Why can't I receive the Eucharist if my marriage is not annulled?

[tammymarie]

I am remarried to a protestant man who has never been married before. I have not gotten my other marriage annulled yet but have started it. I was previously married in the catholic church with the other marriage. I did not realize I should not being taking communion until the other day when I heard some women saying she couldn’t for the same reason. I went to my preist he told me even though I have repented for my wrongs in the past and have gone to confession that still the church says it is wrong to go to communion until I have annuled my other marriage. I was concerned because I will miss out on receiving Jesus who has forgiven me and who I will continue to need every week. He told me it was because of my break with the communion with the church. I don’t understand this. Please explain it more to me. I only want to do God’s will in this not mine.
Thank-you
Tammy

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear TM,

I don’t know why the priest didn’t give you the full explanation. Until it is proven that your first marriage was lacking an essential ingredient at its inception and is therefore worthy of an annulment, the Church considers you to still be married to your first husband. Therefore having relations with anyone else (including your present husband) is an act of adultery and a mortal sin.

Further for a Catholic to marry outside the Catholic Church automatically renders that marriage invalid.

If you want the forgiveness of Jesus, go to Confession and live in a celibate way until you are married in the Church. In this way you may receive Holy Communion now. It all follows quite logically. You are in my prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.