Communion without Confession

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Paul_Brann said:
It’s the defination of ‘Mortal Sin’ that I challenge, and I ask: Is it a mortal sin not to go to Mass on a Sunday? Surely only God can answer that one. Paul Brann
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Quite true, without knowing all the facts one can not determine if there is a sin at all, much less a mortal sin. Simply because you don’t want to go, now that’s a sin… LOL
 
Paul_Brann said:
In my conscience (and OK there’s the rub), if I love God and put Him first, and strive to do His will for me in all things, and yet decide this particular Sunday to skip Mass, I will face my maker at the point of death and trust His love and justice.
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Here’s one problem. If you truly love God, you simply can’t “decide… to skip Mass! For no other reason? No way! How can you say you truly love God then simply “decide” not follow His command?
 
Paul_Brann said:
Perhaps you see me as a heratic, not a real Catholic, like Luther or Calvin, who I suppose you might also consign to Hell. That’s how it seems.
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You do understand the Church has never “consigned” anyone to hell don’t you?
 
Paul_Brann said:
What you are saying is that I am in a state of Mortal Sin because I don’t go to Mass every Sunday, and more so because I am corrupting another by deliberately spreading false doctrines.
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Who said that? Without knowing all the facts, no one can determine if a sin has been committed. Now you repeatedly said simply deciding not to go to Mass without any real reason, yes that’s a sin.
 
Paul_Brann said:
If you remember this all started by Bobsey asking if he was wrong to receive communion if he hadn’t been to Mass the previous Sunday. Some legal specialist then effectively accused him of being in a state of Mortal sin and assumed that it would be impossible for him to make an act of ‘perfect contrition’ so he should abstain from the sacrament of the Eucharist until he had become cleansed by the sacrament of confession to a priest.
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No, please read the thread again. You said missing Mass simply because you didn’t feel like going was between you and God. That’s simply not correct. No one except you ever said missing Mass without knowing all the facts was a sin.
 
Paul_Brann said:
You may well not realise it but, like many, I suffer from bipolar affective disorder; I’m a manic depressive, and have good days, have bad days and sometimes have extraordinary days. Yes I’m mentally ill and I suppose that also affects my relationship with God and the church and others. If I had a broken back and could not move then I would not be expected to go to Mass if it was unrealistic. Because I loose touch with reality sometimes, struggle to see things in a rational way, and even struggle to get out of bed and fail misersably to even do that sometimes, I’m judged as being in a state of Mortal sin, and it is extraordinary just how vitriolic and hugely judgemental some of you zealots can be.
Yes, I shout at God…you’ve only got to read the psalms to see that I’m neither unique nor unusual in that respect, some of them echo my sentiments quite accurately.
And thanks for the words of encouragement from the few real Christians using this site.
Paul Brann
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Paul, I’ve seen no one judge you as being in mortal sin. What we have done is respond to your words, “skipping Mass” because you felt like it, just deciding not to go, very nonchalant reasons. Yes that is sin! Now you’re trying to say you didn’t go for physical reasons, don’t you understand the difference? The judgements were the cavalier excuses. I just didn’t want to go! Sorry, that’s a sin.
 
Oh and a note. I understand you’re fairly new here, if you could use the quote button, that way we will know what you’re responding to. For example, had you used the quote button when someone accused you of being in a state of mortal sin, we could have seen exactly what the circumstances were. Just a friendly suggestion.
Please stay with us. You’ll get used to our rough ways… LOL
Really, we’re all seeking the truth, we may disagree on things, that’s why we’re here.
May the peace and love of our Lord, Jesus the Christ, be with you,
Tom
 
Communion without confession is something I have practiced throughout the years. I never really thought that I was committing a sin, and a mortal one at that. Shame on me!
After reading all the info shared on this forum, I have come to the realization that although I feel in my heart that I love God very much, I was very ignorant of many of his teachings.
So, I sort of started a survey among my family, friends, relatives, acquaintances and guess what I found?

