My situation is that I was born & baptized into the Catholic faith. I was married in the Catholic Church, both of us being baptized Catholic, for 23 years. There was never any children from this marriage as my husband was sterile, and we found this out after marriage. As I mentioned, it lasted 23 years and ended in divorse. He remarried within a few months of the divorse. I stayed single for 10+ years.

I remarried in a chapel by a minister of some other religion. My present husband was widowed for several years and 20 years my senior. He is a wonderful person and we compliment each other's lives. We live as brother and sister but have a lot of affection and respect for one another.

The question I have about this is whether or not I am excommunicated for marring outside the church and by not having the first marriage annuled. I do not receive any sacrements and haven't since I was remarried. This really bothers me but, I would think it would be a real sacrilege.

Any comments on this?

Pat

-- Pat (pahusch@sbcglobal.net), January 11, 2005

Answers

Response to Marriage & divorse.

-- (bump@bump.bump), January 11, 2005.

Response to Marriage & divorse.

Pat, If you are under US jurisdiction you are not excommunicated (I am not certain of other countries). However, your divorce and subsequent 'marriage' are not recognized by the Church.

Here is a document that may provide understanding of Church teaching and a starting point for your return in to full communion with the Church:

CONCERNING THE RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION BY THE DIVORCED AND REMARRIED MEMBERS OF THE FAITHFUL. I recommend you talk with your Pastor...

-- Daniel Hawkenberry (dlm@catholic.org), January 12, 2005.