What place do I have in the Church?

[crthinds]

I have been a Roman Catholic all my life. My faith is very important to me. My question is this: I am divorced, I wanted my marriage annulled as soon as the ceremony was over, my parents convinced me to stary married. Both my husband and I agreed that the marriage was a mistake and we had no life together. We both worked and he also had other hobbies while I took care of the home and children (2 sons) and paid the bills. But there was no togetherness between us from the start. He divorced me 9 years ago and remarried. I have not remarried. I do not know where my place is in the church. I brought both of our sons up in the Catholic Church. The are both grown up and one continues with his Catholic faith. I don’t know what to do about Mass, I go, but sometimes feel out of place because of the divorce.Is there a stigma attached? Should I get dispensation/annullment? I feel badly about myself when I go to Church because of the divorce.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

You really need to know more about your faith. Divorce, of itself, does not prevent you from receiving the sacraments. So long as you are celibate, you may go to Confession and receive Holy Communion. But remember, we do have an obligation to attend Sunday Mass under pain of mortal sin.

It sounds like your marriage could be anulled. I suggest that you see your pastor about it. if this appeals to you.

Be assured: your standing in the Church is a good one.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.