Why am I banned from Communion?

[pfitz]

Many years ago, I had my marriage blessed to my non-catholic husband, in an attempt to bless our union and avoid a divorce. Our marriage was being destroyed by the devastating effects of my banning my father in law from our home due to his sexual actions toward our then 7 year old daughter. We eventually did divorce and I have now remarried to a Catholic man, who is also divorced. I could have my marriage annulled, however I cannot afford it and the divorce was over 35 years ago. My husband and I are happy now and live esentially as brother and sister, yet from my readings I am denied the Eucharist. Yet God tells us through his son, Jesus Christ, that part of our life in Christ is the sharing of the Eucharist. How can the Church teach that and yet deny the one thing that unites us in Christ.

Thank you.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

Lack of funds should never be a reason for not being able to have a marriage annulled. Check with your diocese. If you have problems, contact me by clicking on my name.

I don’t know what you are reading, but if you are living as brother and sister you MAY go to Confession and receive the Eucharist. If fellow parishioners know your situation and don’t know about your current celibacy, rather than risk giving scandal, I would advise that until your marriage is blessed, you receive Holy Communion in a parish where you are not known. You are in my prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.