In an attempt to put this into practice, the Diocesan Office of Canonical Services of the Diocese of San Bernardino is offering two Annulment Preparation Days. The first will take place at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Victorville on January 14, and the second at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Ontario on April 29. Both days will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fees for annulments were already waived this past August in an attempt to reach out to the poor and to overcome any idea that annulments are only for the rich, or that an annulment can be bought.
Now we go into the parishes in order to meet those who seek to come back to the Sacraments but cannot due to an irregular marriage. The Annulment Preparation Day is for those who have questions about the annulment process, and for those who are already civilly divorced and who would like to present the Marriage Tribunal a petition for an annulment. That day our staff will help you prepare your annulment petition. Even if you are unsure if you need or want an annulment, please do not be afraid to meet with us to discuss your marriage situation.
Please come prepared! What do you need to do?
Call the Office of Canonical Services at 909-475-5320 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in order to make an appointment time for January 14th, between 9:30 and 3:30, at St. Joan of Arc, Victorville; or April 29th, between 9:30 and 3:30, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Ontario.
You must bring a copy of your baptism certificate, a copy of your final decree of divorce, and a copy of the marriage license for each of your prior marriages.
We must have an address, phone number, and/or email address for your ex-spouse(s). You do not need to contact him/her, but our Office must contact your ex-spouse(s).
Bring addresses, phones numbers and/or email addresses of potential witnesses for your case; good witnesses include parents, siblings, friends and ex-in-laws.
Be prepared to spend an hour honestly answering detailed questions about the history of your relationship with your ex-spouse.
Father David Andel is the Judicial Vicar and Director of the Office of Canonical Services for the Diocese of San Bernardino.