Where Do Catholics Stand If They Are Divorced?
A deep-rooted misunderstanding continues among many Catholics as t0 the status of a divorced person in the Church. Thus, many who are experiencing divorce absent themselves from the Eucharist or even from the Church community altogether at a time when need greatly the Lord’s healing presence and the support of the Christian community.
The position of the Church is very clear regarding the divorced: any divorced Catholic (who has not remarried without benefit of Church annulment) is entitled to full participation in the sacramental community of the Church. Divorced persons should not only continue to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, but also may expect the Church to reflect the healing concern of the Lord through the support of fellow Catholics.
As far as divorced Catholics who have remarried without receiving a declaration of nullity of the former marriage, all should be aware that in 1977, Pope Paul VI, at the request of the American Bishops, lifted the excommunication previously imposed on divorced Catholics who have remarried.
Addressing the Church’s ministry to this group of persons, our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II in Familiaris Consortio reiterated that, although the discipline of the Church does not permit reception of the Eucharist, “I earnestly call upon pastors and the whole community of the faithful to help the divorced and with solicitous care to make sure they do not consider themselves separated from the Church.”
Divorced Catholics also have the right to explore the possibility of annulment of the prior marriage through the Diocesan Tribunal. Click here for information on when annulment may apply.