Can you receive Confirmation and Eucharist if you are divorced?

[green889]

I know someone who is divorced and is supposed to receive Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Can she still receive the Sacraments? Thank you.

 

[Lapey]

I know someone who is divorced and is supposed to receive Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Can she still receive the Sacraments? Thank you.

Yes, if they are in a state of grace. Divorce in and of itself is not the sinful state; it is the sin that surrounds divorce. A divorcee is still required to live a chaste life, just as I do as a married man. We live a chaste life within our state of living, so if divorced, and all sin is confessed, then that person is welcome at the Eucharistic table. If divorced and in a state of sin, then that is different.

If divorced and remarried or not living a chaste life, this would be sinful and such a person would be welcome for the celebrations, but not prepared to approach the sacraments without making changes; welcome at Mass, but not able to receive.

If you are anyone you know is in this type of situation, please seek guidance from your parish priest or deacon.

 

[agnes_therese]

It sounds as if that’s already been decided by the priest, yes? Is there some specific reason to question that decision?

 

[Lapey]

It sounds as if that’s already been decided by the priest, yes? Is there some specific reason to question that decision?

Miss Agnes, that was my first thought. Any pastor worth his salt would have all these issues worked out long before it came time for the sacraments to be recieved.

 

[mdgspencer]

There is no reason why someone, simply because they have been divorced, should be unable to have sacraments. This assumes that they haven’t been remarried without an annulment.
As a matter of fact, someone can even be divorced against their will. There is no reason for blieving that someone is guilty of any sin simply because they are divorced.