The unbreakableness of marriage, called indissolubility, is for the good of the couple, for the good of their children, and for the good of all society. For good reason, the Church allows the partners of a valid marriage a separation, but without the right to marry again. The reason for the separation arises from a number of reasons: adultery of one of the partners, criminal or shameful conduct, the education of the children in false doctrines, or grave danger to soul or body.
Divorced Catholics Have Many Special Needs
It is important that they seek guidance to help them understand that the rules of the Church are Christ’s rules. To help them avoid loneliness, desolation or bitterness, it is important to be involved in their local community where they will receive the help and strength they need to carry on. They are encouraged to receive the sacraments often, especially Penance and Holy Communion, through which they build up their relationship with Christ, Who has a deep personal love for each one. They need encouragement not to enter an invalid marriage, because that cuts one off from receiving the life-giving and life-sustaining sacraments. A divorce with remarriage is never permitted in the Church. The Church may permit a couple to obtain a civil divorce for legal reasons, but in God’s eyes this couple is only separated. Neither may marry again while the spouse is living.
For Catholics Living in an Invalid Marriage
For these Catholics the religious problems are greater and the need for guidance is greater. They should be faithful to Sunday Mass, but they may not receive Communion. Parish life and personal prayer can be their source of strength. They should never lose their hope of salvation, because the mercy of God is great, especially to the contrite of heart. Catholics who are divorced and who are living in an invalid marriage should get in touch with the Tribunal of their Diocese to determine whether they can get a Church annulment.
What is an Annulment?
An annulment is a decision by the Church authorities that an apparently valid marriage is null because of a fatal flaw. These flaws, unknown or concealed to one or both parties, make the marriage invalid from the start. Church Tribunals study each case and, where proper, give a Decree of Nullity, also called an annulment.
Adultery
Adultery is the sin of sexual relations between a man and a woman, one of whom is married to someone else. Fornication is the sin of sexual relations between a single man and a single woman, even if they are preparing for marriage.
The Church Recognizes
Natural Methods of Birth Regulation
Married couples who see a need for family planning should use only Natural Family Planning. While books are available describing these methods, it is best to learn them from people skilled in NFP. For information, write to The Couple to Couple League, P.O. Box 111184, Cincinnati OH 45211-1184
The Sacrament of Marriage is a Mystery
Married Catholics, in virtue of the sacrament of Marriage, signify and share in the mystery of that union of fruitful love which exists between Christ and His Church. They help each other to attain to holiness in their married life and in the rearing and education of their children. By its very nature, the institution of matrimony is ordered to the procreation and education of children, and the spouses find in them their ultimate crown. Husband and wife should be steadfast and ready to cooperate with the love of God, who through them will enlarge His own family.
