Do I need an annulment, and may I receive the Eucharist?

[Miss_Val]

I believe I know the answer to this one, but I wanted to ask to make absolutely sure. I was married outside the church and have since divorced. Since my marriage was never blessed in the church, do I need an anulment? I did go to confession and explained my issue and the priest assured me that I was fine and would be able to receive Holy Communion.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

All divorced Catholics may receive Holy Communion so long as they are chaste (in the state of grace) regardless of whether their marriage was valid or not. Your case will have to go to the marriage tribunal just to objectively verify that you were indeed married outside the Church and therefore the marriage was invalid. This should not take long at all.

Certainly, you may go to Confession and receive the Eucharist.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.