Can Divorced Catholics Receive Communion? | The Catholic Answer

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If you're divorced, can you still receive Holy Communion? Many Catholics are surprised by the answer. Yes. Simply being divorced does not prevent you from receiving the Sacraments. The Church understands that marriages sometimes break down because of serious circumstances, including abuse, abandonment, or infidelity. If you are divorced but have not attempted another marriage outside the Church, and you are living in a state of grace, you may continue receiving Confession and Holy Communion like any other Catholic. The difficulty arises if a divorced person enters a new civil marriage without the Church first determining that the previous marriage was invalid. Why? Because Jesus clearly taught: "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery." The Church cannot ignore Christ's words. If someone is living in a marital relationship outside a valid marriage, he or she should speak with a priest about the path back to the Sacraments. But remember this: Divorce itself is not the unforgivable sin. The Church does not abandon divorced Catholics. She wants to help them heal, remain close to Christ, and continue growing in holiness. If this describes your situation, don't drift away. Reach out to your priest. The Church is your Mother—and she wants to help you find the path forward. Subscribe to Catholic Voices & Prayers for more daily Catholic teachings, traditions, and answers to the big questions of the Faith.