Separated or Divorced?

You are not alone.
The Church accompanies separated and divorced Catholics through their grief and their pain.
Learn more about finding healing through the light of living your faith.

The Church understands the pain of those caught in this situation. When divorce is the only possible recourse, the Church offers her support to those involved and encourages them to remain close to the Lord.

– United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, p.287

Special discernment is indispensable for the pastoral care of those who are separated, divorced or abandoned. Respect needs to be shown especially for the sufferings of those who have unjustly endured separation, divorce or abandonment, or those who have been forced by maltreatment from a husband or wife to interrupt their life together.

– Pope Francis, The Joy of Love, #242

Catholicism and Divorce Explained

Divorced Catholics are full members of the Church and are encouraged to participate in its activities.
Divorced Catholics in good standing with the Church, who have not remarried or who have remarried following an annulment, may receive the Eucharist. Catholics remarried without an annulment should meet with a pastor to clarify their situation.
A declaration of nullity, commonly known as an annulment, does not deny that a relationship existed. It means that a marriage that was thought to be valid civilly and canonically, was not valid according to Church law.
A declaration of nullity has no effect on the legitimacy of children.
In the Diocese of San Diego, there is no charge for the annulment process.

For more information about Catholicism and divorce, please see the article From Your Marriage, from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.