workmate, who is a married woman.

I am thinking of getting an annulment after this as I am still pro-marriage despite this painful matrimonial breakdown. I am 46 yrs old and still forward looking, hoping someday, I am able to remarry someone much more compatible than the ex-husband and someone who is also a God-fearing catholic. For now, just pray for me to obtain the graces of God to give me a direction that is filled with wisdom and goodwill. Yes, I am praying to nullify my marriage after the civil proceedings are over. [i.e. receive a declaration of nullity...the Catholic church doesn't actually nullify marriages...I know it's confusing...this note added by Manya]Currently, i have been given a decree nisi by the family court, based on his adultery.

Now here’s my 2 cents worth….

First of all – your daughter’s mass attendance every other week is out of your hands. Unless, of course, she’s home in time on Sunday to go to evening mass (if there’s a church in your area that offers Sunday evening mass).

Remember that we’re obligated to attend mass on Sunday (or Saturday evening) unless we’re sick or there’s a reason out of our control that keeps us from mass. It seems to be that you’re faced with the latter. Your daughter spends every other weekend with her dad, she’s too young to get herself to mass and her dad refuses to take her (I’m assuming that’s the case). So…as far as our faith is concerned, your daughter is getting to mass when she can and when she misses, that’s because it’s out of her control.

I remember when my children were preparing for their 1st Communion and attended catechism classes. I was surprised to find that MANY parents sent their children to be prepared for this but did not take them to mass on Sundays. The teachers and the pastor spoke to the parents as a group and strongly encouraged parents to back up the catechism lessons by taking their children to mass. I was stunned….but I think that’s probably the case in many parishes. These children were not turned away from receiving communion. I suspect that’s because their mass attendance was out of their control.

Again, I encourage you to speak with the pastor or one of the priests or deacons. I think it will set your mind at ease.

And my prayers are with you. I know how difficult it is to raise our children Catholic when the ex-spouse is not only not Catholic but is actually anti – Catholic. I’m facing this very situation myself right now except that my daughter is 13yo. I’d appreciate some prayers, too!

Manya