A little guidance needed

[docsgrl67]

What is the rule on when you can receive the sacraments after obtaining an annulment? A priest recently told me that if I was living with the father of our soon-to-be born child, I could participate. But, since I was married by a jp, i have to “rectify” the situation before participating in the sacraments. I’m not understanding this because if my marriage is not recognized by any religion (because of not being married by a minister), then we are in reality “living together”. So, what exactly IS the right way?

 

[itsjustdave1988]

From the following article:
osv.com/whatthechurchteaches/Annulments/envoyarticle.asp

When does a marriage come into being?
Marriage comes into being through lawfully manifested consent - that is, there must be a taking of the other as spouse in a way recognizable to the community. When two people give themselves to one another in order to create a partnership of life and love (marriage), and they do so in a manner recognized by the community, they marry. For two unbaptized people, this can be in front of a justice of the peace in the middle of a field.

 

[mercygate]

docsgrl67:

What is the rule on when you can receive the sacraments after obtaining an annulment? A priest recently told me that if I was living with the father of our soon-to-be born child, I could participate. But, since I was married by a jp, i have to “rectify” the situation before participating in the sacraments. I’m not understanding this because if my marriage is not recognized by any religion (because of not being married by a minister), then we are in reality “living together”. So, what exactly IS the right way?

Your first marriage was anulled? Now you have been married by a JP? You are not married to the father of the baby you are expecting? I am confused. A priest told you that living (and presumably sleeping) with someone who is not your husband does not mean you cannot receive Communion? Clearly, there is some information missing here.

 

[T.A.Stobie_SFO]

docsgrl67:

What is the rule on when you can receive the sacraments after obtaining an annulment? A priest recently told me that if I was living with the father of our soon-to-be born child, I could participate. But, since I was married by a jp, i have to “rectify” the situation before participating in the sacraments. I’m not understanding this because if my marriage is not recognized by any religion (because of not being married by a minister), then we are in reality “living together”. So, what exactly IS the right way?

As a Catholic you are obligated to follow the Catholic form of marriage. Since you have not, the Church does not recognize your “marriage” and considers you living in sin with the man who lives with you. If you were to go to confession, and abstain from marital relations until the marriage was normalized, you could recieve the sacraments.

 

[itsjustdave1988]

A priest recently told me that if I was living with the father of our soon-to-be born child, I could participate.

The priest is incorrect. You cannot live as a married couple without being married (i.e., fornicate) and still receive Holy Communion, while still intending to continue fornicating.

 

[itsjustdave1988]

As I understand it, the Church presumes your civil marriage to be valid, however, it was (and is still) illicit (unlawful) in accord with canon law. You must refrain from receiving the Sacraments until the issue is resolved. You are not automatically allowed to receive the Sacraments by living as brother and sister (abstaining from sex). You will need to go to the Sacrament of Penance prior to receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist, however, you cannot obtain valid absolution if you continue to disregard canon law. That’s the issue. You have to rectify the illicit marriage, go to confession, receive absolution, do penance, then you can receive Holy Communion. Speak to your priest and follow his direction.