How often should Catholics go to confession/receive communion?

[truthseekerjay]

-The five precepts only require Catholics to go to confession at least once a year.
-I learned in CCD that one can’t receive communion if they haven’t confessed their mortal sins.
-I was told that if one received communion without confessing their mortal sins, that they would be in danger of severe punishment.
-In another thread, I think there was a conclusion that only God truly knows if an individual has committed a mortal sin or a venial sin.

Does the Catholic Church expect individuals to only receive communion once a year? I would think that if they wanted Catholics to receive communion weekly that they would recommend going to confession weekly as well. Since one can’t tell which sins committed during the week are mortal and which are venial, couldn’t someone receiving communion without going to confession be endangering themselves of severe punishment? Is there something that I’m missing or misunderstanding?

 

[Bookcat]

A Catholic can go often…and hopefully one will not just go once a year!

That goes for either Communion or Confession. I go weekly to confession. Some go every two weeks…some every month etc

One can be conscious of mortal sin. Thus if one is conscious of such then yes one needs to go to confession first. As Paul tells us we need to examine ourselves…

 

[mcrow]

-The five precepts only require Catholics to go to confession at least once a year.
-I learned in CCD that one can’t receive communion if they haven’t confessed their mortal sins.
-I was told that if one received communion without confessing their mortal sins, that they would be in danger of severe punishment.
-In another thread, I think there was a conclusion that only God truly knows if an individual has committed a mortal sin or a venial sin.

Does the Catholic Church expect individuals to only receive communion once a year? I would think that if they wanted Catholics to receive communion weekly that they would recommend going to confession weekly as well. Since one can’t tell which sins committed during the week are mortal and which are venial, couldn’t someone receiving communion without going to confession be endangering themselves of severe punishment? Is there something that I’m missing or misunderstanding?

1 once per year is bare minimum to be in good standing. I think the church would like everyone to go to confession regularly and to mass and recieve the Eucharist as much as possible within the rules.

 

[po18guy]

-The five precepts only require Catholics to go to confession at least once a year.
-I learned in CCD that one can’t receive communion if they haven’t confessed their mortal sins.
-I was told that if one received communion without confessing their mortal sins, that they would be in danger of severe punishment.
-In another thread, I think there was a conclusion that only God truly knows if an individual has committed a mortal sin or a venial sin.

Saint Paul teaches us that we should examine our consciences before we partake of the Sacrament. For this, we have the penitential rite at the beginning of mass, and the Sacrament of reconciliation. If one unworthily (unrepentantly) receives the Eucharist, they are in danger of eating and drinking damnation unto themselves. An example of this from the bible is: Judas Iscariot was possibly in this state at the last supper, as he had already betrayed our Lord.

Does the Catholic Church expect individuals to only receive communion once a year? I would think that if they wanted Catholics to receive communion weekly that they would recommend going to confession weekly as well. Since one can’t tell which sins committed during the week are mortal and which are venial, couldn’t someone receiving communion without going to confession be endangering themselves of severe punishment? Is there something that I’m missing or misunderstanding?

Once per year, during the Easter season, is the absolute minimum. We most certainly can tell if sins are mortal or venial. We have the guidance of our (well-formed) consciences, the catechism, and the advice and counsel of the priest to guide us. Most sins are venial, since they are the small failures of faith, hope and love that occur each day. They do not risk severing our relationship with God, even though they are displeasing to Him. However, if we do not confess even these small sins, we risk becoming increasingly disposed toward the commission of those sins, and the line between venial and mortal becomes increasingly easy to cross.

Simply put, confession once or twice per month, or whenever we are aware of serious sin, is appropriate for Catholics. However, the Eucharist is entirely another matter. Repentant consumption of the Eucharist remits venial sin. But, much more than that, it is a true communion, a participation in the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. For an instant, we are made aware of the very nature of the hypostatic union of God and man that is our Lord Jesus Christ. We become living, breathing Tabernacles of Christ. Sin, of course, stains this, and so we need the soul-cleansing that confession and absolution is.

One more thing: we can confess directly to God, but do we receive absolution? We do if the priest, who acts*** in persona Christi***, absolves us. We have the assurance that our sins are destroyed, just as Jesus told sinners that their sins were forgiven. We need to know it and to hear it.

Do you have a copy of Catholicism for Dummies? It is a simply excellent resource to learn the ins and outs of the faith. I most highly recommend it, as I learn something each time I read it.

