Convalidation needed in order to receive Holy Communion?

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Hello! I guess this is actually a two fold question. I was previously married in the church, divorced, and remarried outside of the catholic church. During my second marriage, my first marriage was declared null. I am now free to have my second marriage convalidated, right? After I have received the sacrament of pennance, am I free to receive the Holy Communion, or do I have to have my marriage convalidated in order to do so? Thanks in advance for any helpful advice! God bless!

-- Jennifer Sorensen (september_skye@hotmail.com), August 09, 2003

Answers

Jmj

Hello, Jennifer.
You are now free to have your union convalidated, provided the man you love was not involved in a prior (possibly valid) union. To be precise, it is your first (not "second") marriage that you want convalidated, since what came before was not a "marriage" at all.

As you know, an couple who are not validly married to each other cannot engage in sexual union without committing a sin (adultery or fornication). Until the convalidation of your union takes place, you are not actually married -- so that calls for you to live a chaste life now, as in a truly Christian engagement. The order of events should therefore be:
1. Sacrament of Penance.
2. Convalidation.
3. or 4. Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
3. or 4. The beginning of licit sexual union.

Congratulations. You are embarking upon a new and holy life!

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), August 12, 2003.


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