Last week, this column reflected on the question of divorce, remarriage and the reception of holy Communion.

Because of certain discussions in the media, questions have recently been raised about the teaching of the Catholic Church that, in fidelity to the words of Jesus himself, Catholics in such a situation who have remarried civilly may not receive the Eucharist. They should, by all means continue to stay close to the Church and to come to Mass every Sunday.

However, as explained last week, the reception of holy Communion, from the earliest days of the Christian community has been understood to be a sign of existing unity with the faith and practice of the Church. For any who are not in the state of grace, for whatever reason related to any of the Ten Commandments, they should abstain from holy Communion until the situation is resolved and the sin confessed.

For the baptized, marriage is not just a civil matter. It is by Christ’s will also and always a sacrament when it is validly entered into. That is why marriage and marriage preparation is so important.

The husband and wife, when they give their consent, are in fact the ministers of marriage with the priest or deacon witnessing on behalf of the Church.

When, however, a marriage is not validly contracted it is not a true and sacramental marriage, even if the invalidity is discovered some time later and if for a period of time the marriage had been thought to be valid. Consequently an annulment can be granted to couples in that circumstance.

When that happens, it may be possible for the man and woman subsequently to validly marry in the Church and to receive holy Communion as well. In that case, the unbreakable bond of marriage “till death do us part” is respected as is the sacramental nature of that union.

It is important to note, however, that the reason for the invalidity has to exist from the first moment of the marriage. While it may be discovered later, it has to have been present from the beginning.

What might be an example of a reason that a marriage that seemed true could later be found invalid and so granted an annulment?

Let’s suppose that some time after a marriage ceremony where both parties had exchanged their vows in Church, it came to light that one of the parties had concealed the fact that they had been previously married. In that case, that party was not free to enter into marriage and so neither party was truly and sacramentally married.

There are many other possible scenarios. In our own day, despite many efforts at catechesis and preparation, at times one or both parties don’t really understand that they are committing themselves to a lifelong and strictly faithful relationship that is open to children. Perhaps one or both parties went through the ceremony under pressures from family or friends, but not with the real intent of exchanging the reality of wedding vows.

It is in such cases that the Church, as the guardian of the sacraments by Christ’s will, has the authority and the responsibility of examining the marriage. If the consent was indeed invalid, an annulment can be granted which applies to both parties.

Of course the Church’s decision in this area deals with a sensitive part of peoples’ lives. People going through a divorce often undergo a terribly painful and sometimes even scarring experience. They need and merit our prayers and our support.

Still, the process of seeking an annulment is not only necessary but often helpful. The Church’s judgment is often a freeing moment for the faithful who find themselves in that painful situation.

For many, the discussion and reflection with the officials of the Church who work in this area helps to bring resolution and closure. Further, it removes this decision from the personal judgment of either party and assures the Church’s own judgment for the spiritual good of all involved.

Those who have gone through a divorce should not feel themselves cut off from the Church.

Please, talk to your parish priest. Or call the Diocesan Tribunal that handles petitions for annulments to discuss with them if an annulment might be possible.

To dispel some of the rumors, yes, there is a nominal fee for the annulment process. But no one will be denied that service because they cannot afford it. And this service is, of course, available to any member of the Church.

Divorce, remarriage, holy Communion and annulments are components of our life of faith and our fidelity to Christ. Please, if you need to, talk to a priest today about these matters.

Above all, stay close to Christ and to the Church. He is our way home.