Friend's housewarming

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DonQuichote1235

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Hi all, a friend of mine has a relationship with a girl (not married) and lived together for almost 4 years now. They moved into a new appartment and they want to give a housewarming party. Do you think it’s permissible for a catholic to go to such a housewarming? They are not married (by far most young couples in the Netherlands aren’t), they know I’m Catholic and against such a way of living. My priest did not recommend me going to such parties, but this guy is friend of mine and all my other friends are going too. Wouldn’t it be extreme when you as a catholic basically can never go to new houses or appartments of friends because they are not married with their girlfriends? Btw, the priest’s advice was outside of Confession, it was in private email correspondence…

That’s leads to a second question: what room for manoeuvre do Catholics have in deciding what do to do? In other words, is your priest always right in these things and you should always follow his advice and it would be sinful not to follow his advice? Or can you decide on your own and wouldn’t it be sinful if you neglected the priest’s advice? Thanks!

DonQuichote.
 
No I would not go to a “housewarming party” for such can be said to be approving etc of such arrangements for it is celebrating such – as opposed to simply dropping by to see friends who know what you do not approve of.

Catechism:

1868 Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:
  • by participating directly and voluntarily in them;
  • by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them;
  • by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;
  • by protecting evil-doers.
scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a8.htm#V
 
A Priest can of course be mistaken in his judgment etc --but in this case I agree – see the Catechism above.

It is not about never seeing friends who are in irregular situations --but not “celebrating” or “approving” of that which is objectively sinful.
 
Thanks Bookcat, could you also answer my second question? Thanks in advance!

Gr. Don

ps. Thanks I just saw your second answer. So in strict sense, it would not be sinful per se when you didn’t follow the priest’s advice (not in Confession)?

I will hence not go to the party…
 
I guess the same would go for a bridal shower with a co-habitating couple. Right? I don’t want to push any one away from the faith with my strict ideas of the Catholic faith.
Thanks for the great question, God bless you!
 
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