Couple is in their 60’s. They feel that life is short, love is a blessing. They’ve been told that annulment might take as much as 3 years. They choose not to live an abstinent life in that time, but to love each other as richly and fully as they are drawn to do. Ergo, mortal sin. Thus a choice by the Catholic partner to refrain from Eucharist until situation is resolved and marriage in the church is possible, assuming that’s the outcome.
FWIW: Many chroristers (choir members) are paid for their services, and don’t even have to be Catholic. I attend a very conservative Dominican parish where many of the choir members are not Catholic. The person in the OP is respecting the Eucharist. Aside from that we are not allowed to judge hearts.
Life is, indeed, short. Given that fact, I thought it was interesting that they chose to risk eternal damnation over life without sex. My prayer for them is that it won’t come to that, of course. But it’s a heck of a risk for them to take.
This is true.
I am puzzled as to how any sinful love can be rich and full.
Definitely. They should still go to Mass, and be involved in church activities as they are able. They cannot receive communion, and I don’t think it would be appropriate for them to distribute communion or be an altar server or reader, but if they want to sing in the choir, that’s fine.
I agree. They should be abstaining. It may not be for us to comment but surely at their age they can keep their hands off each until their marital situation is regularised.
Especially if you think you might die of old age before the situation is resolved. (re: the “life is short” comment.)
Yes and unless they have certain health issues the “life is short” is a weak excuse. At 60 odd years old they still have a reasonable life expectancy. Another good 10 years plus in this day and age.
me too