D
davecatholic
Guest
When my wife and I are visiting my father we attend his Christian service in lieu of Catholic Mass. Is this a mortal (or venal) sin? We are strongly rooted in our Catholic faith and regularly attend mass otherwise. He used to be Catholic and after divorce from my mother, after many years has begun attending church again (Christian). While visiting recently, my brother told me we were committing mortal sin and need to go to confession as taught by his parish priest. I disagree and believe the priest is not teaching correctly.
The Norms on Ecumenism (vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_25031993_principles-and-norms-on-ecumenism_en.html) under #118 states “Catholics are encouraged to take part in the psalms, responses, hymns and common actions of the Church in which they are guests”
The Catechism, #1856, discusses the effect of a mortal sin, then goes on to discuss a “grave matter” in #1858. It also mentions Honoring your father in mother. This does not sound like a mortal sin. The Church also has a teaching on Christians, Catechism #818 calling them “brothers.”
It would seem to me the relationship building with my father and participation in a Christian service in order to continue that relationship is more important.
thanks,
Dave
The Norms on Ecumenism (vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_25031993_principles-and-norms-on-ecumenism_en.html) under #118 states “Catholics are encouraged to take part in the psalms, responses, hymns and common actions of the Church in which they are guests”
The Catechism, #1856, discusses the effect of a mortal sin, then goes on to discuss a “grave matter” in #1858. It also mentions Honoring your father in mother. This does not sound like a mortal sin. The Church also has a teaching on Christians, Catechism #818 calling them “brothers.”
It would seem to me the relationship building with my father and participation in a Christian service in order to continue that relationship is more important.
thanks,
Dave