Can one commit adultery, go through RCIA and become a Catholic?

[Elaine134]

I’m currently married, but separated, with divorce on the horizon. My husband is Methodist, and I am Baptist. We were married for 29 years and he abandoned our home to begin an adulterous relationship with a woman who is a cradle Catholic. Now he is interested in joining the Catholic Church and is attending RCIA classes. Can you explain to me how the Catholic religion views committing adultery, especially during RCIA classes? Would the priest allow him to continue through RCIA if he has admitted to adultery? If he has not told the truth about his current situation, how does the Catholic Church view that? If he decides to marry this woman, and proceeds to have our marriage annulled in order to get married in the Catholic Church, will I be contacted at any point about our marriage? Thank you

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

First of all, the Catholic Church recognizes the marriages of non-Catholics to be valid. If both parties have been baptized, it recognizes such a marriage to be a sacrament as well. It teaches that adultery is contrary to the Ten Commandments and is therefore a mortal (deadly) sin.

One cannot marry in the Catholic Church if one has been divorced, unless one qualifies for an annulment. Should your husband seek to enter the Catholic Church, he may not do so if he is divorced, unless that marriage has been found to merit annulment. Should he seek an annulment, you will automatically be contacted. The Catholic marriage tribunal would be most interested in what you have to say. If you have further questions regarding this, feel free to contact me here privately by clicking on my name above.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.