Dear Brother Mike,

I have a few more about problems concerning Marriage and canon law.

While I am ready to enter the RCIA program, my wife is unsure about whether she wants to join the Church. The Church does not consider my former marriage a problem because my former wife was a divorced woman when I married her but in the case of my present wife — she has to submit a sort of essay concerning her former marriage — in order for us to receive a declaration of nullity.

As I said before, we only enjoy sexual expression a few times a year. I have what they call erectile dysfunction and find no value in viagra and those type of drugs. We are both 61 years old.
Both she and I can find full expression of love in non-sexual hugs.

• If my wife refuses, fails to, or just postpones indefinitely submitting her paperwork, does that mean I could only join the Church and receive the Eucharist by divorcing my wife?

She would then have no health insurance which could put her life in jeopardy. Such action would also harm her emotionally.

• If we maintained two separate residences in different towns, without a divorce, would I then be able to receive the Eucharist after RCIA ?
• One of the things I like about the Roman Catholic Church is its strong support of marriage as taught by Our Lord but doesn't adultery have to involve some kind of sexual component, either physical or mental?

Thanks for your help and prayers,

Albert