Converting to Catholicism

[Annie39]

I’ve posted my concern in the “Ask an Apologist” forum and have put in a call to a local Priest.

I also found this:

ewtn.com/expert/answers/communion_of_divorced_and_remarr.htm

If either of my marriages were found to be valid, then the marriage to my third wife is invalid . Am I really to leave my wife of 15 years?

It is possible that you may have to live as brother and sister. I hope this does not sound harsh. I do understand what you are going through. I have suffered a loss of a family member due to having to make a stand for the faith. I try to remember that being able to receive the sacraments is the pearl of great price.

Annie

 

[pablope]

I’ve posted my concern in the “Ask an Apologist” forum and have put in a call to a local Priest.

I also found this:

ewtn.com/expert/answers/communion_of_divorced_and_remarr.htm

If either of my marriages were found to be valid, then the marriage to my third wife is invalid . Am I really to leave my wife of 15 years?

No…it does not necessarily come to that. Your current situation would be taken into account…and you are already separated from the your first wife.

As the link you posted said…the purpose is to make you right in the eyes of God and the Church. The purpose is to…“and be admitted to the sacraments…” …or 'refrain from the sacraments"…meaning avoid communion for a while until the situation is resolved.

 

[seafaring]

Sorry for the dumb question, I new and wanting to learn. If you are not in position to be admitted to the sacraments for an undetermined period of time, what is the state of your salvation?

 

[pablope]

Sorry for the dumb question, I new and wanting to learn. If you are not in position to be admitted to the sacraments for an undetermined period of time, what is the state of your salvation?

The state of your salvation…the Church does not make that judgement…only God does as He alone knows your heart.

I was listening today to Patrick Madrid’s show on EWTN. There were a lot of questions on marriage situations and annulments.

He mention this website by a canon lawyer…canonlaw.info/

He has a blog and you can send him your question. Hope this helps.

 

[Goya]

Sorry for the dumb question, I new and wanting to learn. If you are not in position to be admitted to the sacraments for an undetermined period of time, what is the state of your salvation?

First, I’m pretty sure that the sacraments that you would be precluded from, are the Eucharist, Confirmation, and Matrimony.

I cannot fathom that the Church would deny you Baptism, Confession (although absolution of the marital state would be contingent upon the marriage status–but absolution would still be fully available for all other sins…); or annointing of the sick–while Holy Orders doesn’t seem to apploy–unless you were interested in the diaconate, that is.

Second, while the Sacrments are certainly important, the only one that is deemed truly necessary for salvation, is Baptism–and again, I see no reason why this would be denied you.

Caveat: just my humble, lay-person’s belief–let anyone who knows better, feel free to correct me–with my earnest respect and gratitude for such correction.

 

[Goya]

As to your first question–about getting started in Catholicism–I’d recommend reading–and learning–the Nicene Creed. The Catechism begins, by breaking down the Nicen Creed–and ellaborates from there. The NC gives you sort of a framewoark structure of the Faith, and thereby context for everything else. Within that constuct, pretty much everything else fits in or around, and falls into place.

…and it’s not that difficult to memeorize–my 5-8 year old kids all had it memorized when they were 5 y/o.

Peace.

 

[seafaring]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I am continuing to study and learn.

 

[classica87]

Maybe this is not helpful, but I’ll throw in another vote for talking to your priest. I have yet to meet one who was not genuinely kind and helpful. Just find your priest and set up a meeting to talk with him, and definitely try to get involved in your local parish. Not only will you make good friends, but you’ll also probably find someone willing to help you learn, and maybe be your RCIA sponsor.