Everyone I have spoken to, feels that it is OK to miss Mass and receive Communion the following Sunday without going to confession ( just asking God for forgiveness is enough).
That there is no need to confess to a priest (directly to God is better).

That contraception is accepted so that abortion will never come into play.

Sex before marriage is accepted and living together before marriage is also OK.

No one stays chaste after divorce or considers themselves still married to their divorced spouse.

Everyone enjoys reading their Horoscope and speak to a real Medium.

I was brought up with these beliefs and shared them with everyone I know.

All the people I know are Catholic and everyone claims to be a good catholic, which up to now I also thought I was.

Then I joined CFA and my world is not as it used to be.

I went to confession after 6 or 7 years and I told the priest everything I listed above.

All he said was" We all sin, don’t worry" and told me to say
  1. Hail Mary
  2. Our Father
  3. Act of Contrition
Now when I speak to all those people I try to open their eyes and let them know what is the right way to live our Catholic faith.

People think I am becoming a little strange.

Sometimes I so wish I still had my eyes closed.
IGNORANCE WAS BLISS!
 
FM927 said:
Communion without confession is something I have practiced throughout the years. I never really thought that I was committing a sin, and a mortal one at that. Shame on me!
After reading all the info shared on this forum, I have come to the realization that although I feel in my heart that I love God very much, I was very ignorant of many of his teachings.
So, I sort of started a survey among my family, friends, relatives, acquaintances and guess what I found?

Everyone I have spoken to, feels that it is OK to miss Mass and receive Communion the following Sunday without going to confession ( just asking God for forgiveness is enough).
That there is no need to confess to a priest (directly to God is better).

That contraception is accepted so that abortion will never come into play.

Sex before marriage is accepted and living together before marriage is also OK.

No one stays chaste after divorce or considers themselves still married to their divorced spouse.

Everyone enjoys reading their Horoscope and speak to a real Medium.

I was brought up with these beliefs and shared them with everyone I know.

All the people I know are Catholic and everyone claims to be a good catholic, which up to now I also thought I was.

Then I joined CFA and my world is not as it used to be.

I went to confession after 6 or 7 years and I told the priest everything I listed above.

All he said was" We all sin, don’t worry" and told me to say
  1. Hail Mary
  2. Our Father
  3. Act of Contrition
Now when I speak to all those people I try to open their eyes and let them know what is the right way to live our Catholic faith.

People think I am becoming a little strange.

Sometimes I so wish I still had my eyes closed.
IGNORANCE WAS BLISS!
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FM927,

Great post. This is exactly how I was before I began my quest to understand my faith. I partially blame the church and the individual. I think the church could do a better job of stressing its doctrines on a continuing basis even incorporating them into the homily. Perhaps some parishes are better about it than others. I know there are various religious education programs available for parishioners but the majority of cradle catholics do not take advantage of it. So the question is why doesn’t the local parish and priest stress the things you listed with more emphasis? Even writing a “what is considered mortal sin” blog into the weekly bulletin. This weeks topic: “If you miss mass without a valid excuse but because you are lazy DO NOT take communion until you receive confession, you are commiting a 2nd mortal sin”. I think part of it has to do with not wanting to scare away the masses of people who attend church?

The individual is also to blame. Why does he/she not know these things already having been baptized and confrimed into the church? Is it selective memory? I know up until 8 months ago, I honestly did not realize many of the things I was doing would be considered mortal sins. Now that I know I feel that I am held to a higher standard. Maybe it is our job to educate our fellow catholics or perhaps Ignorance Is Bliss as you stated. IF they don’t know what they are doing is wrong is it still a sin?

Anyway, good post. I have many catholic family and friends who live exactly like you stated above. Perhaps some of the more educated and experienced catholic answers people could share their thoughts on this matter. Why do so many Catholics seem ignorant to the doctrines of our faith?
 
