Is every Catholic obligated to confess once a year even if they donot have Mortal sin

[Verbum_Caro]

No. My “criticism” is not really criticism but incredulity, which merely expands with the piling on of legalistic posts. What is this: a Talmudic exercise? Btw, that’s the equivalent of what the religious authorities in Jesus’ time were challenging him with: legalistic splitting of hairs. His response was, ’ It’s immaterial; you’re sinners, aren’t you? Why don’t you know that yet? Here, let me help you by describing what sin is.’

Oy vey.

Oy vey is right.

The original poster says (to paraphrase) “Hey! Fr. Trugillio says that the obligation only applies to those in mortal sin. That’s wrong!”

I reply: No, Fr. Trugillio is correct, and so is Fr. Hardon, and the Compendium, etc.

Nowhere have I said (or anyone else that I know of on this thread) that is laudable to reserve confession only once a year and that only if you are in mortal sin. It is a **minimum **requirement. It is what the Church teaches.

Elizabeth, please take another look at the substance of my question regarding the criticism of the rule.

Cantor: The Church requires us to go to confession once a year.

Response: Hear! Hear!

But when,

Cantor: The Church requires us to go to confession once a year if we are in mortal sin!

Response: What possible relevance does that have?! Everyone sins! Why should you wait till the very last minute!? This is legalistic! This rule doesn’t apply to anyone!

Do you see my point?

VC

 

[Leonius]

Just checked the penny catechism from 1971.

1. How often should we go to Confession?

If we have been guilty of serious sin we should go to Confession as soon as possible but never less than once a year.

So it seems this was still been taught even in the 70’s.

 

[Indyann]

Just as long as you are careful to never say anything that gives the impression that Confession is in some way “optional.” Right? And make sure that people understand, when you are talking about minimums, that it’s an academic discussion - that real live people need to be “maximalists” - not minimalists.

It’s much better to go to Confession even if you don’t think you need to go, than to scrupulize about whether or not it’s been a whole year yet, and whether all those angry outbursts, lustful thoughts, exchanges of gossip, etc., were “mortal” or not.

Just confess 'em anyway. The sooner, the better.

No, it is not an academic discussion, it is presenting Church teaching. Not as what one thinks they should be, but as they are at the present time.

It is not my, nor anyone else’s responsibility to determine whether one is a “maximalist” or “minimalist” That’s above my pay grade

 

[Verbum_Caro]

Leonius,

My quote of the Baltimore Catechism #3 is from the current edition. I did not misquote it. I’d appreciate it if you’d retract that. You’ll note that my paragraph number doesn’t match the one you gave – I would guess that you are quoting from an earlier edition.

I’d note, too, that even the 1970’s version you quoted from states the obligation is for serious sin (i.e. mortal sin).

VC

 

[Elizabeth502]

It’s only important to make fine distinctions between or among church teachings if one is likely to be affected by such distinctions. You only have to concern yourself with such matters if you imagine that you’re among a small group of practicing Catholics who believe that you are comfortably restricted to venial sin. Otherwise, the question in the thread opener is irrelevant, meaningless, non-applicable. (Unless we’re all merely studying for an exam in a theology class, and you’re asking some technical question to help you pass the exam.)

 

[Leonius]

Leonius,

My quote of the Baltimore Catechism #3 is from the current edition. I did not misquote it. I’d appreciate it if you’d retract that. You’ll note that my paragraph number doesn’t match the one you gave – I would guess that you are quoting from an earlier edition.

I’d note, too, that even the 1970’s version you quoted from states the obligation is for serious sin (i.e. mortal sin).

VC

Mine is from #4 but #3 says the same thing. What do you mean by current edition, please don’t tell me they have re-done the Baltimore catechism to?

As to the 1970’s you are reading it wrong. How often aught we to go to confession it answers never less than once a year. Why would it say anything else when the new rule was not brought in until 1983 as you admit.

