Is my marriage valid to God?

[cprater]

My husband was divorced but was married by justice of peace the
first time and had two children. Now grown.

We where married by a non catholic minister in 2000. I am
a catholic but was military raised and I didn’t know much about my faith. (I am learning more about my faith). And now I think
I have commited a mortal sin.

I stopped going to communion, but still go to church and confession.The preists didn’t seem to clear on the subject and asked me to pray for my husband ( they suggested an annulment).
I was going up to communion and just getting a blessing. (I go crying knowing that I can’t receive communion/the lord and I am lost without him)

I went this Sunday because I had a dream that God would allow it. I felt like it was my angle who guided me.

I really just want to serve him and in my mind that means I have to leave my husband.

I am lost and a sinner and I need guidence.

Please help and advise.
Thank you,
cp

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear CP,

That you are a sinner I have no doubt. We all are sinners. But you are not lost! You don’t mention if your husband is a Catholic or not. If he is a Catholic, his first marriage would not have been valid. In any case, you need the help of the marriage tribunal. You need to see your priest about this. If he isn’t helpful, let me know.

As for receiving Holy Communion, you are not required to leave your husband. If you live celibately until your marriage is blessed, and you go to Confession, you may receive Holy Communion. You are in my prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.