Can I become a Catholic if I'm living with my former husband?

[VirginiaLynn]

Hi, My name is Virginia. I am not a catholic right now but want to become a catholic. I was raised pretty much non denominational, I want do want to change this but don’t know if I would be able to because of the following.

I am divorced and have been living with my ‘husband’ even though we aren’t legally married we have devoted our lives to each other. My question is, can I become a Catholic , be divorced and not legally married to my ‘husband’? I hope so with all of my being. I love my family and also want to serve God in the Church.

Thank you for listening!
God bless
Virginia

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Virginia,

Yours is an interesting and unusual question. The answer will probably surprise you. The Catholic Church recognizes the marriages of non-Catholics to each other as valid. Unless there were circumstances at the time of your wedding that would cause those vows to be considered null, the Catholic Church still recognizes your marriage as valid. The state does not have the power to nullify what God has joined together.

So yes, it would appear that you are able to become a Catholic. Check with a local Catholic parish. You are in our prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.