Not married in Catholic church, but still go to Mass?

[rochejaune]

So, on another note…can my Catholic friends, who are not married in the Catholic church, still attend Mass and participate fully? Thanks

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

So, on another note…can my Catholic friends, who are not married in the Catholic church, still attend Mass and participate fully? Thanks

They still have the serious obligation to attend Mass on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. They just cannot participate in the Sacraments until they resolve the Marriage issues. Specifically they cannot receive Holy Communion but must be at Mass.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Everyone can come to Mass and join in the prayers and the singing. If by “participate fully” you are asking if they can receive communion, that is limited to Catholics who are in a state of grace. From your very brief mention of their marriage situation it sounds like there is a problem. They should speak with a priest about their marriage.

 

[puzzleannie]

So, on another note…can my Catholic friends, who are not married in the Catholic church, still attend Mass and participate fully? Thanks

yes of course and as Catholics they are required to attend Sunday Mass. If they are in need of sacramental confession they must of course confess first before receiving Holy Communion. If they are some continuing situation that requires a remedy before they can confess (such as in an invalid marriage for one example) them must rectify that situation using the means at hand in the Church, again their pastor, in or out of confession, is the one to direct them in that case, and he will also give them guidance as to when they may return to communion.

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

Everyone who is Catholic has an obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation regardless of marital situation.
If they wish to fully participate in the life of their parish and receive communion then all they need to do is ask the priest to validate their marriage. Its a relatively easy process and as their friend I’d recommend encouraging them to do so.