 

[Anathama_Sit]

-The five precepts only require Catholics to go to confession at least once a year.
-I learned in CCD that one can’t receive communion if they haven’t confessed their mortal sins.
-I was told that if one received communion without confessing their mortal sins, that they would be in danger of severe punishment.
-In another thread, I think there was a conclusion that only God truly knows if an individual has committed a mortal sin or a venial sin.

Does the Catholic Church expect individuals to only receive communion once a year? I would think that if they wanted Catholics to receive communion weekly that they would recommend going to confession weekly as well. Since one can’t tell which sins committed during the week are mortal and which are venial, couldn’t someone receiving communion without going to confession be endangering themselves of severe punishment? Is there something that I’m missing or misunderstanding?

Greetings Truthseekerjay,

If one sins mortally they will know that they sinned mortally. You cannot commit a mortal sin without knowing that you have commited a mortal sin. [This is but one of the three conditions for committing a sin.]

You are only bound to go to Confession if you have mortal sins to confess. You should go to Mass as often as you can. Some people go to Confession once a month, once a week, and ect. I got as often as I need to. Sometimes that has been three times a week, and sometimes it is once a month.

God Bless.
Anathama Sit

 

[RosaryFan]

-The five precepts only require Catholics to go to confession at least once a year.
-I learned in CCD that one can’t receive communion if they haven’t confessed their mortal sins.
-I was told that if one received communion without confessing their mortal sins, that they would be in danger of severe punishment.
-In another thread, I think there was a conclusion that only God truly knows if an individual has committed a mortal sin or a venial sin.

Does the Catholic Church expect individuals to only receive communion once a year? I would think that if they wanted Catholics to receive communion weekly that they would recommend going to confession weekly as well. Since one can’t tell which sins committed during the week are mortal and which are venial, couldn’t someone receiving communion without going to confession be endangering themselves of severe punishment? Is there something that I’m missing or misunderstanding?

First of all, I think it is quite possible and likely that if you commit a mortal sin, YOU know it. So to say only God knows if you’ve committed a mortal sin is not accurate. When I used to miss Mass regularly out of laziness, I knew that was a mortal sin and I wouldn’t dare go to Communion until I first went to confession for this egregious offense.’

The Church’s minimum requirement for receiving Holy Communion is once a year, which means you should also go to confession once a year in order to be able to receive Communion. You are obligated to attend Mass every Sunday and Holy day (6) even if you don’t receive Communion.

This is JUST A MINIMUM REQUIREMENT. It is most beneficial to receive Our Lord in Holy Communion as often as possible (assuming one is in the state of grace, i.e. without knoweldge of mortal sin). Receiving Holy Communion every day is a magnificent idea for those who are inclined to go to daily Mass.

Although the sacrament of Confession is only mandatory for mortal sins, the faithful are encouraged to receive this underrated sacrament more often, as the benefits are far more reaching than just elimination of sin. In this wonderful sacrament, we not only receive Our Lord’s forgiveness for all sins (mortal as well as venial), but He supplies us with the graces and strength necessary to avoid our sins going forward. The more often you go, the easier it is to avoid sin, and the less often you will sin. I enjoy this sacrament once a month. Even though I do not commit mortal sins, I go for my venial sins and for the strength and grace to avoid the venial sins in the future. Even Pope John Paul II went to confession weekly. It is a reinforcement of spiritual strength. The more you go, the stronger you are and the less you sin. It is not only a tool for getting rid of your sins, it is a safeguard against future sins. It is a sacrament where Christ is present and distributes his graces willingly to us. When we go to Him in confession to ask for the grace to be more patient with our spouse, how could he ever deny us? This is where I go every month for my “strength for life”. Between confession and frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist, the graces and strength you receive from Our Lord are immeasurable!

I would highly recommend both of these sacraments as often as humanly possible. I’d sooner give up limbs and organs before I’d give up these sacraments.

Just remember, the saying “Too much of a good thing” does not apply to Confession and the Holy Eucharist.

 

[truthseekerjay]

Can one really know if they committed a mortal sin? Most people don’t think that driving over the speed limit is a mortal sin in God’s eyes, but I would think that if expert opinion states that 60 mph is safe and one willingly chose to drive over the limit, then they are willingly putting themselves and others at risk. If an accident were to happen, it could be recognized in court as vehicular MANSLAUGHTER. I know that most people who drive over the speed limit will probably not go to confession for it and still receive communion weekly, but God could possibly view this act as a mortal sin, so wouldn’t these people be receiving communion in an unworthy fashion? Do any of you feel that the Catholic Church should place a greater emphasis on confession since many people right now could be “eating and drinking damnation unto themselves”? And if the Catholic Church doesn’t emphasize it, isn’t it enabling people to continue receiving communion incorrectly?

