My friend was married, divorced and remarried. She was raised Catholic but never sought an anullment for her first marriage. Her children (from her current marriage) are unbaptized. Can she have her children baptized even though she is in the state she is in? Can she become a member of a Parish even though her situation is as it is?
kersca wrote: My friend was married, divorced and remarried. She was raised Catholic but never sought an anullment for her first marriage. Her children (from her current marriage) are unbaptized. Can she have her children baptized even though she is in the state she is in? Can she become a member of a Parish even though her situation is as it is?
The technical answer is yes to both questions. However, it is the pastor's responsibility to see to it that the children will be raised in the faith. If she becomes an active member of the parish (even though she cannot participate in the sacraments), the priest will have no problem baptizing her children. However, if she just wants to put her name on the rolls (for example, to save money on Catholic school tuition), the pastor may be less inclined to agree.
By "active member" I mean someone who attends mass regularly, not necessarily active in other ministries.
If her first marriage did not take place in the Church, a Declaration of Nullity would be relatively simple to obtain. She should definitely pursue that course as soon as possible, but it need not delay the baptism of her children.
____________________ Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
