Considering my background, where do I stand with the Church?

[tryingagain]

I was married in the Catholic Church. After 10+ years of marriage and two children, we were divorced and the marriage was annuled through the Catholic Church. Several years later, I remarried in a civil ceremony. This marriage ended in divorce also. I have spent many years alone, in which time I have come back to my faith. I realize I know but a little and feel overwhelmed by the teachings of the church. However, I want very much to live in accordance with what is true and right. Please tell me where I stand with my Catholic upbringing. Can I remarry? Can I receive Communion? I feel I should know these things, be able to quote scripture as a basis for my beliefs and actions. Can you help?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

To remarry, you would have to apply for an annulment, but it would be granted easily since the Church doesn’t recognize the marriages of Catholics who marry outside the Church. The marriage tribunal would have to testify objectively to the fact that you did marry outside of the Church.

But right now, all you have to do is go to Confession and then you may receive Holy Communion. As a help in brushing up on what the Church teaches, I suggest that you pick up a copy of “Exploring the Catholic Church” by Marcellino D’Ambrosio .

amazon.com/Exploring-Catholic-Church-Difference-Everyday/dp/0340786108/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221070000&sr=1-5

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.