marriage question

[Ubenedictus]

In the brief encounter at the Confessional, an absolution is given if one is contrite and give disclosure (confess) the sin.

Making firm amendment is an act of contrition and it has some varied versions. In the British Commonwealth countries ‘… by your grace I will try not to sin again’ ( in some. I promise) is still being used.

Remember that the sacrament of Confession consist of basically three components - contrition (remorse), confession of sins and satisfaction which include penance and if needs be, restitution.

While we try not to commit the sin again, in practice Confession is about contrition and disclosure of the sin which is enough for absolution. I have not encountered where the priest gave me conditional absolution like he only absolved if I don’t commit the sin again.

That can be problematic especially for habitual sin. We can stop sinning for a while but may commit the sin again which needs to be confessed again.

Some couples who use birth control do stop using it but may revert after some point in time, sin which needs to be confessed again.

The church believe that a firm purpose of amendment is part of contrition and thus important.
The council of trent on confession.

CHAPTER IV. On Contrition. Contrition, which holds the first place amongst the aforesaid acts of the penitent, is a sorrow of mind, and a detestation for sin committed, with the purpose of not sinning for the future. (r) This movement of contrition was at all times necessary for obtaining the pardon of sins; and, in one who has fallen after baptism, it then at length prepares for the remissions of sins, when it is united with
confidence in the divine mercy, and with the desire of performing the other things which are required for rightly receiving this sacrament. Wherefore the holy Synod declares, that this contrition contains not only a cessation from sin, and the purpose and the beginning of a new life, but also a hatred of the old, (H) agreeably to that saying; Cast away from you all your iniquities, wherein you have transgressed, and make to yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. (t) And assuredly he who has considered those cries of the saints; To thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before thee, (v) I have laboured in my groaning, every night I will wash my bed, (w) I will recount to thee all my years, in the bitterness of my soul, (x) and others of this kind, will easily understand that they flowed from a certain vehement hatred of their past life, and from an exceeding detestation of sins.

 

[Ubenedictus]

Is this what the Church teaches? That’s a genuine question, not me being snarky! I know that you can commit sacrilege by receiving communion unworthily, but is it sacrilege to get married in the Church if you don’t believe?

As I understand it (please correct me if I’m wrong), it is possible to validly marry without being in a state of grace. The graces of marriage don’t occur until that a state of grace is entered, but the marriage can still be valid. There are psychological states that can make a marriage invalid, such as not wanting to have children, but I didn’t think that lack of belief was one of them. And even if it does make the marriage invalid, does it rise to the level of sacrilege?

You are correct, one can recieved a valid matrimony and not be in a state of grace. Though i see a heavy contradiction if the person doesnt believe in the sacrament of matrimony itself.
If the parties clearly and formally reject what the church believes in the the sacrament then the following has to be considered

1. … However, when in spite of all efforts, engaged couples show that they reject explicitly and formally what the Church intends to do when the marriage of baptized persons is celebrated, the pastor of souls cannot admit them to the
   celebration of marriage. In spite of his reluctance to do so, he has the duty to take note of the situation and to make it clear to those concerned that, in these circumstances, it is not the Church that is placing an obstacle in the way of the celebration that they are asking for, but themselves.

 

[Ubenedictus]

I am not an expert on this. I am not formally trained to really explain it.

But is not that what a sin is? We know it is a sin, confess it, but then sin again later.

I would use this line in my Confession, “God, I am truly sorry for I have sinned against you, and because you are so good, I will try not to sin again.”

In that way, there is no firm amendment, but try not to sin again. We are weak, we cannot change in our sinful ways, but God nevertheless forgives us, again and again, if needs be, if we come to him, admitting what we did was sinful. In many ways we are under God’s mercy. Sometimes the changes that can happen in us may be from God, not from our own strength.

I am sorry if I wrote wrongly. If it is, always remember it is just a personal opinion from a lay person who has much to learn. )

At the time of the confession one must resolve not to sin again even though it is probable that he will fall,

 

[Vico]

I am not an expert on this. I am not formally trained to really explain it.

But is not that what a sin is? We know it is a sin, confess it, but then sin again later.

I would use this line in my Confession, “God, I am truly sorry for I have sinned against you, and because you are so good, I will try not to sin again.”

In that way, there is no firm amendment, but try not to sin again. We are weak, we cannot change in our sinful ways, but God nevertheless forgives us, again and again, if needs be, if we come to him, admitting what we did was sinful. In many ways we are under God’s mercy. Sometimes the changes that can happen in us may be from God, not from our own strength.

I am sorry if I wrote wrongly. If it is, always remember it is just a personal opinion from a lay person who has much to learn. )

One act of Catholic contrition contains: I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin.