Marriage / Divorce Question

[Lexi59]

Hi, I am a cradle Catholic who was married in a Catholic church when I was 23. I divorced my husband due to his alcoholism and his beating me. I was married to him for only 7 months. When I was 27 I remarried a man who is not Catholic and we have been married for 22 years (next month). We have one adopted son. I would like to return to the Church but my husband and my son are not interested. Also, I would like very much to partake in the Eucharist again and I know that I could not since I was divorced, but my ex-husband is dead…does that make a difference? I never wanted to get the annullment when he was alive because I did not want him to find out where I was but now that he’s died, could I now receive the Eucharist?

 

[Seatuck]

Hi, I am a cradle Catholic who was married in a Catholic church when I was 23. I divorced my husband due to his alcoholism and his beating me. I was married to him for only 7 months. When I was 27 I remarried a man who is not Catholic and we have been married for 22 years (next month). We have one adopted son. I would like to return to the Church but my husband and my son are not interested. Also, I would like very much to partake in the Eucharist again and I know that I could not since I was divorced, but my ex-husband is dead…does that make a difference? I never wanted to get the annullment when he was alive because I did not want him to find out where I was but now that he’s died, could I now receive the Eucharist?

Hello Lexi59,
If your first husband has died then that marriage no longer exists. You will want to make an appointment to talk to a priest . Just call up or stop in at the nearest Catholic parish. You will need to go to confession and you will need to have your marriage convalidated. You might be asked to provide paper work such as a death certificate for your ex husband. As a baptized Catholic you were required to follow the marriage laws of the church as you seem to know. Until you have your current marriage convalidated then you will not be able to receive any Sacraments.
Prayers for your journey. I understand your yearning for the Eucharist. I miss Him so much when I cannot receive.

 

[jwashu]

Actually I believe that once you talk to your priest and go to confession you will be able to receive communion as long as you refrain from relations with your husband until the marriage is convalidated.

Joe