|
|
 |
Susan Conte
wrote:
|
|
Hi, guys —
My question has to do with annulments.
- If you get an annulment in the Church are your children considered illegitimate?
A friend of mine's son has four children with his ex-wife. Instead of a divorce, she got an annulment. My friend's son said a priest told him his children were now illegitimate.
This happened many years ago and it just came up recently. I am Catholic and never heard this. Also, and I hope you don't mind my asking another question.
- If you get a divorce does the Catholic Church excommunicate you?
Thank you so much and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan
|
|
{
If you get an annulment are your children illegitimate and does a divorce excommunicate you? }
|
|
Bob replied:
|
Susan,
No the children are not illegitimate. The priest is incorrect.
Children conceived in a marriage, even if annulled, are not considered so because the parents were at least married in the civil sense though the sacramental bond was flawed.
Peace,
Bob Kirby
|
Mike replied:
|
Hi Sue,
I just wanted to address your second question.
You said:
. . . if you get a divorce does the Catholic Church excommunicate you?
No. As a matter of fact divorced Catholics who do not remarry are always welcomed to receive Holy Communion on Sundays.
Sometimes civil divorce and separation are necessary. The Catechism states:
2383 The separation of spouses while maintaining the marriage bond can be legitimate in certain cases provided for by canon law. (cf. Code of Canon Law, canons 1151-1155.)
If civil divorce remains the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance, it can be tolerated and does not constitute a moral offense. |
This assumes the divorced Catholic has not remarried without the Church's approval.
The whole section can be read in context here.
I hope this helps,
Mike
|
Sue replied:
|
Dear Bob and Mike,
Thank you for answering my question.
Being Catholic I don't ever remember hearing this but it came up in a discussion with a friend of mine. I am going to pass this on to her.
Thanks again!
I appreciate all your help.
Sincerely,
Susan
|
|
|
|
