Are these two validly married?

[JMJ_Theresa]

In general, it is very important not to give scandel. Someone who is not formed very well in the faith would see a Catholic in a leadership role who is not living in conformity with faith and morals and might imitate them. If Joe Catholic, youth minister, publically sins (say, uses God’s name in vain) then some might think, “Well, if Joe Catholic does it, it must be okay.” That is why we are so much more greatly scandelized when a priest gets caught stealing or… whatever. Some people are easily influenced by the reputation of someone in leadership roles. We have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters in Christ to support them in their spiritual formation by not giving scandel.

Leaders are held to higher standards.

Saying that, we have to always try to assume the best excuse. We assume that this young lady is working on having her marriage validated. Or we assume that it is her spouse who is not consenting. However, perhaps she should step down from her role until that occurs.

 

[Lillith]

JessHav:

Yet, like I said, some people outright ignore the Church’s teachings. No divorced or otherwise mortally sinning person would be allowed to dispense the Eucharist, so why should they be allowed to assume positions of power/authority in the Church they defy? If they blatently do this and you have firsthand knowledge of this, it is not “snitching” to speak your concerns to your priest.

Hi Jess…I just wanted to point out that being divorced does not automatically put a person into the state of mortal sin…it is romantic dating and/or remarriage that is mortally sinful, and falls under the grave sin of Adultery. A divorced person, in the eyes of the Church, is merely a person living apart from his/her spouse

 

[kage_ar]

Orual:

There is a girl whose a leader in our young adult group I’ll call “Francesca.” A year and a half ago, Francesca and her boyfriend “Teigh” got married on the beach in Hawaii by some sort of protestant minister. Francesca has received all three sacrements of initiation and goes to Mass regularly, but Teigh was baptized Catholic as a baby and never went on to practice his faith. So what I want to know, in the eyes of the Church, is their marriage valid? I noticed recently that she abstains from receiving communion at Mass now.

If not, do you think it’s wrong for her to be a leader in a Catholic Young Adult group?

It appears that “Francesca” has made details about both her and her husband’s faith, practice and marriage ceremony public to the group. That tells me that the leadership would be aware of her situation…

Pray for her!

 

[BillP]

JessHav:

I do not think that we should be allowing “cafeteria catholics” in a state of mortal sin to lead our children, young adults or anyone else in our Church.

The only problem with this is the implication that “cafeteria” Catholics are the only ones who are in a state of mortal sin.

Aren’t the people who purposefully and willfully ignore our call to charity here:

2478 To avoid rash judgment, everyone should be careful to interpret insofar as possible his neighbor’s thoughts, words, and deeds in a favorable way:

just as “cafeteria” Catholic as the ones ignoring the Gay rights or ABC teachings?

And who doens’t find them selves from time to time in a state of mortal sin.

 

[JessHav]

You’re totally right, Lillith, my grandmother is divorced yet chaste and is an EM. my bad

Bill P. that is why I said *cafeteria catholics in a state of mortal sin…*that meaning people who “pick and choose” what they will accept or continously defy the Church on. For example, a cafeteria catholic can hold beliefs different from doctrine and not act on them, (not in a state of mortal sin) or choose to repeatedly defy the church (ex: fornicators who do not confess). These sinners should not be “leading” because of the example they may set to other Catholics and non-Catholics. Yes, there are “non-cafeteria catholics” who fall into mortal sin (like myself when I missed mass,) but I am repentent and determined not to repeat my sin. Therefore, it doesn’t compromise my position as a PSR teacher.

Also, I don’t entirely buy your statement that everyone has things they “pick and choose” about the Church…that is true to some degree but usually a “non-cafeteria” Catholic does not defy the Church in grave matters. (For example, gossiping or uncharitable thoughts are usually categorized as venial sins rather than mortal.) If such mortal sin does occur, it is usually not deliberately and repeatedly.

Jess

 

[Orual]

Hey,

Awesome news, everybody-Francesca just announced that she and Teigh are going to get married in the Catholic Church!!! Thanks to all who have prayed about this; and thanks for all of your insight!