The couple might be able to receive the Eucharist; however, certain conditions must be met:If a Catholic whose spouse has died marries a divorced non-catholic in a civil ceremony while awaiting the outcome of annulment proceedings in new spouse’s two previous marriages, is the Catholic now unable to receive communion or unable to participate in liturgy?
As far as participating in the liturgy, I don’t know. I’d recommend speaking to a priest regarding that matter. I’d speculate no, since participation in the liturgy is not a requirement, and participating in it could cause scandal.The faithful who persist in such a situation may receive Holy Communion only after obtaining sacramental absolution, which may be given only “to those who, repenting of having broken the sign of the Covenant and of fidelity to Christ, are sincerely ready to undertake a way of life that is no longer in contradiction to the indissolubility of marriage. This means, in practice, that when for serious reasons, for example, for the children’s upbringing, a man and a woman cannot satisfy the obligation to separate, they ‘take on themselves the duty to live in complete continence, that is, by abstinence from the acts proper to married couples’”(8). In such a case they may receive Holy Communion as long as they respect the obligation to avoid giving scandal.
Participating in the Mass is fine, even for one who is not eligible to receive Communion at that moment. No problem there. In fact, not-participating in Mass would be even worse. On the contrary, people in that situation should make an effort to continue to go to Mass.The couple might be able to receive the Eucharist; however, certain conditions must be met:
#4 of vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_14091994_rec-holy-comm-by-divorced_en.html
As far as participating in the liturgy, I don’t know. I’d recommend speaking to a priest regarding that matter. I’d speculate no, since participation in the liturgy is not a requirement, and participating in it could cause scandal.
Under the direction of their priest, yes. it is not something the can presume themselves as there are other elements such as scandal that must be considered.Regarding Bootcat’s September 23 post, re: “Reconciliation through the sacrament of Penance can be granted only to those who have repented for having violated the sign of the covenant and of fidelity to Christ, and who are committed to living in complete continence,” does this mean that a Catholic couple in an invalid marriage may confess the circumstances of their invalid marriage – and provided they continue to live as brother and sister, (ascetically), they’re free to receive Holy Communion?
We really can’t say, now can we? We can, as you have, put it in the most charitable light possible.I’m familiar with someone (a Baby Boomer – she’s Roman Catholic, don’t know his faith) in a Rosary Group, who frequents Communion and figure this must be the case.
No they cannot marry civilly.Two Catholics meet. He has never been married. She was married in the Catholic Church, had two children, was divorced by her husband, had applied for and was awaiting annulment.
Before the annulment is final:
- Can they be married in a civil proceeding?
- Can they attend Catholic Mass, everywhere in the world?
- Can they raise her existing children as Catholics if their “father” objects?
- Can they have children of their own?
- Can their children be baptized in the Catholic Church?
- Can their children be raised as Catholics?
- Can their children attend Catholic Schools?
- Can their children receive all the Sacraments?
- When her annulment is final, can they be married in the Church?
.Two Catholics meet. He has never been married. She was married in the Catholic Church, had two children, was divorced by her husband, had applied for and was awaiting annulment.
Before the annulment is final:
The “can” be but it won’t be a valid sacramental marriage*]Can they be married in a civil proceeding?
Yes, they can attend and participate, but they cannot receive Communion*]Can they attend Catholic Mass, everywhere in the world?
Yes (unless there’s some legal impediment that says she has no legal custody)*]Can they raise her existing children as Catholics if their “father” objects?
They “can” but it would be a sin*]Can they have children of their own?
The can, if there is a founded hope that the children will be raised in the faith*]Can their children be baptized in the Catholic Church?
Not sure what the difference is between the last one, but the answer is yes*]Can their children be raised as Catholics?
They can (unless there’s something else like a waiting list, etc)*]Can their children attend Catholic Schools?
Well, they can’t get married until they’re old enough, so technically no.*]Can their children receive all the Sacraments?
That depends. Assuming everything “goes fine” yes. Since this is a hypothetical, there could be other barriers to marriage like conditions placed by the tribunal on future marriages. So the answer is “generally yes” but not absolutely yes.*]When her annulment is final, can they be married in the Church?
Very true. I do not see why there would have to be an “either or” between two unfavorable options, though I will admit that I have far more animosity toward “living together” (beside all of its immorality, cohabitation is very trashy) than to such a couple being civilly married. But again, I do not know why there should be a choice between two bad alternatives. Why can’t this couple just wait and see if the lady can get an annulment before doing anything else?Yes. Contracting a civil marriage entails mockery of a sacrament in addition to fornication.
Is the communion refused out of fear that the sinner will hang himself?********Yes.
And afterwards…
…Judas hanged himself.
Do your parents know you’re using the internet without adult supervision?Is the communion refused out of fear that the sinner will hang himself?********