Forgiveness of venial sins during mass

[Vynac]

So I am a non-catholic (baptized episcopal but was not raised in the faith) that has been looking into the Catholic Church. I have been attending mass the last few months but I am not in RCIA.

Recently it was suggested to me that the forgiveness of venial sins that occurs during the mass would not apply to me as a non catholic. If this is correct, and I hope it’s not, does the same principle then also apply to the general blessings? Why wouldn’t this apply broadly to anyone in the audience that is genuinely participating?

 

[Tis_Bearself]

First, you have a few things going on here. If you’re a non-Catholic and not in RCIA, then you have not been to Catholic confession, and would not be able to receive absolution there except in rare cases (such as you were in danger of death). Therefore, it seems likely that you may not be in a state of grace meaning that there is no mortal sin on your soul - in other words, you would have had to not commit a mortal sin your entire life, not even one.

In order to receive absolution for venial sins at Mass, it’s my understanding that you have to be in a state of grace (no mortal sin). As a non-Catholic, your state of grace is questionable. Furthermore, absolution is generally reserved to Catholics and it’s likely that applies to the absolution at Mass as well. So I would say that the absolution at Mass probably does not remove your venial sins at this point, with you a non-Catholic and not in RCIA.

I don’t think blessings are contingent on you being in a state of grace, although the blessing is likely to convey more benefit to one who is in the state of grace. They’re a different thing than absolution.

 

[Vynac]

Thank you for the response. I guess here is the other thing then - is there no forgiveness of mortal sins outside of confession? If someone truly repents and asks forgiveness through prayer, is that not given by God? I understand that you get assurances with absolution through confession but is the common belief really that the majority of non Catholics are in a state of mortal sin? Doesn’t this condemn them to hell?

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Mortal sin depends on a lot of things because one has to fulfill the three requirements of a grave sin committed with free will and knowledge. We cannot ever know the state of another person’s soul so I have no idea if anyone else, Catholic or non-Catholic, is in a state of mortal sin. There is also the issue of invincible ignorance for non-Catholics, and other issues which people on this forum and off debate.

I would certainly hope that merciful God is not sending large groups of people to Hell, and we are taught that non-Catholic Christians and even non-Christians have a possibility of salvation. The key word being Possibility - we just don’t know.

Regarding absolution, though, the bottom line is that if one wants the assurance of absolution, one is supposed to join the Church and participate in the sacraments. We don’t generally believe that just confessing mortal sins to God is sufficient, unless it’s a case where the Catholic absolutely can’t get to confession (for instance, the nearest priest is 100 miles away and won’t be around for a month) in which case the Catholic makes an act of perfect contrition and goes to confession as soon as possible.

 

[Vico]

So I am a non-catholic (baptized episcopal but was not raised in the faith) that has been looking into the Catholic Church. I have been attending mass the last few months but I am not in RCIA.

Recently it was suggested to me that the forgiveness of venial sins that occurs during the mass would not apply to me as a non catholic. …

Catechism of the Catholic Church

1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.

Baltimore Catechism No. 2, Lesson 30 (1941 edition)

389. Will God forgive us any sin unless we have true contrition for it?
God will not forgive us any sin, whether mortal or venial, unless we have true contrition for it.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

The sacrament of reconciliation goes beyond forgiveness; that’s the difference between God forgiving a person via their sincere prayer (which, sure, he can … he doesn’t have limitations, but we’re obliged to obedience whenever possible, and we’ve been told by Jesus and the Apostles that the sacraments are our path). It’s also our penance, our absolution & assurance, as well as our mending the relationship between us and God, the Church, and our fellow man.

I wouldn’t say you’re “stuck”. God hears your prayers as well as mine. You just don’t have full benefits yet. The remission of venial sin at Mass or via any other avenue, I would say, is not really for us to determine; suffice it to say we believe you’ll have greater effect of these blessings once you fully submit and obey to the way Jesus instructed.