Topic: Birth Control and Fornication

Date originally posted: March 13, 2002

Source of this posting: Moderator response to emailed question

Moderator who originally posted this source: J. Ruffo

Question: Actually I have a number of questions. First, in Karl Keating's book 'What Catholics Really Believe' he states that birth control and fornication are mortal sins.  Since I have had a vasectomy should I refrain from receiving communion.  Also, since my wife and I were married in the Presbyterian Church (without the Catholic Church's permission), I understand the Catholic Church does not recognize my marriage.  So does that also mean I am committing the mortal sin of fornication.

Answer:

Dear Mike, 

I’m sorry that I don’t have a copy of Karl Keating’s book.  Your questions are not simple ones. 

True fornication is always seriously sinful.  The usage of artificial means of birth control may be sinful, depending upon the situation.   

The Church does not sanction vasectomies.  The Church views such a procedure as an unnecessary invasion on the body which is sacred.  It’s sort of like chopping off a very healthy hand because I don’t want to have to do a certain kind of work.  We do not support such actions.

 The fact that you have already had a vasectomy of itself does not bar you from receiving Holy Communion.  What would make you ineligible to receive Holy Communion is your marriage outside the Church.  You, as a Roman Catholic, are bound by the Church’s regulations governing marriage.  Had you gone through the Church to have your marriage celebrated in the Presbyterian Church, then it would have been o.k.  You should make an appointment with your local priest there and take steps to have your marriage “blessed” or convalidated by the Church. 

Fornication is sexual intercourse between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman.  Technically you are not married in the eyes of the Church, so from that angle I guess one could say that you are committing fornication.  But, God looks at what’s in our hearts, and you know what’s in yours.  You are legally married in the eyes of the State, so from that angle you would not be committing fornication. 

 I wouldn’t worry about the fornication issue at this point.  I would rather look into what I had to do to have my marriage recognized by the Church so I could validly approach the altar and receive Holy Communion.   

Father John