 

[Indyann]

It’s only important to make fine distinctions between or among church teachings if one is likely to be affected by such distinctions. You only have to concern yourself with such matters if you imagine that you’re among a small group of practicing Catholics who believe that you are comfortably restricted to venial sin. Otherwise, the question in the thread opener is irrelevant, meaningless, non-applicable. (Unless we’re all merely studying for an exam in a theology class, and you’re asking some technical question to help you pass the exam.)

It is ALWAYS important to present what the Church actually teaches, no matter what kind of group you are in. Everyone can have an opinion, but that is all it is.

 

[Verbum_Caro]

But Elizabeth,

1. The original poster brought up the distinction, and implied that Fr. Trugillio stated the wrong teaching. If you feel the question irrelevant and meaningless, that’s fine. But, others may not feel that way.
2. I’d like to respond to your point about being concerned about distinctions in Church teaching only if one is likely to be affected by those distinctions.

a)That would seem to relegate much of the discussion on the forum to irrelevancy.

b) It brings up my point about the erroneous rule. Obviously the erroneous rule “You must go to confession once a year, period” doesn’t affect you, or anyone on this thread. Or anyone in the Church, for all of us should go much more than a year. So. . . why even bring up the rule (erroneously stated or correctly stated) at all?

Shall we cut it out of all the Catechisms *old *and new? Advise priests not to state the rule from the pulpit (whether the erroneous or the correct one)?

VC

 

[jmcrae]

No, it is not an academic discussion, it is presenting Church teaching. Not as what one thinks they should be, but as they are at the present time.

It is not my, nor anyone else’s responsibility to determine whether one is a “maximalist” or “minimalist” That’s above my pay grade

A lot of people will go to Hell, if they are given the impression that the minimum could possibly apply to them, or to any real live people.

So, if you must state the minimum, don’t go on about it at length - reinforce that we must go to Confession every single time we have done something we know is wrong, on purpose. Every. Single. Time. And as soon as possible, before we next receive Holy Communion - not a year from now.

 

[Indyann]

A lot of people will go to Hell, if they are given the impression that the minimum could possibly apply to them, or to any real live people.

So, if you must state the minimum, don’t go on about it at length - reinforce that we must go to Confession every single time we have done something we know is wrong, on purpose. Every. Single. Time. And as soon as possible, before we next receive Holy Communion - not a year from now.

I could not present what you said in your second paragraph, as true. Unless you qualify it by saying MORTAL sin. Venial sin is forgive at Mass and may or may not be confessed

 

[jmcrae]

I could not present what you said in your second paragraph, as true. Unless you qualify it by saying MORTAL sin. Venial sin is forgive at Mass and may or may not be confessed

Mortal sin = wrong (grave matter) + knew it was wrong (full knowledge) + on purpose (full consent of the will).

Therefore, if you did something you knew was wrong, on purpose, then you committed a mortal sin, and you need to go to Confession. ASAP; not next year.

 

[Verbum_Caro]

Mine is from #4 but #3 says the same thing. What do you mean by current edition, pleased don’t tell me they have re-done the Baltimore catechism to?

I’m afraid, yes, they have revised the Baltimore Catechism over the years.

Leonius:

As to the 1970’s you are reading it wrong.

I don’t see how. Can you show me? You quoted it as “If we have been guilty of serious sin we should go to Confession as soon as possible but never less than once a year.” It says the same thing as Canon Law – if we are guilty of mortal sin, (serious sin, grave sin) we must go to confession at least once a year.

Leonius:

How often aught we to go to confession it answers never less than once a year.

Yes, along with the antecedent clause "IF we have been guilty of serious sin. . " That clause applies distributively across the sentence, and applies to the “never less than once a year” portion as well.

Leonius:

Why would it say anything else when the new rule was not brought in until 1983 as you admit.

The 1984 Code of Canon Law did change the 1917 Code, it is true. But even before 1984 there seems to have been an movement that the positive law might more mirror the divine precept (which binds us to confess mortal sins).

VC

 

[Elizabeth502]

Regarding posts 145 and 146: Whatever the need or desire to restate (obvious, i.m.o.) teachings, it did not and does not require 10 pages. Jesus himself noted how basic and simple the notion of sin is. Those concerned with “right teaching” and technicalities wanted to go on and on. He wanted to cut to the chase, so to speak.

