Hi, Guy —

Thank you for your question.

Yes, that's true. If you are a Catholic and were married outside the Church, you are technically in a state of adultery, as far as the Church is concerned, and you may not receive the Eucharist.

This can be corrected. All you need to do is get the marriage convalidated (assuming it can be). Confession wouldn't be a bad idea as well, if you haven't received the sacrament in a while.

If the marriage is between you and a non-Catholic, you'll need a dispensation from your local bishop and you both must agree to have children and raise them Catholic.

If either one of you were previously married, any prior marriage(s) would have to go through the annulment process to see if, in fact, they [are null and void] or [can be annulled] so that you can properly marry your current wife.

John