 

[Anathama_Sit]

Can one really know if they committed a mortal sin? Most people don’t think that driving over the speed limit is a mortal sin in God’s eyes, but I would think that if expert opinion states that 60 mph is safe and one willingly chose to drive over the limit, then they are willingly putting themselves and others at risk. If an accident were to happen, it could be recognized in court as vehicular MANSLAUGHTER. I know that most people who drive over the speed limit will probably not go to confession for it and still receive communion weekly, but God could possibly view this act as a mortal sin, so wouldn’t these people be receiving communion in an unworthy fashion? Do any of you feel that the Catholic Church should place a greater emphasis on confession since many people right now could be “eating and drinking damnation unto themselves”? And if the Catholic Church doesn’t emphasize it, isn’t it enabling people to continue receiving communion incorrectly?

Greetings Truthseekerjay,

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church

#2290 The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others’ safety on the road, at sea, or in the air.

The Catholic Church could emphasize Confession more yes. Yet it is not enabling people to continue receiving commmunion incorrectly. That my friend lies with the communicant.

God Bless.
Anathama Sit

 

[po18guy]

Can one really know if they committed a mortal sin?

Yes, under the Church’s guidance.

Most people don’t think that driving over the speed limit is a mortal sin in God’s eyes, but I would think that if expert opinion states…

“Expert opinion” states that there is no God…

…but God could possibly view this act as a mortal sin, so wouldn’t these people be receiving communion in an unworthy fashion? Do any of you feel that the Catholic Church should place a greater emphasis on confession since many people right now could be “eating and drinking damnation unto themselves”?

Yes.

And if the Catholic Church doesn’t emphasize it, isn’t it enabling people to continue receiving communion incorrectly?

Yes. This is being addressed.

I believe that you are over-thinking this. At least twice yearly, many, if not most parishes have communal penance services in which examinations of conscience are performed. At the beginning of weekend mass, the penitential rite also focuses on our sinful nature and our sinful acts. At the penance services, many common sins are enumerated, and examples given so that the faithful may know what is sinful.

 

[Linda_Marie]

Can one really know if they committed a mortal sin? Most people don’t think that driving over the speed limit is a mortal sin in God’s eyes, but I would think that if expert opinion states that 60 mph is safe and one willingly chose to drive over the limit, then they are willingly putting themselves and others at risk. If an accident were to happen, it could be recognized in court as vehicular MANSLAUGHTER. I know that most people who drive over the speed limit will probably not go to confession for it and still receive communion weekly, but God could possibly view this act as a mortal sin, so wouldn’t these people be receiving communion in an unworthy fashion? Do any of you feel that the Catholic Church should place a greater emphasis on confession since many people right now could be “eating and drinking damnation unto themselves”? And if the Catholic Church doesn’t emphasize it, isn’t it enabling people to continue receiving communion incorrectly?

saintaquinas.com/mortal_sin.html

In order for a sin to be mortal, it must meet three conditions:

Mortal sin is a sin of grave matter
Mortal sin is committed with full knowledge of the sinner
Mortal sin is committed with deliberate consent of the sinner

This means that mortal sins cannot be done "accidentally." A person who commits a mortal sin is one who knows that their sin is wrong, but still deliberately commits the sin anyway. This means that mortal sins are "premeditated" by the sinner and thus are truly a rejection of God’s law and love.

 

[thistle]

-The five precepts only require Catholics to go to confession at least once a year.
-I learned in CCD that one can’t receive communion if they haven’t confessed their mortal sins.
-I was told that if one received communion without confessing their mortal sins, that they would be in danger of severe punishment.
-In another thread, I think there was a conclusion that only God truly knows if an individual has committed a mortal sin or a venial sin.

Does the Catholic Church expect individuals to only receive communion once a year? I would think that if they wanted Catholics to receive communion weekly that they would recommend going to confession weekly as well. Since one can’t tell which sins committed during the week are mortal and which are venial, couldn’t someone receiving communion without going to confession be endangering themselves of severe punishment? Is there something that I’m missing or misunderstanding?