We are to consider ourselves serious sinners, not light sinners, examine our consciences deeply (for that reason), and confess as immediately as possible. Rare will be the person who can afford to struggle over whether they are “obliged” to go. Why? Not only because most likely they have offended mortally in some way, but just as importantly, because confession is most likely available to them within a 12-month time frame. Those who might legitimately struggle over their obligation would be especially those who might have difficulty physically getting to confession, for any number of reasons – such as location (including foreign residence, lack of priests, physical disability/confinement, etc.) and thus they would further want to know how passionately they need & want to strive to make that “minimum” obligation. For the rest of us, this is all academic.

 

[Indyann]

Mortal sin = wrong (grave matter) + knew it was wrong (full knowledge) + on purpose (full consent of the will).

Therefore, if you did something you knew was wrong, on purpose, then you committed a mortal sin, and you need to go to Confession. ASAP; not next year.

If it meets all 3 criteria, then I agree with you:thumbsup:

But I fear that some of the things that you think are mortal sins are venial sins.

But that is a whole different thread!

 

[jmcrae]

If it meets all 3 criteria, then I agree with you:thumbsup:

But I fear that some of the things that you think are mortal sins are venial sins.

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) gives us what is mortal sin. It’s not as difficult to commit as some people would like to think.

 

[Leonius]

If you are talking about the NEW St. Joseph version you should have made that clear otherwise it is misleading as most people take Baltimore catechism to mean the actual one produced by the Council.

How can I show you? You have read the words just the same as me. The question was:

How often ought we go to confession?

The answer is:

If we have been guilty of serious sin we should go to Confession as soon as possible but never less than once a year.

What it is saying is:

If you are guilty of serious sin as soon as possible.

Never less than one year means a year should never pass where we have not gone to confession at least once.

Your interpretation would be contradictory, less than a year would not be as soon as possible.

I know what the Church taught in the 70’s.

Interesting you say that there were people disobeying Canon Law before the new law was introduced that explains a lot, yet another change forced by rebels by simply refusing obedience by any chance?

 

[Indyann]

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) gives us what is mortal sin. It’s not as difficult to commit as some people would like to think.

Yes, but the Church and the Magesterium have given us, by virtue of the power to loose and bind, how to form our conscience, regarding mortal and venial sin. As well, as how to apply the 10 Commandments, Precepts of the Church. Even as to how to form our conscience in regard to voting.

 

[rinnie]

How can I show you? You have read the words just the same as me. The question was:

How often ought we go to confession?

The answer is:

If we have been guilty of serious sin we should go to Confession as soon as possible but never less than once a year.

What it is saying is:

If you are guilty of serious sin as soon as possible.

Never less than one year means a year should never pass where we have not gone to confession at least once.

Your interpretation would be contradictory, less than a year would not be as soon as possible.

Interesting you say that there were people disobeying Canon Law before the new law was introduced that explains a lot, yet another change forced by rebels simply ignoring the current rules by any chance?

Sorry to change the subject, where in the world did you ever get that picture. It can take your breath away?

 

[Leonius]

Sorry to change the subject, where in the world did you ever get that picture. It can take your breath away?

My signature? I made it myself, feel free to use it.

 

[jmcrae]

Yes, but the Church and the Magesterium have given us, by virtue of the power to loose and bind, how to form our conscience, regarding mortal and venial sin. As well, as how to apply the 10 Commandments, Precepts of the Church. Even as to how to form our conscience in regard to voting.

Right. And any approved Examen gives not only what we find in the Sermon on the Mount, but also, many other instances of grave matter, which, if done on purpose with full knowledge, also constitute mortal sin - such as giving money to any charity that supports abortion, birth control, euthanasia, or embryonic stem cell research (even if it has other laudable goals), or wasting your employer’s time, or failing to teach your children the precepts of the Catholic faith, failing to give your children the necessities of life, and so on.