Hi, guys —

I am a practicing 35-year-old male Catholic. I was born and raised Catholic, received Communion early on in my life, and was even an altar server for many years. In my early adult life, I turned my back on the faith, became an alcoholic, and lived a life contrary to the teachings of the Church.

During this time, I got involved with a young lady with whom we have a four year old son. We had a civil, secular wedding in accordance with the laws and statutes of the state but never in the Church.

As a result of my alcoholism and other personal problems, we have now been separated for over three years and she says she wants a divorce. In that time:

• I have had no other sexual relationships
• have been clean and sober for almost a year, and
• am trying to put my life back together.

A large part of that effort has been reconnecting with my faith. I have been to Confession and continue to go to Confession on a regular basis and attend Mass frequently.

• As I:
• am not living in sin
• am not engaged in any unlawful sexual relationship with anyone at the moment, and
• intend to live a chaste life, although the civil marriage has not been annulled and we haven't divorced — just separated,
  
  Am I eligible to receive the Holy Eucharist?

Kind Regards,

Matthew T.