Am I still a Catholic in the eyes of the Church?

[Chizzywinks]

I am trying to figure out if, in the eyes of the Catholic Church, I am doomed or if I have a chance.

1. I have been married 3 times, none of which were in the Catholic Church - once by a Justice of the Peace, once by a Notary and once by a Methodist Minister (my current marriage).
2. I had an abortion over 25 years ago. I do not regret it because I feel if things hadn’t turned out the way they did, there is a good chance I would not have the two wonderful sons I have today.
3. My oldest son is gay. I am not happy about it, but he is who he is and I don’t love him any less for it. He went to CCD…had his 1st Holy Communion and Confirmation. He is the God Father of my youngest son.
4. Because of the abortion, I have not been to confession in over 20 years out of fear of what the priest may say.

My youngest son is in CCD and will be making his First Holy Communion next year. We go to a Catholic Church about 3 times a month, and my husband’s church about once a month (He is Methodist). He will go to church with us sometimes, too.
I want to be able to start receiving Communion with my son, but I fear I won’t ever be able to because of my past.

I would just like to hear some feedback and thoughts on where I stand in the Catholic Church. I always hated going to confession as I’ve always thought that since God is always with me, he knows what is in my heart and how I truly feel about my transgressions. But, alas, the Church says I must tell all to the priest (who I always think of as a “middle man” when it comes to confession), who then decides if I am worthy of forgiveness or not. Can I still even consider myself a Catholic anymore?

 

[Augusta_Crowley]

Please be assured of God’s infinite mercy! The following links should assist you in better understanding the process of coming back to the Church after so many years. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly. Welcome home!

**Recommended Reading:
[thread=127629]After sixteen years, can I return to the Church?[/thread]
[thread=92885]Where do I begin…?[/thread]

Can you help me regarding my abortion and Confession?**

[thread=34632]How do I make my first confession in fifteen years?[/thread]
[thread=56937]How do I best prepare for confession after being away for 43 years?[/thread]

How do I arrange for a long confession?
Is it ok to cry during Confession?

May a Catholic married, divorced, and currently married outside of the Church receive Communion?

What should a parent of a gay child do?