Once a year during the Easter period is the minimum requirement to receive Communion but the Church strongly recommends that everyone receive frequently.
Nobody in a state of mortal sin may receive Communion.
Confession is required to confess mortal sins and only after absolution may that person receive Communion again.
If a person does not know if something they did was a sin of grave matter then that person has not committed a mortal sin.
To commit a mortal sin three conditions have to be met:

• grave matter
• full knowledge
• full consent of the will

 

[Joan_M]

Does the Catholic Church expect individuals to only receive communion once a year? I would think that if they wanted Catholics to receive communion weekly that they would recommend going to confession weekly as well. **Since one can’t tell which sins committed during the week are mortal and which are venial, **couldn’t someone receiving communion without going to confession be endangering themselves of severe punishment? Is there something that I’m missing or misunderstanding?

Of course we can tell if we have committed a mortal sin! There are many examinations of conscience out there to help, if it is necessary. Sometimes there may be a doubt as to whether a sin was mortal or venial. In that case, the best thing for peace of mind is to confess and be absolved. Problem gone.

If anyone really does not know which sins are venial and which are mortal, then that person needs to study. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church - you can access it online and search for the sins you need to learn about. Read “The Faith Explained” by Fr. Leo Trese - this is a wonderful book to help understand all aspects of the faith.

 

[RosaryFan]

Can one really know if they committed a mortal sin? Most people don’t think that driving over the speed limit is a mortal sin in God’s eyes, but I would think that if expert opinion states that 60 mph is safe and one willingly chose to drive over the limit, then they are willingly putting themselves and others at risk. If an accident were to happen, it could be recognized in court as vehicular MANSLAUGHTER. I know that most people who drive over the speed limit will probably not go to confession for it and still receive communion weekly, but God could possibly view this act as a mortal sin, so wouldn’t these people be receiving communion in an unworthy fashion? Do any of you feel that the Catholic Church should place a greater emphasis on confession since many people right now could be “eating and drinking damnation unto themselves”? And if the Catholic Church doesn’t emphasize it, isn’t it enabling people to continue receiving communion incorrectly?

As Anathama pointed out in an earlier post, it is one of the three conditions that must be met in order for a sin to be mortal. One must know it is a grave sin. If no one ever knows that their sins are grave matter, then no one would ever be sinning, no matter what they do. I know people are stupid, but we’re not THAT stupid!

 

[truthseekerjay]

As Anathama pointed out in an earlier post, it is one of the three conditions that must be met in order for a sin to be mortal. One must know it is a grave sin. If no one ever knows that their sins are grave matter, then no one would ever be sinning, no matter what they do. I know people are stupid, but we’re not THAT stupid!

Some people honestly believe in their hearts that stealing a $3 dollar item is not as bad as stealing a $1000 item. I find it hard to believe that God would actually be more lenient towards a person who feels that their sins aren’t that serious. I know that more is expected for those who are given more, but is this what this is referring to?

 

[Te_Deum]

You are only obligated to confess and receive once a year, during Easter time. However, confession once a week should be our goal, and communion every day or at the very least on Sundays.

 

[truthseekerjay]

This website was given above: saintaquinas.com/mortal_sin.html.

Some of you are claiming that we can know what sins are mortal. I’m going to list some sins that a lot of people think are venial, but if you refer to the website above, they might be seen as mortal.

-illegally downloading songs from the internet (stealing from artists and potentially cutting off their means of survival)
“defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?
-staring too long at a woman’s (or man’s) chest on an advertisement on tv
“lust” CCC 2351?
-driving past the speed limit (deliberately endangering lives and possibly leading to vehicular MANSLAUGHTER)
“murder” CCC 2268?
-gossiping/false accusations at work (could lead to a person getting fired and losing their means of survival)
“false witness and perjury” CCC 2476 and “defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?
-not stopping gossiping/false accusations at work (could lead to a person getting fired and losing their means of survival)
“false witness and perjury” CCC 2476 and “defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?
-stealing a $3 item
“defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?

Can we be sure that God doesn’t see these as mortal? And if one honestly in their heart think that these are not mortal sins, is God really going to be more lenient to that person?

 

[RosaryFan]

Some people honestly believe in their hearts that stealing a $3 dollar item is not as bad as stealing a $1000 item. I find it hard to believe that God would actually be more lenient towards a person who feels that their sins aren’t that serious. I know that more is expected for those who are given more, but is this what this is referring to?

This is why I’m both happy and relieved to leave the job of judging others to God.

 

[RyanK]

This website was given above: saintaquinas.com/mortal_sin.html.

Some of you are claiming that we can know what sins are mortal. I’m going to list some sins that a lot of people think are venial, but if you refer to the website above, they might be seen as mortal.

