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I'm interested in learning more about the Catholic Church.
I'm a baptized Christian, and 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 permission to attend?
Also, I have been divorced and remarried, so will I be allowed
to become a Catholic?
Kay
{
I'm
interested in learning more about the Catholic Church. }
John replied:
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
!!!
But because you are not in the Church yet, you may not receive the
Eucharist yet.
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, odd's 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
require to enter what is called R.C.I.A., which is a series of classes
about the faith. Then you can be received into the Church. You may
have to have your current marriage blessed.
If you let us know where you are living, we can maybe locate a good
parish for you
Welcome home.
John DiMascio
P.S. Make sure you check out MIke's
program, if you are interested.
Mary
Ann replied:
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. Which 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
Mike replied:
Some of the issues would be:
Religion of both parties at the time of
first marriage. Were both baptized?
Was this the first marriage for each?
Who officiated at this marriage? Where
did it take place?
Religion of both parties at the time of
the second 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 talking to a solid,
orthodox Catholic priest.
Mike Humphrey
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