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Kay wrote: |
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Hi, guys —
I'm interested in learning more about the
Catholic Church. I'm a baptized Christian
who was raised in the Lutheran Church. In
my adult life, I have attended several different
denominations:
- Baptist
- Assemblies of God, and currently,
- the Methodist church.
I am seeking a closer relationship with the
Lord, Jesus.
- Can I attend a Catholic Church? or . . .
- Must I go speak with a priest, and ask
for permission to attend?
- Also, I have been divorced and remarried,
so will I be allowed to become a Catholic?
Kay
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| { Can I attend a Catholic parish or do I have to get permission and can the divorced and remarried become Catholic? } |
John
replied:
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Hi, Kay —
Of course you will be allowed to
attend a Catholic Church. All are
welcome into the Church of Jesus Christ. No permission slips required!
Because you are not in the Church
yet, you may not receive the Eucharist.
I would assume that your first marriage
was not Catholic, and will probably
be seen as non-sacramental. Since the Protestant
denominations don't treat matrimony
as a sacrament, nor do they have valid Holy Orders, odds are, there is no impediment.
You should find a solid, orthodox,
Catholic parish, and talk to the
priest. He will point you in the right direction. You will be required
to enter what is called R.C.I.A. (RCIA),
which is a series of classes about
the Faith. It stands for: Rite of
Christian Initiation for Adults.
Then you can be received into
the Church. You also may have to
have your current marriage blessed.
If you let us know where you are
living, we might be able to locate
a good parish for you.
Also, consider buying a cheap copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church so you understand the teachings we believe as faithful Catholics, and . . . .
Welcome home!
John DiMascio
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Mary
Ann replied:
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Hi, Kay!
Of course, you may attend any service
at a Catholic Church. You are welcome
at any time, even just to come in
and pray and that is a good place
to start. Find out where the Blessed
Sacrament Chapel is (maybe it's in
the main church area), and just go
there to pray and ask the Lord's
guidance. You will discover something
wonderful.
As for the divorce and remarriage,
there are a variety of issues there
that can be sorted out best with
your local priest.
People who are
divorced and remarried are certainly
allowed to become Catholics. In order
to receive the Eucharist, the current
union would have to be a valid marriage
or become one. That may be very simple
to ascertain or accomplish, or it
could be a bit more complex and take
a little time.
In any case, you can trust that Jesus
will lead you and strengthen you
for His will.
God bless you on your journey.
Mary Ann
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Mike
replied:
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Hi, Kay —
Thanks for the question.
Some of the issues that may be involved
in reviewing any previous marriage
would be:
- The religion
of both parties at the time of
first marriage.
- Were both
baptized?
- Was this
the first marriage for each?
- Who officiated
at the marriage?
- Was this
the first marriage for either
party?
- Who officiated?
- Where did
the marriage take place?
As both John and Mary Ann said, I'd
recommend making an appointment to
talk with a faithful Catholic priest
about these questions. I'm sure he'll
strive to do whatever he can to help
your entrance into the Church.
Mike Humphrey
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