Friends,

I received this in my mailbox, and the poster consented to have it posted here for your response. As usual, I'd expect them to get a better answer from our human resources here than from me.

Moderator

Question:

I have a question about Common Law marriages. The reason I'm asking is >because I work in a law firm in Texas and we have a case coming up about >this, so a prompt answer would be appreciated. > >First question, does the Catholic Church recognize common law marriages? > >Second question. I was told that after a Catholic divorces they cannot >receive communion. Is this true? If so, what steps do they need to >take to be able to receive communion again and does it apply to Common >Law marriages also? > >Again, a prompt response is appreciated. Thanks for your help. > >Janis

-- Moderator (Catholic_moderator@hotmail.com), March 12, 2002

Answers

Top.

-- Moderator (Catholic_moderator@hotmail.com), March 13, 2002.

Janis

Common Law marriages are not recognized in the church at all. It is a union made in sin without the Sacrament of the Church and GOD. The paties involved are living in sin and cannot recieve Communion again until they break up the relationship, living together, and go to Confession and recieve absolution. Then they may recieve Communion again and must not be cohabitating until they are fully Married legally in the Church. Recieving Communion while in a Common Law marriage is a sacrilege and against Church Canon Law. All Catholics are supposed to know these laws clearly as it is well taught to all.

-- Fred Bishop (fcbishop@globaleyes.net), March 13, 2002.

Jmj

Hello, Janis.
I agree completely with Fred's good answer. I would just like to add one thing, in case you were asking for this too ...

If a Catholic is a divorcee but does not attempt a "remarriage," he or she is completely free to share in the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. [You asked: "I was told that after a Catholic divorces, he/she cannot receive communion. Is this true?" The answer is "No, it is not true, if that Catholic then remains celibate."]

God bless you.
John

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), March 13, 2002.