The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a sacred and binding union that cannot be broken. So if a couple divorce, that is a serious matter that cannot be treated lightly. However, sometimes an innocent person may be deserted by their spouse and divorced against their will. In such a case, there is no fault or sin on their part and they should have no scruples about continuing to go to Communion.

In many cases, divorce arises because of some fault on both sides. In this case, a Catholic should try to make a good confession, offering our Lord their sorrow for any fault on their part - and then return to Holy Communion.

The greatest difficulty arises when a person is divorced and re-married. Because both marriage and holy communion are public acts, a person in this situation is not allowed to receive Holy Communion. This is not necessarily a statement of personal guilt - the person may have genuine sorrow for any fault of their own. People in this situation often come to Mass regularly and refrain from receiving holy communion. This can be seen as a sacrifice that contributes to the protection of all marriages.

Possible solutions

There are two possible solutions to this situation. One is to investigate the previous marriage if there is any possibility that it may be declared null and void by a Church tribunal. The Church tries hard to help in these cases and will allow that a lack of the necessary mature judgement or the inability to undertake and sustain the vows of marriage can mean that a marriage was not valid. After an investigation, if a declaration of nullity is granted, the person is free to marry and their "second" marriage may be celebrated anew in the Church.

Sometimes, the matter is easily dealt with - for example if the first marriage was one in which a Catholic married outside the Church without permission. In such a case, a decree of nullity is given once the relevant documents are collected showing that the marriage was not subsequently validated in the Church.

A second solution that may apply in some cases is if the couple are effectively living together "as brother and sister". In such a case, the priest in the confessional may allow the person to go to Holy Communion provided that no scandal is given.

As these matters can sometimes be complex in Church law, it is always a good idea to seek the advice of your parish priest.