Did I commit a mortal sin?

[dei_gratia15]

So I saw another post on here about someone stealing a small amount of money and it reminded me of something I did a few months ago that I had forgotten about.

There was a conference going on where I work (I was not attending the conference, but it was on the same hall as my job) and in the hallway they had set up a snack table for the attendees. Close to the end of the day and after the participants had finished with the food, I was walking in the hallway and there was a bowl of candy on the table and I grabbed a Hershey’s kiss from the bowl and ate it. I didn’t think it was a huge deal at the time since it was just a piece of candy but I did feel a little guilty after and have asked God’s forgiveness several times, but didn’t think it qualified as a mortal sin at the time. I had forgotten about it until I read this post and now I’m worried that I may have committed a mortal sin because technically what I did was stealing. Is this a mortal sin or is it just a venial sin and I’m still allowed to receive communion?

I’m really sorry if I’m being ridiculous but I would like to feel at peace receiving communion this weekend (as much as possible) and I won’t be able to go to confession today.

 

[chesterlab]

The candy was there to be eaten. If you feel guilty because you weren’t part of the conference, then I suppose you should confess it. I doubt the priest will blow a gasket over taking something that was out ther to be taken. My pet peeve is when people start grazing on grapes, cherries, and other fruits in the grocery store, when they have no intention of buying them. THAT is stealing.

 

[Gertabelle]

This sort of thing happens all the time at my school.

Confences, trainings, grade level events, etc., take place at our school and snacks are provided. Sometimes the staff members who work in the building but are not part of the event will take a snack as well. Not a big deal. Not necessary to confess. Not stealing.

The fact that you say you’ve asked God’s forgiveness several times gives me pause. Are you focusing more on yourself or on God? It was a small piece of candy placed out with the intention of being eaten!

You should definitely mention this at your next confession, that you felt worried about taking a piece of candy from a bowl that was set out at work so people could take a piece of candy. Hopefully the priest will be able to help you gain some perspective.

And no need to be sorry for asking! But do seek advice from your parish priest about this, especially if you tend to worry about things like this often.

Gertie

 

[Beryllos]

What do you think the conference organizers would have said if you had asked for the Hershey’s Kiss? Most likely they would have said “Go ahead, take one” if not “Take as much as you like.” The Catechism teaches “There is no theft if consent can be presumed,” and I think in this case we may safely presume consent.

In any case, I don’t see that this could be mortal, in view of the minuscule quantity and the overwhelming likelihood that no other person was harmed or led into sin by your actions. Apparently it caused some spiritual harm to you, but that doesn’t mean the act was sinful. I think this is a case of scrupulosity (by which I mean worrying to an inordinate degree about minor errors). Please talk with a priest or spiritual director about that.

 

[Arizona_Fat_Gir]

Real theft is sneaky and planned.

Someone took yard sculpture from two different houses during the night. They would have needed to bring a truck and other equipment to lift a huge buffalo sculpture and a pair of giraffes. My theory is that we get a lot of free-lance handymen around here. They ring the bell to find out if they can cut your palm trees or whatever. I think they sized up the situation ahead of time.

 

[waanju]

Even if it was theft (which is debatable), a Hershey’s kiss isn’t grave matter…
I’d say it’s a venial sin, at most.

 

[AKDee]

I don’t think it even counts as venial, let alone mortal. The candy was there to be taken, and you only took one piece. If it truly bothers you, confess it, get it off your conscience.