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Monique Cavalot wrote:

Hi, guys —

  • Can a Catholic who is married to a non-Christian receive Holy Communion?

Thanks,

Monique

  { Can a Catholic who is married to a non-Christian receive Holy Communion? }

Bob replied:

Monique,

Yes, if the marriage was validated in the Church. If the marriage has not been recognized, such as by a mere Justice of the Peace ceremony, then No.

  • What is the status of the marriage in that respect?
  • Did they get it blessed in the Church or did you receive a dispensation from the Bishop?

Thanks,

Bob Kirby

Eric replied:

Monique,

It depends on whether they obtained a disparity of cult dispensation when they got married.

Catholics need to get married in the Church (meaning either have a Catholic ceremony or get permission — or a dispensation — from the Church to get another kind of ceremony).

If this is not done, whether the putative spouse is Christian or not, they are not considered validly married, so their sexual congress is tantamount to fornication, which is a grave sin.

If they knowingly and deliberately are doing this, they are in a state of mortal sin, and you can't receive Holy Communion in a state of mortal sin.

Eric

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