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Dear Alex,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, you are correct, it would be inappropriate for you
to receive Communion based on two
counts:
- having a child out of wedlock,
- with a Catholic divorcee who
may not have received an annulment.
On this second point, the Church,
as well as Christ Himself, teaches
against remarriage without an assessment
of any previous marriage. Nevertheless,
the Church does understand that there
are times where divorce is necessary.
That said, if either a man or woman
receives a divorce, they are still
able to receive the Eucharist, as
long as they do not remarry without
the Church's permission.
- Why does a Catholic need the Church's permission to remarry?
Because the Church has to ensure that She is not blessing a bigamist marriage.
Continuing on my second point:
- How does the Church determine
whether a marriage actually happened?
This is the purpose of a Church tribunal.
The Archdiocese of Boston has written
an excellent piece on this issue.
In your situation, I recommend you
seek out counsel with a priest who
is faithful to the Church, the Holy
Father and Church's Magisterium.
I also recommend you pray the Rosary daily asking for Our Lady's help
and attend Eucharistic Adoration
As Catholics, we believe that being
obedient to the Church is being obedient to Christ Himself. Explain this to your female friend.
I will pray that she understands.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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