Evangelization, Divorce and Remarriage

[KimberClare]

Here is my difficulty . . .

How does one share the fullness of the Catholic faith with those Non Catholic Christians who have been divorced and remarried?

Some time ago, protestant churces began to rationalize divorce and make it permissible for folks who have been divorced to then remarry - - quite contrary to the plain sense of scripture.

I am a convert, my parents had divorced when I was only five years old. Both re-married and have remained married to those same individuals to this day (some 30+ years). ((I am a six year old Catholic ))

How is Catholic truth to be communicated to them?

. . . or to any other person who is outside of full communion with the Catholic church due to having had a marriage fail (and then subsequently contracted another marriage) . . it seems no one stays single after having a marriage fail.

As a protestant it was simple to say “come on over” but as a Catholic, how can I invite anyone to “come over” when I know they will not be able to fully participate without a MAJOR life change?

 

[SarahR]

Evangelizing them is a great idea, we’re all called to evangelize. But trying to specifically convert them into the catholic church I don’t think is really our job (could be wrong) and probably won’t “work” anyway. We should all be inviting each other to grow deeper into the Truth, so maybe that’s the approach to take with them or anyone, regardless of their marital circumstances–which only God can judge the actions of people who weren’t raised with the understanding of sacramental marriages.

Are there any areas you notice they may be receptive to being shown some of the truths of our faith? Do you think they would be able to appreciate Mary as our mother? or the communion of saints? or the beauty of the mass? or the preciousness of all human life? etc
Then you could start having dialogs with them about those things specifically.

God bless your desire to share the truth with them!

 

[graceandglory]

Here is my difficulty . . .

How does one share the fullness of the Catholic faith with those Non Catholic Christians who have been divorced and remarried?

Some time ago, protestant churces began to rationalize divorce and make it permissible for folks who have been divorced to then remarry - - quite contrary to the plain sense of scripture.

I am a convert, my parents had divorced when I was only five years old. Both re-married and have remained married to those same individuals to this day (some 30+ years). ((I am a six year old Catholic ))

How is Catholic truth to be communicated to them?

. . . or to any other person who is outside of full communion with the Catholic church due to having had a marriage fail (and then subsequently contracted another marriage) . . it seems no one stays single after having a marriage fail.

As a protestant it was simple to say “come on over” but as a Catholic, how can I invite anyone to “come over” when I know they will not be able to fully participate without a MAJOR life change?

I would study the Theology of the Body. IT is a major catechesis covering everything Catholic and Sacramental theology from the basic starting point of Man and Woman being Created in the image of God. It’s a Bible study covering the whole bible from Genesis to Revelation and what God has to say about man and woman in particular related to marriage.

Starting with Good News for Sex and Marriage by Christopher West, you will learn for yourself what a Sacramental marriage really is, and the differences between a civil marriage and a sacramental marriage are.

Getting grounded in your own Catholicism and getting to know the Sacraments should be your first plan, then you can share with those you love.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

They may not need a major life change. Divorce is discussed heavily in the bible, and annulments are allowed for invalid marriages. Maybe it would be as simple as completing the annulment work with a convalidation?