Wiktionary lists synonyms for “fruit” that, when substituted in Gal. 5:22 really bring it home to me: from Latin fructus “enjoyment, proceeds, profits, produce, income”, a derivative of Latin frui “to have the benefit of, to use, to enjoy”

But, yes, the Spirit is one and unlike the gifts in 1 Cor. 12:4ff, the fruit is a package deal.

A major adjustment but it sounds like you are handling it alright.

I responded to you…and then my computer slowed to a crawl and I shut it down and let it cool off.

Yes, I think that’s true.

I hope it’s clear from how closely in time our respective comments were posted that I was in no way reacting to Karl’s pained experience – I’m sad to hear of it, certainly and I can only extend my sympathy. Peace.

I guess if I had thought about it I would have realized it.

Given that difference, would a person with a valid marriage, but not sacramental need to seek an annulment in order to be remarried within the Roman Catholic Church?

Even distinct from any ecclesiastical decision, i.e., in a civil divorce, one person may want to stay married. The push to divorce may not be mutual but no matter: it takes two to tango.

I agree with you that what stings is the “never existed” part, when any reasonable person could see it did. It’s the same as saying an apostate never really was a Christian, otherwise he would have persevered. There’s too much presumption of cause that’s determined wholly by effect.

The blanket advice given by one-size-fits-all counseling ministries – I heard one on the radio the other night – concerns me. Praise God when he fixes the broken people in a broken marriage, but what’s the message to those he doesn’t?

In the interest of full disclosure, you know my marriage is not sacramental – my spouse is not baptized – but valid, due to getting the appropriate little “e,” episcopal dispensation. I couldn’t simply enter into another marriage on the grounds that this one is not sacramental. Above, you seem to say sacramental marriages are the only sorts for RCC? Not so.

I look forward to the next post when I can get more of your meaning. Peace.

I can tell you from first hand experience that the Catholic Church does not give a damn.
Any priest or bishop who tells you otherwise is a damned liar!