Validity of a "non-non-Catholic" marriage

[nearlycatholic]

Two protestants get married by justice of the peace. The woman had been married but divorced 10 years before meeting the man who had never been married. However, he had been with women before coming to faith. They have been married now 7 + years. Now the man (husband) is being called to attend RCIA and join the Catholic faith. Will he be allowed to participate in communion?

 

[Elf01]

If his wife receives an annulment or her first husband has died in the meantime or if he ceases relations with her no problem.

Otherwise it would not be moral.

 

[achmafooma]

In this scenario, the person should seek the counsel of a priest to review the circumstances and determine what is necessary.

Reception of the sacraments would likely need to occur after the marriage situation is normalized, which may require that the woman’s previous marriage go through the annulment process (since somebody previously married is not free to remarry without an annulment or the death of the spouse, so the current marriage is likely presumptively invalid).

But a priest will need to guide this person on exactly what needs to happen in their case after reviewing all of the details. Impediments to the sacraments happen often with converts to the Catholic Church, and can often be resolved, but the details will vary from case to care.

 

[TheOldColonel]

Simplified Answer: His wife needs to obtain an annulment. Their current marriage will immediately be considered canonical once the decree is given. They do not need to repeat vows in the Catholic Church as their marriage will be presumed valid. The marriage will be recorded in the appropriate sacramental registry once he comes into Full Communion.

 

[TheLittleLady]

If her first husband is alive, there needs to be an investigation of that attempt at marriage. Make an appointment with the Advocate assigned to your parish.