Absolution after abortion

[Brendan]

You got it!

Congratulations and welcome!!!

Allow me to join in the congratulations myself, as you might gather from our back and forth conversation, it looks like you are free and clear to get to confession at the correct time and get that mistake off your chest (and soul)

Congrats, and you’ll be in the family prayers

 

[JoanOfArc]

This article will explain excommunications from abortions. It is written by a canon lawyer.

catholic.com/thisrock/2007/0711fea4.asp

Even if you were Catholic at the time, you would not have been excommunicated. Even if you were excommunicated, all that means is that you wouldn’t have been able to receive the other sacraments until you repented and sought forgiveness through confession. You weren’t Catholic, so you weren’t put under a canonical penalty. You weren’t and aren’t excommunicated. You are repentant and are going to confession, so you’ll have a clean slate for whatever sins you do have. If you are like the rest of us, it won’t take you long to get sins written on it again. Thankfully, you can go back for the rest of your life! No more carrying it around for decades! It’s just one of the great joys of being Catholic. Welcome home!

 

[PenitentConvert]

I cannot thank you all enough for your kind replies and encouragements - it really does mean the world to me and you have all helped me so much to allay my worries over this. Father Vincent also replied and confirmed what you folks have told me here.

So now I’m getting my ducks in a row, going over a guide for examination of conscience, and plan to go to confession on Monday! Still nervous but nothing as worked up as I was this morning. I have begun to look forward to it more and more.

Again, I thank you all. May God bless you!

 

[Orionthehunter]

I cannot thank you all enough for your kind replies and encouragements - it really does mean the world to me and you have all helped me so much to allay my worries over this. Father Vincent also replied and confirmed what you folks have told me here.

So now I’m getting my ducks in a row, going over a guide for examination of conscience, and plan to go to confession on Monday! Still nervous but nothing as worked up as I was this morning. I have begun to look forward to it more and more.

Again, I thank you all. May God bless you!

And you know what? You are going to be a great Catholic. You search out Catholics for answers to your questions and you then still go to a Priest for confirmation.

I will say a little prayer* for you on Monday. God Bless You.

• My prayer will only be that you don’t throw up your food out of nervousness. All other graces and strength and protection you need will be given to you as you need it. The Holy Spirit and all of Heaven is already actively engaged to be with you.

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

I am glad I read all the posts before I jumped in. the final conclusion and outcome is correct. I can only say to Penitent Convert - , welcome home to the Catholic Church and know you will be in my prayers. What you are doing is brave, inspired and above all CORRECT. May God shelter you and guide you and hold you in the palm of his hand. God Bless.
Deacon Ed B

 

[renewaladvocate]

The canonical penalty of excommunication latae sententiae does not occur when the person is below 17 years of age.

The OP was sixteen at the time (thus had not competed her sixteenth year of age, so she was never excommunicated.

She also (maybe) was in grave fear.

 

[dixieagle]

Interesting info, but, as she is not yet Catholic, the excommunication wouldn’t apply. Confession should do the trick.

 

[dixieagle]

I cannot thank you all enough for your kind replies and encouragements - it really does mean the world to me and you have all helped me so much to allay my worries over this. Father Vincent also replied and confirmed what you folks have told me here.

So now I’m getting my ducks in a row, going over a guide for examination of conscience, and plan to go to confession on Monday! Still nervous but nothing as worked up as I was this morning. I have begun to look forward to it more and more.

Again, I thank you all. May God bless you!

You’ll do fine! I struggle with confession, too (I’m a terrible perfectionist and have trouble admitting faults) so I know where you’re coming from. I’ll say a prayer for you, if you’ll return the favor

God Bless!

 

[CatholicCajun]

Welcome to the Catholic Church! On the Journey Home Monday on EWTN Marcus Grodi had a guess who at a young age had an abortion, it was a very good program. Remember as Jesus told St. Faustina, His Mercy is greater than any sin, so go to confession and be at peace and I will be praying for you.