Question 305 – Can a Catholic man in a civil marriage receive Communion?

Interview Organization: The Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima

Interviewer Name: Christopher Wendt

Date: September 13, 2024

A Catholic must marry in the Church; otherwise, the marriage is invalid and considered adultery, preventing them from receiving Communion. If unable to marry canonically, they should seek permission or a dispensation from the bishop. In serious cases, the bishop may grant a dispensation or recognize a civil marriage through "sanation in the root.

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Transcript:

A Catholic person must celebrate their marriage in the Church. They must be married in the Church, if they are not married in the Church and have not received permission or a dispensation from the local bishop, then the marriage is invalid, and they are living in adultery. As a result, they cannot receive Holy Communion.

If there are valid reasons preventing a canonical wedding in the Church, the person should seek permission from their bishop. In serious cases, the bishop may grant a dispensation and recognize a marriage that was performed civilly. Alternatively, the bishop can also perform a "sanation in the root" through a decree, recognizing the civil marriage.

However, this must always be done with the permission of the Church.

Question/ Title

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