Author Topic: Converting to Catholicism after Multiple Divorces (Read 2281 times)

MaterMisericordiae · « **on:** January 21, 2014, 01:42:50 PM »

Hi,

I'm new to this forum so please excuse me if this is the wrong area to post this question in but, it seems appropriate.

Here is the situation. My father wants to convert to the Catholic Church after having been born and raised as a baptist/general protestant. He was baptised at a young age, maybe 12 or so if I remember correctly, by a baptist community of some sort. And we believe his baptism to be valid. He has gone through the majority of a fairly conservative Novus Ordo RCIA class but stopped after finding out that he would not be able to advance due to the following: He has been married and divorced 5 times now. At least one marriage was performed in some sort of protestant service from what I understand and the others were simply done with a justice of the peace at a courthouse, as he did with my baptised Catholic mother.

After all of these "marriages" and divorces, several of them resulting in children, is there any way he could ever become Catholic? I hate to think that because of my father's past sins, even now desiring to repent and start living a Catholic life, he would be barred from doing so. Could he go to confession? Could he ever be confirmed? Is there ever the possibility that one day he could receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist? What options are there for my father?

And then there is my Mother. She is in a similar boat. She was baptised Catholic but, never raised so. She has been divorced 2 or 3 times herself and also desires to be confirmed and come into the Church. Is her situation any different? Are my parents doomed?

Please pray for us.

Tiffany · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2014, 01:50:02 PM »

First is your mother or father living with someone as husband and wife now?

Matto · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2014, 01:52:01 PM »

He could convert, but he would not be able to have relations with his current "wife" without sin because he is truly married to one of the women he divorced and his current "marriage" isn't a valid one.

Mithrandylan · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2014, 02:00:24 PM »

Quote from: Matto

He could convert, but he would not be able to have relations with his current "wife" without sin because he is truly married to one of the women he divorced and his current "marriage" isn't a valid one.

Not only that, but its normally required that they stop living together.

Frances · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2014, 02:12:04 PM »

:dancing-banana:
I am not qualified to answer your questions, and I doubt that anyone on CI, unless he's a priest, should be giving you advice. Please have your father contact a priest. PM me if he is seriously desiring to become Catholic. Depending upon his location, I may be able to refer him to one.

Marlelar · « **Reply #5 on:** January 21, 2014, 02:18:39 PM »

Yes, only a priest can give him a definitive answer.

Marsha

MaterMisericordiae · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2014, 02:52:48 PM »

Yes, we have an SSPX parish in Phoenix, AZ where we live. It is called Our Lady of Sorrows and I have been there a few times, it is just on the complete opposite side of the city from where we live. But, that information is irrelevant. My father is no longer living with any of the women. My mother is no longer living with any men.

Viva Cristo Rey · « **Reply #7 on:** January 21, 2014, 03:00:04 PM »

Quote from: Frances

:dancing-banana:
I am not qualified to answer your questions, and I doubt that anyone on CI, unless he's a priest, should be giving you advice. Please have your father contact a priest. PM me if he is seriously desiring to become Catholic. Depending upon his location, I may be able to refer him to one.

Good advice. And of course we will pray for the new Mater and her parents.

MaterDominici · « **Reply #8 on:** January 21, 2014, 03:06:20 PM »

Quote from: MaterMisericordiae

Yes, we have an SSPX parish in Phoenix, AZ where we live. It is called Our Lady of Sorrows and I have been there a few times, it is just on the complete opposite side of the city from where we live. But, that information is irrelevant. My father is no longer living with any of the women. My mother is no longer living with any men.

It doesn't sound like either should have any problem entering the Church if they are willing to confess these past relationships. Have them talk to the SSPX priest.

Ursus · « **Reply #9 on:** January 21, 2014, 11:48:00 PM »

Quote from: Marlelar

Yes, only a priest can give him a definitive answer.

Marsha

But it's fruitful for the community to give informed answers and shared insight. To someone in the faith it's a no brainer to see a priest. For an outlier, it can be intimidating.

Have to try to guide souls whenever possible.

crossbro · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2014, 11:50:37 PM »

Quote from: Frances

:dancing-banana:
I am not qualified to answer your questions, and I doubt that anyone on CI, unless he's a priest, should be giving you advice. Please have your father contact a priest. PM me if he is seriously desiring to become Catholic. Depending upon his location, I may be able to refer him to one.

flips francis the bird :dancing-banana:

Tiffany · « **Reply #11 on:** January 22, 2014, 05:07:30 AM »

Like MD said if they aren't living as husband and wife with anyone those relationships should not be a barrier. If someone is already baptized they go to confession before receiving First Holy Communion and Confirmation. (If they are unbaptized they do not need to go to confession before baptism.)
Is your mom wanting to be Confirmed?

Tiffany · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2014, 05:14:01 AM »

BTW I also left NO RCIA while trying to convert. Will be praying for both your parents.

Frances · « **Reply #13 on:** January 22, 2014, 10:01:04 PM »

Quote from: crossbro

flips francis the bird :dancing-banana:

What is meant by that? If "flipping the bird" means to you what it means in New York, kindly apologise for quoting me. Do it on your own avatar.

Marlelar · « **Reply #14 on:** January 22, 2014, 11:07:02 PM »

Quote from: MaterMisericordiae

Yes, we have an SSPX parish in Phoenix, AZ where we live. It is called Our Lady of Sorrows and I have been there a few times, it is just on the complete opposite side of the city from where we live. But, that information is irrelevant. My father is no longer living with any of the women. My mother is no longer living with any men.

Christ forgave a repentant Magdelene so there is hope for all sinners. However, your parents still must speak with a good priest.

Marsha