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Thomas wrote:

Hi, guys —

My wife and I are separated yet remain married. Although resolution is still a faint hope, it's likely not to be resolved.

I wish to join the Catholic Church and receive Communion. She will not be joining.

  • Is this possible?

Thomas

  { Can I still join the faith if my wife and I are separated and a resolution seems like a faint hope? }

Bob replied:

Thomas,

You can receive the Eucharist (if you are already a Catholic, otherwise, see below). You have not remarried without an annulment, so you are fine.

The restriction you may be imagining is really when someone remarries and didn't have the first marriage declared null. In that case, they are formally committing adultery because the first marriage is still valid (presuming the former spouse is still alive).

Since you haven't done that, there is no problem. If you have not received your basic sacraments: Baptism, the Eucharist, and Penance, you need to join an RCIA program, which is set up for incoming persons who would like to become Catholic. I would inquire at your local parish and find out about it.

Becoming Catholic is the greatest thing you will ever do in your life, but there is an order and sequence to things. If you are Christian, it is likely that your Baptism is already valid, but you would still have to be formally received into the Church, and you would then receive Confirmation and the Eucharist.

Peace, and God bless you.

Bob Kirby

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