Can I ever be part of the Church again?

[Jacqui_McManus]

I’ve been a lapsed Catholic since I was 15 years old and I’m now 39. I was a pregnant teenager and was coerced by my mother and other persons to have an abortion when I was 15, and although I knew that doing so was gravely wrong I didnt feel strong enough to stand up and say no as I would not have had any support in bringing up my child. Through the church I was taught that I had commited a mortal sin and was therefore excommunicated. I have never been to mass since then, and this has weighed heavily on me throughout the years.
I have now settled with a partner and though we are not married, we have produced a beautiful daughter, who is 7 months old. Although my partner is not a person of any faith, he has not objected to me wanting to have our daughter baptised in the Catholic faith. I would dearly love to do this, but feel unable to as I won’t be able to celebrate with her. Can I ever be forgiven and return to the church?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Sure! You need to go to a Catholic parish and talk to a priest about having your marriage convalidated (blessed). You also need to go to Confession. Priests in the United States have been given authority to receive people who have had abortions back into the Church when they give them absolution. You can do this right away. But you need to get married in the Church and live in a celibate way until then. You can not continue to have marrital relations with someone with whom you are not married. You commit a mortal sin every time you do. The Lord will give you the strength you will need. You are in my prayers.

Welcome back!

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.