Status as a Cradle Catholic, Protestant Marriage and Communion

[SJstl]

up front, I will say that I have spoken with a Priest and have started RCIA with the intent of receiving the Confirmation sacrament, but I am still unclear about a couple of things. I will revisit this with my local Priest as we touched on it briefly but am also seeking some instruction and background on the subject

I am one of the many who were baptized into the Church as an infant and received my First Communion. A parents divorce took me down a different path from the Catholic church. I later married and have had a successful marriage. The ceremony was performed by a Protestant minister and my wife is an active member of her church.

I consulted with the Priest on advancing towards the Confirmation sacrament and he advised attending RCIA which I am committed to. This can only benefit me in not only committing to the Church but also receiving a proper education.

I did attend confession last week and made an act of contrition with subsequent penance. I understand the Church teaching of receiving the Eucharist while in a state of grace and the teachings on mortal sin.

What I am still not clear on is being able to participate in Holy Communion while not having any action taken on the marriage situation and how that is resolved.

Since I am not confirmed, but am still baptized in the Church, and there were extenuating circumstances decades ago involving my parents divorce and subsequent upbringing, what standing would I have in the Church with regards to receiving the Eucharist? As I stated I will discuss this further with the local priest. I suspect this is addressed as a Canonical issue but it is somewhat complex and surely there is a correct answer.

 

[TheLittleLady]

Welcome home!

Yes, refrain from reception until your marriage situation is regularized. Your pastor will explain it to you.

As long as there are no impediments such as prior marriages for either of you, your Convalidation or Radical Sanation ought to be a simple process.

 

[SJstl]

She was previously married for a couple of years with a legal divorce in the mid 70’s and is non-Catholic. My research thus far leads me to a tribunal where the annulment of that marriage would come into question.

I understand the process and logic behind it, but I’m sure it’s been discussed thousands of times before, how the Church recognizes the binding tie of a civil marriage but not the divorce.

Nonetheless, I’m prepared to move forward with the necessary steps to be a conforming member (more importantly, believer) in the Church