Separated or Divorced Catholics

The following information is intended to educate our Catholic community on the Church's teachings, and to encourage those who are separated or divorced to feel welcomed and engaged in parish life."I earnestly call upon pastors and the whole community of the faithful to help the divorced and with solicitous care, to make sure that they do not consider themselves as separated from the Church, for as baptized persons they can and indeed must share in her life. They should be encouraged to listen to the Word of God, to attend the sacrifice of the Mass, to persevere in prayer...to bring up their children in the Christian faith, to cultivate the spirit and practice of penance and thus implore, day by day, God's grace. Let the Church pray for them, encourage them and show herself a merciful mother and thus sustain them in faith and hope."-Pope John Paul II, On the Family, #84

I. Catholics who are separated or divorced, and who have not remarried outside of the Church: Are in good standing in the Church, can receive all of the sacraments, including Holy Communion, and are encouraged to fulfill their Catholic commitment to attend Church on a weekly basis. Are encouraged to fully participate in all aspects of parish life and are invited to serve in any ministries including Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, and Catechists. May serve as Godparents or sponsors for Baptism and for Confirmation. Catholics who are separated or divorced are not excommunicated.

II. With regard to a Catholic Annulment after a civil divorce: An annulment is not a "Catholic divorce." Rather, it is a means for the Church to verify that the elements necessary to constitute a Sacrament were not present at the time of the marriage. You can get an annulment even if you: a) were married for a long time; or b) have children. If you have an annulment, your children may be baptized and are legitimate in the eyes of the Church and in the eyes of God who has made them in His image. Once you receive an annulment you are free to enter into a sacramental Church marriage. Annulments do not take years to process and do not have to be processed in Rome. The annulment process can still proceed even if your "ex" chooses not to participate. Annulments do not cost thousands of dollars, and no one is ever denied this opportunity based on their inability to cover the administrative costs.

III. Catholics who are civilly divorced and have remarried without an annulment from the Catholic Church: Are welcome at Mass and all Church activities. Are not considered to be in full union with the Church regarding marriage, and therefore should refrain from receiving Holy Communion. Can have their children baptized in the Catholic faith. Cannot serve as sponsors at Confirmation or Baptism. Can have a Catholic funeral ceremony and can be buried in a Catholic cemetery. Can avail themselves of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

Please Note: Anyone with questions about where you stand with regard to any of these matters is encouraged to meet with a priest. They can offer clarity regarding your personal relationship with the Lord and with the Church Community, and can discuss any unique circumstances that may apply to your situation. Contact the Rectory at 716.283.2715