Confession Question, Absolved if it will happen again?

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NC_Corgi

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Hi,

I’m new to the forum and hope some of you may help me.

There was a longer line than normal for confession today, and I am used to the priest asking questions/giving advice, so i’ve tried to work hard to condense my “list” to contrite statements about what my sins are. Especially because of time. It was over a year, so i wanted to be respectful, and create grounds for a fresh start.

I’m on ‘the pill’ within my marriage. there’s an ongoing struggle and story behind this but that’s for later.

I have a really hard time confessing that (I am truly sorry for it!) while Knowing that tomorrow morning, i have to take another tablet.

I’d hoped to explore this with the priest just a little, but either i didn’t say something correctly, or there were time issues… for whatever reason, I listed my sins, was given penance and absolved, and was asked for a prayer of contrition.

My knowlege of knowing I’ll take that tablet again in the morning, is getting in the way of what should be my celebrating that absalution! I don’t feel that… cleansing.

…has this gotten in the way of my intent not to sin again stated during confession? does it somehow remove the absolution?

Your thoughts please?
 
Contrition is key (from the CCC):

[1451](javascript:openWindow(‘cr/1451.htm’);)** Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.”**

Going to confession with full intent to continue in sin may be yet another sin, that of presumption. Here is where the CCC teaches about the sin of presumption:

2091** The first commandment is also concerned with sins against hope, namely, despair and presumption: **
By despair, man ceases to hope for his personal salvation from God, for help in attaining it or for the forgiveness of his sins. Despair is contrary to God’s goodness, to his justice - for the Lord is faithful to his promises - and to his mercy. 2092 There are two kinds of presumption. Either man presumes upon his own capacities, (hoping to be able to save himself without help from on high), or he presumes upon God’s almighty power or his mercy (hoping to obtain his forgiveness without conversion and glory without merit).
Suggestion, make an appointment with the Priest to hear your confession and counsel you when he has time to listen.

Prayers that you will fully come back to your Faith.
 
If a person confesses that they looked at pornography and are really sorry, but they know that that the next day they are going to look at pornography.

That would be an example of an invalid confession.

Another example…

A person who confesses that they cheated on their wife, knowing full well that they will be meeting the girlfriend that weekend.

Invalid confession.
 
thank you both.
…
and the continual nature of the contraception was part of what stopped me from going to confession for a long time.

Since this is something within my marriage… it’s something that affects both myself and my husband…We’ve tried NFP, but that practice turned out to be one sided as well.

even though I’m the one who commits the sin… each day …
but I cant discontinue it’s use without my husband’s cooperation.
And we don’t always see eye-to-eye on the topic.

… so I’m barred from all the sacraments … including absolution for any other sins… until that’s resolved…?
 
Using Artificial Birth Control is considered a Mortal Sin in the Catholic Church. So, if you confess this sin and continue its practice, you’d still be in the state of Mortal Sin (as well as your Husband). But, I am not a Priest, so I would advise to sit down with a Priest and discuss this problem. Might consider NFP if you can look into that too.

Hope I don’t sound judgmental, you sound like you’re trying to do the right thing. I will pray for you and your situation.
 
NC_Corgi said:
Since this is something within my marriage… it’s something that affects both myself and my husband…We’ve tried NFP, but that practice turned out to be one sided as well.

even though I’m the one who commits the sin… each day …
but I cant discontinue it’s use without my husband’s cooperation.
And we don’t always see eye-to-eye on the topic.

… so I’m barred from all the sacraments … including absolution for any other sins… until that’s resolved…?
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It sounds like your husband is being very unfair. Does he know how bad the pill is for you? For both of you, spiritually and emotionally. For you, the woman, physically. For all of us, as a society.

Have you read or listened to Janet Smith’s lecture, “Contraception: Why Not?” It is available in print or audio format here: janetsmith.excerptsofinri.com/ . You should read or listen to it with your husband. If he learns what the pill is really about, and still insists that you take it, he would be sending you a very serious message.

By the way, when you write “I’m the one who commits the sin,” that’s only half the story. If your husband forces, encourages, or even consents to your taking the pill, he too is guilty of a serious sin.

God bless you as you continue to work through this.
 
Yes, you are barred from receiving the Eucharist, until you are in a state of grace. You are choosing not to be, by contracepting.

Our love for God must surpass our love for anyone or anything else. This means following His laws, no matter what. It isn’t easy, but with God, all things are possible. I’m sorry if your husband is giving you a hard time on this. But as Catholic Christians, we are called to follow God, even when others give us a hard time. Sounds to me like you and your husband should see a priest together – and if he doesn’t agree to go with you, go anyway.

I hope you’ll read the information on this site:
omsoul.com/

and the Catechism on the sacrament of Matrimony:
scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c3a7.htm

Please keep praying.
 
Make an appointment and talk to your pastor directly about this. This forum is a great place for opinions, mutual support and edification, and even information, but this is a serious pastoral issue in your life that you shouldn’t be trying to shoulder all by yourself. Find a real skin-on-in-front-of-you priest to help you with this. If it turns out to be an on-going issue, ask for on-going help. Do not let shame or embarrassment keep you from getting the help you need.

Good bless you and don’t give up. You’re being called in the right direction. I think God will give you the strength to answer in a way that is pleasing. Remember: He sees you already as He is going to make you. Do not be discouraged by the difficulties in front of you. God understands. Do not give up. He won’t, not ever.
 
Easter Joy,

Thank you. Was able to do just that after Mass today. It was wonderful to have a more human answer that took into account all aspects of my situation.

Thank you all
 
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