Now when I speak to all those people I try to open their eyes and let them know what is the right way to live our Catholic faith.
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People think I am becoming a little strange.
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I had to laugh because my wife asked me if I was becoming a religious fanatic when I “changed”. Now she is reading scripture and praying the rosary…things neither of us used to do. And I got her to go to confession for the first time in six years! We both try to go every couple months now.

Christian fundalmentalists have a saying of being “Born Again”. We’ve all heard this and as Catholics we are born again at baptism. I’ve said this before but I believe I was Born Again a 2nd time eight months ago. The things I’m feeling and doing are way different now than before. My born again experience wasn’t an instantaneous event like fundalmentalists will claim but I noticed a remarkable difference in my relationship with God within a short amount of time. I still have some battles with sin but through the power of prayer, rosary, scripture, confession and doing my best to be obedient to the doctrine of the Church I truely feel alive. Maybe this is what you are going through?

God Bless
 
I’m begining to see exactly what this site is about, and like all religions there are the rule makers, the law enforcers, the nit picking enforcers of law; and often they actually believe they are doing God’s work here on earth. One of your members, an expert, no doubt, on Catholic Doctrine, actually confirmed that I was probably in a state of Mortal Sin because I did not honour my “Sunday Obligation”. And I can see just how very weak the faith of many Senior Members really is because they really do have to live their lives and try to make others live their lives by a rule book, even if it is the rule book of the true religion.
Augustine said “Love…and then do what you like”
The title “Prayer Warrior” is so very significant and yet it’s implication must be hidden from the eyes of the zealots that they can’t even see how abhorent it really is! Tom, you have absolutely no understanding of mental health when you try to justify your standing by re-quoting me, free will is always tempered by the stuff we have going on inside our heads. Do any of you really love God? Be reflective just for one moment, “Do I really and truely Love God? Is this really and truely doing His work here on earth, or is it just some huge ego trip?” I noticed that one member has actually posted over 20,000 items…Good God how peculiar is that?
This truely isn’t for me. You all seem to miss the point that Jesus was making in Luke 23:39-43,(the penitent theif on the cross) and Matthew 20:1-16,(the workers in the vinyard). I’m a Catholic, always will be until the day I die, but far more secure in my faith and in my relationship with my God not to have to live my life by the exact letter of the law. And I reiterate my advice to any Catholic who genuinely wants to receive the true presence of Jesus in the sacrament of The Eucharist, but may doubt if they are in a ‘state of grace’, “Go humbly to His presence and receive what is freely given, that in itself will be an act of perfect contrition”
Paul Brann
 
Paul, I love ya man and I’ve enjoyed our conversation via private messaging. As I said to you I think you have a great background and a lot to offer here, I hope you don’t leave. I agree with many of the things you said but I think you are being a bit stubborn on the teaching of the church (isn’t that what your step daughter said you could be at times?) 🙂

Jesus said this “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.” - Mat 22:37-40

I think this is what you are stressing Paul and you are correct. Love of God and neighbor are the most important commandments. It is out of love of God that I strive to fulfill the requirements of my Catholic faith.

Please consider this point. There are many people who are on a jouney to improve their relationship with God and better understand the Catholic faith. Many do not see Church doctrine as obstacles or barriers but as a means to become closer to God. Individuals that come to Catholic Answers with specific questions about the Catholic catechism deserve specific answers regarding the Church position. That does not mean we cannot guide and answer people without compassion and love.

Now my opinion is Nothing is impossible with God and HE may transend any law HE wishes. Jesus’ mercy and love is infinite and I do not pretend to know the hearts and intentions of others only God does.
 
