How can divorced people receive the Eucharist?

[John_Lucas]

The Catechism states that divorce per se is a grave sin (CCC 2384).

I have a book by an orthodox Catholic author who published Q & A’s he has received and answered over the years. On the question of divorce, he acknowledges that “it could be a grave sin for one party to break the bond of matrimony through divorce.” However, in the next sentence, he states that “divorced persons are still in good standing in the Church and can receive the sacraments provided that they do not attempt remarriage.” Since a grave (i. e., mortal) sin causes loss of sanctifying grace, how could the person receive the sacrament of the Eucharist?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Although the Church does recognize that divorce can be a grave offense, it also recognizes that it is sometimes necessary for couples to legally separate because it would be dangerous for them to continue common marital life or because one spouse has unjustly abandoned the other and left the innocent spouse with no means to protect him- or herself and/or dependent children except through legal separation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church also states:

The separation of spouses while maintaining the marriage bond can be legitimate in certain cases provided for by canon law Code of Canon Law, canon 1153]. If civil divorce remains the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance, it can be tolerated and does not constitute a moral offense (CCC 2383).

The Church considers civil divorce to be the equivalent of legal separation. If a Catholic has sought the divorce for just reason and has not attempted to remarry, recognizing that he must continue to presume himself to be married in the eyes of the Church to the original spouse unless or until an annulment is granted, then the Catholic may continue to receive Communion.

Recommended reading:

Is it a sin to divorce an abusive husband?