mortal sin

[norman99]

I was raised to believe that missing Sunday mass and Holy days of obligation even though you there was no reason not to go (sickness) you were committing a mortal sin and could not receive Holy Communion until going to confession. Does this still hold true. Or has the church changed its views on this. I would really like to get an answer and where I can find this in doctrine. Thank you.

 

[Pug]

Norman, welcome to CAF forums. I see this is your first post. Yes, there still can be mortal sin for missing mass without a reason. Here is a quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church to support this. The number given there is the paragraph number, not the page number.

2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.

Of course, if someone is innocently unaware of this rule, then they did not commit a mortal sin at the time, but they could in the future once they have become sufficiently aware of the rule.

You had a second question, and that is answered by this paragraph. There is an exception, but it is not relevant in general circumstances.

1415 Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic communion must be in the state of grace. Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive communion without having received absolution in the sacrament of penance.

 

[CatholicRaven]

Yes, this still holds true. We are still obligated to follow the Ten Commandments, so keeping the Lord’s Day still applies.
Catechism of the Catholic Church:

II. THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

2041 The precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nourished by liturgical life. The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor:

2042 The first precept (“You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor”) requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.82

The second precept (“You shall confess your sins at least once a year”) ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism’s work of conversion and forgiveness.83

The third precept (“You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season”) guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord’s Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.84

2043 The fourth precept (“You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church”) ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.85

The fifth precept (“You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church”) means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.86

The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his own abilities.87

vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s1c3a3.htm

 

[truetofaith]

I was raised to believe that missing Sunday mass and Holy days of obligation even though you there was no reason not to go (sickness) you were committing a mortal sin and could not receive Holy Communion until going to confession. Does this still hold true. Or has the church changed its views on this. I would really like to get an answer and where I can find this in doctrine. Thank you.

I was going to ask this question, because my daughter doesn’t attend Mass any more and before she goes to have a baby or go on planes, she should go to confession.

 

[Dorothy]

I was going to ask this question, because my daughter doesn’t attend Mass any more and before she goes to have a baby or go on planes, she should go to confession.

In order to be absolved of mortal sin when we use the Sacrament of Reconciliation we need to have a purpose of amending our lives about those particular mortal sins. So, when a person confesses not going to Mass anymore, she/he would have to express to the priest that they want to return to the sacraments and start praying and practicing their faith again.

Mass is the most awesome event that happens daily all over the world. Prayer opens our hearts to the treasure that receiving the Lord in Holy Communion is for us.

 

[Arizona_Fat_Gir]

Of course I know at least three or four family members who quit going to Mass. This has worried me quite a bit. It seems to be the norm in a lot of families these days.

Many people do still go to Mass, but many don’t. It is scary what they are bringing upon themselves.

 

[Neofight]

Yesterday, churches were full of “visitors”, many of who are Catholic CEOs (Christmas and Easter Only)…and many received the Blessed Sacrament, without having been to confession in, perhaps years.

Is it wrong? Yes. Is it mortal sin? Perhaps…depends on the prerequisite conditions of mortal sin.

The bigger question is, did someone you know who was not properly disposed to receive the sacrament go forward, without you educating them, and firmly but lovingly explain to them that they need to examine their consciences to determine whether they should receive or not?

Or, did you sit back, happy they joined you at Mass, and unwilling to enter into confrontation during the Christmas season.

Its tough, but its yet another one of those many concerns that don’t just rest on those we are observing, but is our responsibility to act on, also.

Peace and all good!

 

[truetofaith]

Yesterday, churches were full of “visitors”, many of who are Catholic CEOs (Christmas and Easter Only)…and many received the Blessed Sacrament, without having been to confession in, perhaps years.

Is it wrong? Yes. Is it mortal sin? Perhaps…depends on the prerequisite conditions of mortal sin.

The bigger question is, did someone you know who was not properly disposed to receive the sacrament go forward, without you educating them, and firmly but lovingly explain to them that they need to examine their consciences to determine whether they should receive or not?

Or, did you sit back, happy they joined you at Mass, and unwilling to enter into confrontation during the Christmas season.

Its tough, but its yet another one of those many concerns that don’t just rest on those we are observing, but is our responsibility to act on, also.

Peace and all good!

My wife tells me it’s none of my business what others do, but I feel I have an obligation to tell them it is not what God wants of them.

 

[Wampa]

OP, welcome to the site. I thought you might be interested in a clarification of a common misunderstanding inherent in your question.

Many people speak in terms of “Is x a mortal sin?” but the correct question is whether or not it’s grave matter.

A mortal sin requires three components:

• grave matter
• full knowledge
• deliberate consent

Missing Sunday Mass and holy days of obligation is indeed grave matter. Church teaching on this has not changed. Whether or not it would constitute a mortal sin would depend on whether or not the person had full knowledge of the omission’s sinfulness and if they deliberately consented to it (as an extreme example: a battered woman whose husband does not let her leave the house would definitely not have deliberately consented to it and therefore it would not be a mortal sin).