Thank you caudy for those really kind words. I feel that it what I wanted. You see my father committed a sin and was judged by a few hard line interpreters of the law…he then killed himself and I had to pick up the pieces.
St Paul urges us to do nothing, even if it is good and pleasing to God, if it might in any way turn someone away from The Truth.
I know that the Church teaches that before we can receive communion we need to be in a state of grace, and that grace is a gift from God. I know that to willfully reject God is a Mortal sin. I know that to willfully refuse to keep The Sabbath Holy, is a sin, I know that if I receive Holy Communion in a state of sin I commit a further serious sin. I also know that God’s capacity to love and to forgive is truely infinite…way beyond our understanding. I know the ‘official line’ would be: “if in doubt, stay away, go to confession, and then receive communion”, and I would endorce that view. However, faint hearts seldom win any prizes, and if we truely believe in God’s infinite goodness, and are genuine in our sorrow of offending that infinite goodness, then we are capable of receiving God’s grace, and if we accept it, our sin is washed away.
I’m not in any way decrying the tremendous power of the sacrament of pennance, or reconcillation, but I also believe that I have a relationship with God that transcends any human interpolation…hell, I went to confession to a priest for years who turned out to be committing adultery with a married woman, so technically that would make those confessions invalid anyway.
And every Mass he said would be invalid also. His fellow priest, a Canon was, sadly, an alcoholic and rarely, if ever sober, so, perhaps his Masses were also invalid.
The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference, and, please God, I will never be indifferent towards my faith.
Paul Brann
 
Paul_Brann said:
I went to confession to a priest for years who turned out to be committing adultery with a married woman, so technically that would make those confessions invalid anyway.
And every Mass he said would be invalid also. His fellow priest, a Canon was, sadly, an alcoholic and rarely, if ever sober, so, perhaps his Masses were also invalid.
The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference, and, please God, I will never be indifferent towards my faith.
Paul Brann
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That’s horrible and I can only imagine what that would do to my psyche. As you know priests are human and can fall into sin just like the rest of us. I believe God does hold them to a higher standard though because of their knowledge and responsibilities.

Paul, with all do respect the sacraments administerd by the priest are still valid. Whether or not the individual priest is in a state of grace does not effect your ability to receive the blessings of the sacraments.
 
FM927 said:
Communion without confession is something I have practiced throughout the years. I never really thought that I was committing a sin, and a mortal one at that. Shame on me!
After reading all the info shared on this forum, I have come to the realization that although I feel in my heart that I love God very much, I was very ignorant of many of his teachings.
So, I sort of started a survey among my family, friends, relatives, acquaintances and guess what I found?

Everyone I have spoken to, feels that it is OK to miss Mass and receive Communion the following Sunday without going to confession ( just asking God for forgiveness is enough).
That there is no need to confess to a priest (directly to God is better).

That contraception is accepted so that abortion will never come into play.

Sex before marriage is accepted and living together before marriage is also OK.

No one stays chaste after divorce or considers themselves still married to their divorced spouse.

Everyone enjoys reading their Horoscope and speak to a real Medium.

I was brought up with these beliefs and shared them with everyone I know.

All the people I know are Catholic and everyone claims to be a good catholic, which up to now I also thought I was.

Then I joined CFA and my world is not as it used to be.

I went to confession after 6 or 7 years and I told the priest everything I listed above.

All he said was" We all sin, don’t worry" and told me to say
  1. Hail Mary
  2. Our Father
  3. Act of Contrition
Now when I speak to all those people I try to open their eyes and let them know what is the right way to live our Catholic faith.

People think I am becoming a little strange.

Sometimes I so wish I still had my eyes closed.
IGNORANCE WAS BLISS!
Click to expand...
The first thing i felt when finally coming back to the church was how HARD it was to be a good catholic… Years later I realize how easy it is! Once you allow God’s will to mold you, your will greatly diminishes-- charity begins to flourish, and in relation, desire to sin lessens. BTW my liberal catholic friends think I am “strange” too. And I too have been labeled a "fanatic’. —Meanwhile, some of them have also begun to “re-kindle” their faith!??
 
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