So to be a Good Catholic–I have to be celibate while my ex-husband is happy in his second marriage. See…this just doesn’t seem right. One of the Deacons at my parish talked about divorce and he said that if we are divorced we had to remain celibate because the Church does not recognize divorce. He said that someone had once asked, “But we still want to enjoy sex. What are we supposed to do?” His response was:" No one said we had to be happy. You just have to accept it." Sounds to sad and severe.
It is severe, one of the reasons I left the Church (17 years ago) was because of the severity of thought of a priest. I was 12 when I left, and I seriously lost my way, drink, drugs, violence, you name it and I did it ( except be promiscuous dont know why

). I married someone twice my age when I was 18 because I “thought” I loved them and them me ( oh dear, how wrong we can be!). When we split Iwas celibate for 4 years, through personal choice not religious or moral. Then I met my current partner and even though we wish to get married my wonderful ex ( he manages without a hint of sarcasm!) is making it nigh on impossible for me to divorce.
My current and myself now have 2 children (and they truely are a blessing!) At first I didnt want them baptised I wanted them to make their own choice, we were all given some level of thought shame to waste it by blindly following where others lead…but then thats where faith comes in I suppose. Anyway we approached our “new” parish priest, and this guy is epic!, about baptisting our sons, and you know what? Not a problem, he did ask if I wanted to make a confession, which, at the time I didnt, we agreed a date, said our goodbyes “see you at mass on sunday” ect. ( I hadnt been for 17 years!!) But true to my word to mass I went, and you know what? I found when I walked it was like coming home, took me awhile to build up the courage to got to confession ( even asked the apologetics advice on here) but I did it, me and my current CANT have sexual relations now because of illness on my part and I was granted absolution.
Everything happens for a reason! Am I sorry I left the church? No, and why should I be it granted me time to develope my own opinions rather than be brainwashed by dogma and doctrine. Am I sorry I married in such a manner? No, it taught me how to be a better judge of character, and now the people around me because of a mutual love and understanding, not because they have something I want, or indeed, they for me. Am I sorry for living in “sin”? NOT NOW, NOT EVER!, seriously if by granting me the family he has God hasnt only forgiven me, He has blessed me ( and that was before I walked back into church).
As if that wasnt enough, the sheer level of warmth and love I felt walking back into church was enough to prove to me that all was well between me and God.
As much as I believe in the Holy Roman Church, for me you have to forgive, and love yourself, before god will ever forgive you, confession or not. Never regret anything you do in life that has taught you a lession.
So marriage, divorce, co-habiting, or standing on your head juggling babies ( not reccommended, but if anyone manages it remember “Videos or it didnt happen!”

), If you see it as wrong then so will God, God is love and if you’re in a pit of selfloathing you cant love, not fully, and so God cant love you. You accept what you are, what you where made, love yourself and those around you and God will give his love and blessings back a hundredfold.
Sorry about that load of waffle sleep depravation is a sure fire way to set me of on stuff like that, but, EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON!
Peace, and God bless you all, like he has me
Dominic