Can I give up breakfast until Confession to let God know I'm sorry?

[Catholicracer]

Hello Fr. Serpa

  I asked this on the forum and they suggested that I asked you on here. I know that if someone commits a mortal sin and they are really sorry and ask God to forgive them that God does forgive them. And that the person does need to go to confession. My questions are...

1. If the person plans on going to confession the next time that the Parish has Confession is it ok for the person to live life (like going to the store jokeing with friends ect)

2)Is it ok for the person to do something like give up breakfast one morning as a way to let God know that they are really sorry for what they did? (not in place of confession just to get by until confession)

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

It looks like the other forum is not the one to get accurate information on. The Church teaches that one may attempt an act of perfect contrition when unable to go to Confession only in danger of death. Otherwise, one must receive the sacrament. If one has committed a mortal sin, run to the nearest priest. You don’t want to risk dieing in that state. If one is in the state of mortal sin, nothing will help him until that sin is forgiven and he is in the state of grace again. Don’t wait until the next scheduled time for Confession, seek out a priest. Above all, we need avoid whatever context where we are susceptible to committing serious sin. Tell your friends on that other form to read this.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.