Expert: Fr. Timothy Johnson - 1/30/2010

Question
Dear Father Johnson,

I had an abortion many years ago. It was before I was married and I am divorced now. I pray regularly for the soul(s) of my unborn child(ren) (someone told my former husband that I had been carrying twins), and, if I could undo anything in the world, it would be to undo the abortion. I feel so ashamed about what I did. I believe in my heart that God has forgiven me although I've certainly had to live with the consequences every day. I did not realize until recently that I was excommunicated from the church - I just thought I'd committed a terrible sin that I had yet to confess (I believe I probably did confess it in communal penance years ago before you had to speak one on one with a priest). I've been attending the Catholic Church and going to communion for a long time. Is there a way to be accepted back into the church? What is the process? What do I do? I am currently too afraid and embarrassed about this to ask the priest at my church.

Also, how I recently discovered the above information is that I am seeking an annulment of my former marriage and was doing some online research. I'm thinking that, since I had not confessed my abortion and received absolution prior to my marriage, my marriage was not sacramental because I was not allowed to receive sacraments because of the excommunication. Am I thinking correctly on this? I have not yet met with an advocate.

I would so much like to confess my sin and be accepted back into the church but am very scared also. I don't know if it's of any importance, but the father is the same person I later married - he did not say yes or no to the abortion but he did accompany me to have it done. He is not Catholic but we were married in the Catholic Church.

Thank you so much.

Peace to you,
Crystal

Answer
Hi, Crystal:
Thanks for the question.

I answered a very similar question not too long ago.  I will copy/paste the answer for you in the space below:

I did quite a bit of looking in my "Code of Canon Law", as well as some internet searches, and I was not able to come up with anything definitive from what I found.  Sorry.
I can summarize some points below:

1. Abortion is a "latae sententiae" excommunication, which means that it is an automatic consequence of performing the act of abortion, getting the abortion, or morally and willingly cooperating in the procuring of an abortion.
2. Nevertheless, for one to incur this penalty, one must be aware of the penalty of the excommunication attached to procuring an abortion.
3. It would seem that if you were not aware of the penalty of excommunication you did not incurr it.
4. Nevertheless, I hope for your spiritual good that each of you made a good confession prior to your marriage years ago, and brought up the matter of abortion?
5. If the Priest did not discuss the "excommunication factor", I would be surprised; but, even if he did not, any penalty of excommunication is lifted by the sacramental absolution itself, with no need for a further form; though there is an additional form that the Priest can, and really ought to say, that specifically lifts the penalty of excommunication.

If I were you, as part of the entire healing process, I would bring the circumstances of this case to the Marriage Tribunal in your Diocese.  They work confidentially, which is important for such a case as yours.
If there were any effect on the lawful status of your marriage in the light of  Canon Law, then they would guide you through whatever would be necessary to remedy the situation.

Know that in the meantime, God is the one ultimately who sees into the heart, and it would be very worthwhile to take this matter to a Sacramental Confession, even before, and/or while you work with the Marriage Tribunal.  I wish you the very best...

Fr. Timothy Johnson