 

[norman99]

I find it strange that a person who is of age to receive communion does not know that willfully missing mass on Sunday is a Mortal sin. This should have been taught in classes leading up to ones first communion. Those who attended Catholic School had to have been taught this. It amazes me that catholics knowing the willful missing of Sunday and Holy days of Obligation mass would risk the loss of their eternal soul from heaven.

 

[Pug]

I find it strange that a person who is of age to receive communion does not know that willfully missing mass on Sunday is a Mortal sin. This should have been taught in classes leading up to ones first communion. Those who attended Catholic School had to have been taught this. It amazes me that catholics knowing the willful missing of Sunday and Holy days of Obligation mass would risk the loss of their eternal soul from heaven.

I’m going to focus on the part of your post that I highlighted in red.

Sin is fundamentally irrational. That humans do irrational things can seem pretty amazing when one is looking on from a distance with a clear heart and mind. The sinner isn’t using a clear heart and mind, though, and thus people often do bizarre things that don’t mesh with reality. It isn’t just mass obligation, but all sorts of sins.

 

[norman99]

As I understand it from answers given by people who are Catholics that pornography is a sin. They state that man should adhere to bibilical teachings. However 2000 years ago the world was a different place now all you have to do is watch a commercial a movie and you can see that sex plays a predominate part. Now this being the 21st century sexual innuendos are all over. On the TV the news in the stores. Men are going to look you can’t stop that. So what is the Catholic view of porn in the 21st century as it applies to men both married and single.

 

[Bookcat]

OP, welcome to the site. I thought you might be interested in a clarification of a common misunderstanding inherent in your question.

Many people speak in terms of “Is x a mortal sin?” but the correct question is whether or not it’s grave matter.

A mortal sin requires three components:

• grave matter
• full knowledge
• deliberate consent
  .

One can also simply ask: “is x a mortal sin”.

That too is valid way of speaking in terms of the objective nature of the matter. To say “murder is a mortal sin” is correct. In terms of “committing” a mortal sin - yes one needs all three aspects mentioned. But yes it can be better perhaps to say “x is grave matter for mortal sin” but the other too is valid way of speaking.

 

[cena]

As I understand it from answers given by people who are Catholics that pornography is a sin. They state that man should adhere to bibilical teachings. However 2000 years ago the world was a different place now all you have to do is watch a commercial a movie and you can see that sex plays a predominate part. Now this being the 21st century sexual innuendos are all over. On the TV the news in the stores. Men are going to look you can’t stop that. So what is the Catholic view of porn in the 21st century as it applies to men both married and single.

Pornography is grave matter. Watching it with full knowledge and full consent would make it a mortal sin. It does not matter what state of life you are in (although it is probably more serious in the married life) it is grave matter

 

[Bookcat]

Pornography is grave matter. Watching it with full knowledge and full consent would make it a mortal sin. It does not matter what state of life you are in (although it is probably more serious in the married life) it is grave matter

Correct and also correct that it is more serious for those who are married.

(note though we are addressing pornography here - the OP post was regarding also various other not good things in advertizing etc etc - one would have to judge each case regarding such - for some is immodest etc)

 

[Vico]

As I understand it from answers given by people who are Catholics that pornography is a sin. They state that man should adhere to bibilical teachings. However 2000 years ago the world was a different place now all you have to do is watch a commercial a movie and you can see that sex plays a predominate part. Now this being the 21st century sexual innuendos are all over. On the TV the news in the stores. Men are going to look you can’t stop that. So what is the Catholic view of porn in the 21st century as it applies to men both married and single.

We are all called to practice chastity. We should not produce, promote, or consume pornographic materials. The Catechism has:
2354 *Pornography *consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense. Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials.

 

[Pug]

As I understand it from answers given by people who are Catholics that pornography is a sin. They state that man should adhere to bibilical teachings. However 2000 years ago the world was a different place now all you have to do is watch a commercial a movie and you can see that sex plays a predominate part. Now this being the 21st century sexual innuendos are all over. On the TV the news in the stores. Men are going to look you can’t stop that. So what is the Catholic view of porn in the 21st century as it applies to men both married and single.

Producing, selling, or using pornography are seriously wrong. Another poster has provided the Catechism quote for this. But you also raise the issue of the daily, mostly unavoidable, visual and mental temptations due to society. Catholicism does not teach that it is a sin to be a man about his ordinary business. Sin is in the will, in the heart. The words of our Lord Jesus remain relevant:

Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

The sin is in looking knowingly, voluntarily, with lust. You don’t have to walk around staring at the ceiling, but if you find yourself crossing the line in your mind, you need to stop yourself and turn your mind elsewhere. If you instead keep on going, farther and farther, you can reach mortal sin.

This type of issue is discussed in catechisms under both the sixth and the ninth commandments. Our calling is to battle, and the field is our heart. We need to strive for purity of heart, for charity/love, for Truth/orthodoxy, and for chastity.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (also a quote from Jesus)