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Shy Susan
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Hi, guys —
I have been married very happily for eleven years to a wonderful man. We were not married in the Catholic Church. We were both baptized Baptists at the time and now belong to another Protestant faith. I was briefly married at age 19, almost twenty years ago, for less than one year, and then divorced. I remained single about eight years before I married my husband. We have been feeling a strong call to the Catholic Church and to conversion. We have one child.
- Would I ever be allowed to convert or participate in Holy Communion?
I fear an annulment tribunal would be very hurtful to my husband and I don't have any friends who know that I was ever married. I was too young and ill-prepared for a marriage. I fear that my past will keep my family from the deep Christian faith we are seeking.
Thank-you for your thoughts.
Susan
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{
With my marital history, could I receive Holy Communion; I fear the annulment process? }
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Bob replied:
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Dear Susan,
Don't let fear stand in the way of following the Lord. He is leading you and your husband and where He leads, there is always greater blessing than trials. Consider how the Resurrection followed Calvary. Even if you walk through persecution, you will be led to a more perfect union with your God, and you can receive him sacramentally when you are received into the Church.
Talk to a priest to get started. Tell him your concerns and inquire about the discretion you would like. It is all possible — the Lord is for you and loves you — trust is what is required!
Your journey is in His Hands; He'll take you through.
God bless you both.
Bob Kirby
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Susan replied:
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Dear Bob,
Thank you for your encouragement and kind words.
Susan
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Mike replied:
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Dear Susan,
Along with Bob's encouraging words, and seeing you maybe preparing to take RCIA classes in the near future, I would encourage both, you and your husband, to consider buying a cheap copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to learn everything we believe as faithful Catholics.
I used to run a free program that sent Catechisms to seeking Protestants and non-Christians but no longer have the financial or operational means to do this anymore. If you, or any visitor, has been helped by our work at AskACatholic.com, consider financially supporting us today. If you can't right now, check out our Click To Support program.
Mike
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Fr. Jonathan replied:
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Hi, Susan —
- What faith was your first husband?
Fr. Jonathan
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Susan replied:
Fr. Jonathan replied:
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Hi Sue,
Then I think Bob answered well.
Sounds to me like a pretty easy annulment.
Fr. Jonathan
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Susan replied:
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Thank you and . . .
Blessings!
You have eased my mind and we shall trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit!
Susan
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