I am really upset right now--hate to lose my cool.

[maryrussel]

(((((thentavius))))). So sorry this happened to your Mom.

Having been born and raised as a Catholic, the explanations that everyone here has given ring true. And it IS appalling that they would put her through this.

[thentavius]

Thank you very much for your insight and input. I think I'm understanding what they're trying now, even though I don't agree with it. I've been coaching her through this. She still doesn't quite get it, but she's getting there.

Thanks again! I've calmed way down and she's much better off.

[cranky_hippie]

You are a good son, Thentavius. Your Mom is a lucky lady.

[bargainbloodhound]

Today, my mom gets a bizarre, cold letter from the Catholic Diocese of Fresno, California--informing her that the church is going to do an INQUIRY into her marriage to my dad (they've been divorced since 88). To determine if the kids are legitimate and to determine if the marriage was real and if the divorce was logical / required.

The Catholic Diocese of Fresno should brush up on Canonical law The "legitimacy" of children isn't changed by an annulment.

Marriages that are annulled under the Catholic Church are usually considered as ab initio, meaning that the marriage has been essentially invalid from the beginning. Some Catholics therefore worry that their children will be considered illegitimate if they get an annulment. However, Canon 1137 of the Code of Canon Law specifically affirms the legitimacy of children born in both recognized and putative marriages (those later declared null). Critics point to this as additional evidence that a Catholic annulment is similar to divorce — although civil laws that recognized both annulments and divorce regard the offspring of a putative marriage as legitimate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annulment

[DecorativeDishes]

Could be a spoof piece of mail conjured up by your dad.

Based on what BBH just posted I think ~Bob might be right. That was my first thought.

Good job for coming here to get some clarity. Best of luck with your Mom. It sounds like you had a difficult childhood and have done well rising above it .  Kim

[xppman]

I say "bless you my son". Now bend over.  ;D

Sry just kidding. :

It's a spoof or some BS garbage.
If not tell them you will be contacting the ACLU and send them a cease and desist letter.

Don't forget to piss a cross on the letter before
sealing it and sending it off.  >

[stardust]

The "legitimacy" situation is what made me suspect something other than the church actually being behind this.  Keep your guard up for your mom. 

[maryrussel]

[quote author=cranky_hippie link=topic=5486.msg27930#msg27930 date=1161053323]
You are a good son, Thentavius. Your Mom is a lucky lady.
[/quote]

I was thinking the same thing. She is very lucky that you were there to help.

[FiberGuy]

thentavius,

I don't do this very often (ever???) but here ya go...

{{{{thentavius}}}}



Anyhow, I sympathize... my sister was informed by the catholic church that her children were bastard children just months before her youngest son died of cancer (18 years old).  What a joy. 

She has since had a whole new outlook on life and religion.

Cheers

[Anita]

My mother has been known to call my brother a bastard on occasion... but I think it is for reasons other then her Catholic upbringing.

Just trying to lighten the mood.  If my "joke" is in realllllly bad taste or offensive, I can do a " ... "