Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

[MTKM]

Requirements to be an extraordinary minister have me confused so it is hard to answer someone that asked me this question.

Background → Person currently serving as an extraordinary minister in the Diocese was married once within the Catholic church then divorced. Divorce was annulled, however, person re-married in back yard ceremony by a judge and is still married today. This person still goes to communion every Sunday and serves as a Extraordinary Minister.

Is this acceptable ?

I think the answer is No, but would like to know from some who might have knowledge on who is allowed to serve the body and blood of our Lord.

Thanks for your help!

 

[pensmama87]

At our parish, you are required to be in good standing, which would mean not being in an irregular marriage. It’s possible to receive dispensation from some of the ordinary requirements. The EMHC in question could very well be validly married.

Since this information is at least secondhand, I’d recommend not concerning yourself with it, unless you’re involved with EMHC selection or training.

 

[MTKM]

So there is at least a screening process and you must be approved prior to becoming an EMHC…Correct?

BTW - I am not necessarily concerning myself with it as if to stop someone, etc… I am looking for someone within this ANSWERS forum with the experience to answer the question for my own education on the Catholic faith. Not looking for someone to tell me not to concern myself with it. For purposes of this discussion, let’s “go out on a limb” and say that being married in a back yard by a judge is not a valid Catholic marriage.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Yes, there is to be a screening process. If you are concerned about an individual, speak to your pastor.

 

[Gorgias]

Person currently serving as an extraordinary minister in the Diocese was married once within the Catholic church then divorced. Divorce was annulled, however, person re-married in back yard ceremony by a judge and is still married today. This person still goes to communion every Sunday and serves as a Extraordinary Minister.

Is this acceptable ?

I’m confused. The divorce was annulled? Do you mean that the marriage was annulled? Or, do you mean that he “re-married” his first spouse?

If you mean that his first marriage was annulled, then the question is whether the second marriage is valid. Do you know whether he received a dispensation from form? If so, his second marriage could be valid.

If you mean that he went back on his divorce and just got re-married to his first spouse in order to have a civilly valid marriage, then he’s ok – after all, the first marriage was (we’d presume) valid, so the second “marriage” doesn’t have any effects (as far as the Church is concerned).

So… given the information you’ve provided, there is the possibility that all is well. However, the info you’ve given is somewhat incomplete and/or confusing, so we can’t be sure.

So there is at least a screening process and you must be approved prior to becoming an EMHC…Correct?

There should be such a process, but I’m not gonna lie to you – I’m sure that there isn’t a vetting process in every parish.

I am looking for someone within this ANSWERS forum with the experience to answer the question for my own education on the Catholic faith.

To be fair, though, you haven’t really given us enough information to give you a definite answer.

For purposes of this discussion, let’s “go out on a limb” and say that being married in a back yard by a judge is not a valid Catholic marriage.

You can’t make that assumption, since it is possible to receive a dispensation from form, in which case, a marriage ceremony “in a back yard by a judge” could, possibly, be a valid Catholic marriage.

 

[mVitus]

For purposes of this discussion, let’s “go out on a limb” and say that being married in a back yard by a judge is not a valid Catholic marriage.

It’s possible that they either had a dispensation or later convalidated. I know extended family where a couple was married in a courthouse and convalidated in the Church.

 

[Gorgias]

It’s possible that they … later convalidated.

Great point!

 

[mountee]

If you want to have the most accurate information, I can see where you might have some concerns, you should approach the minister directly. Or, you can assume that because there is a screening process for this ministry, that any impediments for this person to serve were ruled out. My personal choice would be the second option.