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Dear Anonymous,
Thanks for your question.
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
any previous marriage. Nevertheless,
the Church does understand that there
are times were 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. So your
feelings ARE correct.
Continuing on the 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 an 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 will understand.
If she doesn't, you may have to make
a choice:
your "friend" or Christ
and the Church.
I obviously recommend you choose
the Christ and His Church.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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