-illegally downloading songs from the internet (stealing from artists and potentially cutting off their means of survival)
“defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?
-staring too long at a woman’s (or man’s) chest on an advertisement on tv
“lust” CCC 2351?
-driving past the speed limit (deliberately endangering lives and possibly leading to vehicular MANSLAUGHTER)
“murder” CCC 2268?
-gossiping/false accusations at work (could lead to a person getting fired and losing their means of survival)
“false witness and perjury” CCC 2476 and “defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?
-not stopping gossiping/false accusations at work (could lead to a person getting fired and losing their means of survival)
“false witness and perjury” CCC 2476 and “defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?
-stealing a $3 item
“defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?

Can we be sure that God doesn’t see these as mortal? And if one honestly in their heart think that these are not mortal sins, is God really going to be more lenient to that person?

Those are indeed mortal sins. But you have to realize that God is an active God. If we have mortal sin on our soul, he will let us know. Also, mortal sin consists of full and complete knowledge. Basically mortal sin is you knowingly turning your back on God and choosing to be your own God. Someone who does not know that something is sin and does it is not commiting mortal sin because they didn’t know. That is venial sin. Mortal sin consists of full knowledge of what you’re doing at the time.

 

[RosaryFan]

This website was given above: saintaquinas.com/mortal_sin.html.

Some of you are claiming that we can know what sins are mortal. I’m going to list some sins that a lot of people think are venial, but if you refer to the website above, they might be seen as mortal.

-illegally downloading songs from the internet (stealing from artists and potentially cutting off their means of survival)
“defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?
-staring too long at a woman’s (or man’s) chest on an advertisement on tv
“lust” CCC 2351?
-driving past the speed limit (deliberately endangering lives and possibly leading to vehicular MANSLAUGHTER)
“murder” CCC 2268?
-gossiping/false accusations at work (could lead to a person getting fired and losing their means of survival)
“false witness and perjury” CCC 2476 and “defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?
-not stopping gossiping/false accusations at work (could lead to a person getting fired and losing their means of survival)
“false witness and perjury” CCC 2476 and “defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?
-stealing a $3 item
“defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?

Can we be sure that God doesn’t see these as mortal? And if one honestly in their heart think that these are not mortal sins, is God really going to be more lenient to that person?

Many of the items you listed are venial. Stealing a $3 item wouldn’t be grave matter, for instance.

However, if you have a well-formed conscience, which everyone is supposed to have, you know when something is grave matter.

Now, if someone is truly having a hard time discerning, then he/she does not have a well-formed conscience, and that’s another problem altogether.

 

[po18guy]

This website was given above: saintaquinas.com/mortal_sin.html.

Some of you are claiming that we can know what sins are mortal. I’m going to list some sins that a lot of people think are venial, but if you refer to the website above, they might be seen as mortal.

-illegally downloading songs from the internet (stealing from artists and potentially cutting off their means of survival)
“defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?
-staring too long at a woman’s (or man’s) chest on an advertisement on tv
“lust” CCC 2351?
-driving past the speed limit (deliberately endangering lives and possibly leading to vehicular MANSLAUGHTER)
“murder” CCC 2268?
-gossiping/false accusations at work (could lead to a person getting fired and losing their means of survival)
“false witness and perjury” CCC 2476 and “defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?
-not stopping gossiping/false accusations at work (could lead to a person getting fired and losing their means of survival)
“false witness and perjury” CCC 2476 and “defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?
-stealing a $3 item
“defrauding a worker of his wages” CCC 1867?

Can we be sure that God doesn’t see these as mortal? And if one honestly in their heart think that these are not mortal sins, is God really going to be more lenient to that person?

Exactly as with scripture verses, each one of these situations is contextual. 70 mph in the desert threatens no one. In a school zone is quite another matter. If stealing $3 causes another to go without food or medicine, that makes it more serious than taking $1,000 from Bill Gates - because of its proportionality. One will remain essentially unaffected by the loss, while another may become gravely ill. Defrauding a worker is one thing if you do not have the money to pay, but quite another if you do. And if you do so intentionally, that compounds it. All are stealing, and we are not talking about a God that has human limitations. He reads our hearts, not just our minds.

To me it seems that, on the one hand, you might be looking at Catholicism as a rigid, rule-fearing faith, while on the other, you see only a murky fog filled with pitfalls and eternal damnation. Nothing is further from the actuality! Why do you think we have the Sacrament of reconciliation? The Priest does not just sit and listen, he offers spiritual and practical advice, as well as absolving you from your sin through the authority of Christ.