Excommunication

Elenorann · #1 Jul 12, '11, 6:04 am

Over 35yrs ago my mother was excommunicated from the Catholic Church. My Father up & left her with seven kids for someone else. To this day, she goes to church every Sunday and prays the Rosary every night. I feel bad for her because she wont recieve communion. I told her to talk to a priest, she won't. I believe she is one of the best Christians I've ever known. It's too bad that happened to her, she even tried to hold the marriage together and she was punished.

Rence · #2 Jul 12, '11, 6:12 am

If you don't mind me asking...what was the reason for excommunication?

fermat · #3 Jul 12, '11, 6:43 am

There are two types of excommunication: Latæ and Ferendæ Sententiæ. Latæ Sententiæ is incurred automatically, say by procuring or participating in an abortion. The second, Ferendæ Sententiæ, is the result of a formal canonical sentence.

The former, particularly in the case of abortion, can be lifted in many places just by going to confession. Most bishops in the US have granted the authority to priests to lift a Latæ Sententiæ excommunication.

It is important to recognize that excommunication is not punishment and it is not permanent so long as the person does not die in excommunication. The idea behind excommunication is to formally call out a wrong doing and invite the sinner to repent. From what you say of your mother, the mercy and grace of God is at work in her life and she should seek to have the excommunication lifted.

Are there any other details you can provide?

Elenorann · #4 Jul 12, '11, 7:08 am

The reason for excommunication was that they got divorced.

Elenorann · #5 Jul 12, '11, 7:16 am

To be denied all Sacraments in the church is a punishment as far as I can see. If this didn't happen, she'd still be receiving communion. I really hate the term "cafeteria Catholic" but that's what I think she became since then.

Corki · #6 Jul 12, '11, 7:57 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elenorann

To be denied all Sacraments in the church is a punishment as far as I can see. If this didn't happen, she'd still be receiving communion. I really hate the term "cafeteria Catholic" but that's what I think she became since then.

The Church is not denying her any Sacraments. She is chosing to do that herself probably based on an old misunderstanding or maybe she was given wrong information. Being a Cafeteria Catholic means picking what you believe. That doesn't seem to apply to your mother. She is doing what she really believes the Church told her.

You can gently continue to encourage her to reconcile with the Church and to talk to a priest. Sometimes parishes have lay people or deacons doing ministry to married and pre-married people. She might find that less intimidating. But in the end, you can give her information but she has to make her own choice.

runningdude · #7 Jul 12, '11, 8:07 am

This sounds so sad

Joan1969 · #8 Jul 12, '11, 8:40 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elenorann

To be denied all Sacraments in the church is a punishment as far as I can see. If this didn't happen, she'd still be receiving communion. I really hate the term "cafeteria Catholic" but that's what I think she became since then.

Hi Elenorann,

Unless your mother remarried, then this is really a tragic mistake. How can it be a sin to be left by your spouse against your own will? It really doesn't make sense. Maybe she got some bad input from somebody falsely representing "Church teaching" at some point and is dealing with anger at the Church, which really is due to someone else?

Even if she did remarry, she should speak with a priest about how she can be reconciled with the Church. From what you have said, your mother sounds like she is very unhappy.

However, if she is adamant in refusing, you may have no recourse but to pray and continue to show her love. People can't be forced.

God Bless,
Joan

Warrior1979 · #9 Jul 12, '11, 7:18 am

Divorce is not grounds for excommunication.

Divorce and remarriage is not grounds either, though it is considered grave sin. I believe that divorce and remarriage at one time was grounds for excommunication, though it no longer is.

Scoobyshme · #10 Jul 12, '11, 7:27 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elenorann

Over 35yrs ago my mother was excommunicated from the Catholic Church. My Father up & left her with seven kids for someone else. To this day, she goes to church every Sunday and prays the Rosary every night. I feel bad for her because she wont recieve communion. I told her to talk to a priest, she won't. I believe she is one of the best Christians I've ever known. It's too bad that happened to her, she even tried to hold the marriage together and she was punished.

I suspect your mother is confused. Maybe you can talk to a priest for her, ahead of time. Then, you can relay what he said to her, assuring her that it's his words, not yours.

**Joe 5859** · #11 Jul 12, '11, 7:33 am

Getting a divorce does not excommunicate a person. It can be a serious sin (which would necessitate Confession), but if (as you say) the divorce happened against the will of your mother because of the infidelity of your father, then I don't see how your mother would even be guilty of sin.

She really should talk to a priest and go to Confession (if she hasn't been to Confession in a while). That's all it would take and she can finally be free from this terrible burden and receive Jesus in the Eucharist.

KWR_1 · #12 Jul 12, '11, 7:45 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elenorann

Over 35yrs ago my mother was excommunicated from the Catholic Church. My Father up & left her with seven kids for someone else. To this day, she goes to church every Sunday and prays the Rosary every night. I feel bad for her because she wont recieve communion. I told her to talk to a priest, she won't. I believe she is one of the best Christians I've ever known. It's too bad that happened to her, she even tried to hold the marriage together and she was punished.

I would not attempt to interfere in my Mother's spiritual or Church life. My Mother's status is between God, Jesus, The Church and her.

IMHO.

Rence · #13 Jul 12, '11, 9:27 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by KWR_1

I would not attempt to interfere in my Mother's spiritual or Church life. My Mother's status is between God, Jesus, The Church and her.

IMHO.

So, your mom has been hurting and suffering due to her misunderstanding about Church teaching...you post about it....people explain to you that divorce is not something that causes excommunication, and that maybe you should tell her thd truth...but you would not attempt to put her at ease and tell her the truth. With all due respect, may I ask what the purpose of your first post was? Just curious....

Elenorann · #14 Jul 13, '11, 5:33 am

I think the first post was to say that maybe the Catholic Church has made some mistakes and has caused people to think differently. I feel bad for her that things about the Church has made her follow her religion so privately. I realize I shouldn't have posted and that is why I liked your reply. I think you realized that too, so this topic I'm leaving alone at this point. I don't mean any disrespect but I'm afraid of the fine line. I'm new to this forum and have to get use to it. I think I'll read other posts for awhile.

Jim Roberts · #15 Jul 12, '11, 8:52 am

I believe that now the priest can resolve excommunication, but if your mother is still in this
stage it would be WRONG and sinful to receive Holy Communion. It would be a sacreligious and an invalid act.

Have her talk to your priest.

In other words, she is NO longer a CATHOLIC.