Is there Confession of desire?

[nate12387]

My Question is that if a person has committed a mortal sin but, not by his own fault, can’t get to confession and has a real desire to get to confession still receive the Eucharist? One example of this is if your priests are only in the confessional once a week and this week they have a retreat to go on and then after that they are going to an ordination. Because of this, there are not having confession this week. Could someone still receive if this happens?

Thanks,
Nathan

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi Nathan,

No—if one is in the state of mortal sin, one must receive the sacrament of Penance (Confession) before receiving the Eucharist. If you have committed a mortal sin, then catch the priest before Mass or even after Mass or phone him ask and for an appointment. He OWES you the opportunity for you to confess your sins. He was ordained for this! St. John Vianney used to hear Confessions all day long.

To receive the Eucharist in the state of mortal sin is like dropping the Eucharist in a sewer—only worse! And to do so is to commit another mortal sin. You don’t want to do that. The best way to avoid committing a mortal sin is to spend frequent time before the Blessed Sacrament and to reflect daily on all the sufferings Jesus endured and to thank Him. It is only by having an intimate relationship with Him, that we can ever hope to be strong enough to remain free of serious sin.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.