Need some answers about my sins

[BRZ]

Well, this is my first post here, I have been lurking for about a week now reading through threads and I have a lot of questions to be answered. Basically, I used to go to church every weekend up until I was 17 or so but for the past 10 years I have basically only gone rarely which I regret. I can’t remember the last time I went to confession but it has probably been over 10 years. I need to go to confession I know, and I want to start going back to church. I was ignorant of a lot of things it seems. Even though I grew up Catholic and went to Catholic school, etc. it seems I made quite a few mistakes. I have been sexually active for some time and all the things that come with it, lustful thinking, looking at porn, using contraceptives, multiple partners. I know I was told at one time that fornication was wrong but I never really thought about it much and I don’t remember ever thinking it was as serious as being a mortal sin. I definitely don’t remember knowing using contraceptives was but after looking through here and seeing all of these topics discussed I now know how serious what I have done is. Does that mean I have committed a mortal sin? I honestly don’t think I ever knew that it was.

Also, I just learned about all this and I spent a night with my girlfriend and unfortunately gave in, but I promised to myself that would be the last time until I am married so I guess I am now in mortal sin. I can come back to grace by confessing right?

Also, is it necessary to go to church every week? Or is less frequently okay? Or is there a certain requirement?

Another question, I am currently living in a foreign country where English is not the language used. I found a Catholic church near my home but they do not speak English mass there. Is it okay for me to attend this mass? What if I can’t understand what they are saying? Also, how can I go to confession there? If the priest can’t speak English does this mean I can’t confess?

 

[jfoges]

Well, this is my first post here, I have been lurking for about a week now reading through threads and I have a lot of questions to be answered. Basically, I used to go to church every weekend up until I was 17 or so but for the past 10 years I have basically only gone rarely which I regret. I can’t remember the last time I went to confession but it has probably been over 10 years. I need to go to confession I know, and I want to start going back to church. I was ignorant of a lot of things it seems. Even though I grew up Catholic and went to Catholic school, etc. it seems I made quite a few mistakes. I have been sexually active for some time and all the things that come with it, lustful thinking, looking at porn, using contraceptives, multiple partners. I know I was told at one time that fornication was wrong but I never really thought about it much and I don’t remember ever thinking it was as serious as being a mortal sin. I definitely don’t remember knowing using contraceptives was but after looking through here and seeing all of these topics discussed I now know how serious what I have done is. Does that mean I have committed a mortal sin? I honestly don’t think I ever knew that it was.

Also, I just learned about all this and I spent a night with my girlfriend and unfortunately gave in, but I promised to myself that would be the last time until I am married so I guess I am now in mortal sin. I can come back to grace by confessing right?

Also, is it necessary to go to church every week? Or is less frequently okay? Or is there a certain requirement?

Another question, I am currently living in a foreign country where English is not the language used. I found a Catholic church near my home but they do not speak English mass there. Is it okay for me to attend this mass? What if I can’t understand what they are saying? Also, how can I go to confession there? If the priest can’t speak English does this mean I can’t confess?

You should go to confession for your sins. They may be mortal. As for your girlfriend, it is wrong to have sex before marriage, but try to be sensitive to her feelings too. Try to help her understand what you are going through and why you feel conflicted about having sex. You can go to mass in any language. You are supposed to go to mass every sunday, it is a sin to miss sunday mass. As for confession, I guess you would need to find a priest who speaks English. What country are you in?

 

[BRZ]

You say it is a sin to miss sunday mass? What about if I can’t make it on sunday and I go on, lets say thursday?

I am in South Korea. I already checked the church near me and I know there used to be a priest there who could speak english but when I asked my co worker who attends there, they didnt know if the priests now there can speak English so I am worried about that.

 

[jfoges]

You say it is a sin to miss sunday mass? What about if I can’t make it on sunday and I go on, lets say thursday?

I am in South Korea. I already checked the church near me and I know there used to be a priest there who could speak english but when I asked my co worker who attends there, they didnt know if the priests now there can speak English so I am worried about that.

If you truly can’t go to mass on sunday through no fault of your own then you are excused from your sunday obligation. You can go to mass in any language, it does not have to be in English. As for confession, I do not know what happens if you cannot say your sins to the priest in a language he understands. Perhaps you could have a friend translate what you are going to say into Korean, and then read it to the priest in Korean. I am not sure if this would work, it’s just an idea. I’m pretty sure the priest can absolve you of your sins in any language at the end of the confession.

 

[BRZ]

I see. I understand going to mass every week but I am a little confused by what you say. If I go to mass on Saturday instead of sunday, that is wrong? Or if I go to mass on thursday night instead of sunday, that is wrong?

 

[LilyM]

I see. I understand going to mass every week but I am a little confused by what you say. If I go to mass on Saturday instead of sunday, that is wrong? Or if I go to mass on thursday night instead of sunday, that is wrong?

The obligation is to go on Sunday in particular, since that was the day Jesus rose from the dead. Sunday is our version of the Jewish sabbath in that regard - it’s the one day of the week that we are commanded to keep holy. So the obligation is to go to Mass on that day, not the other days.

Now Saturday NIGHT is fine as well, liturgically it’s the same day since the Church, like the Jews, reckons the day as starting from sundown not midnight. And Saturday evening mass is the same mass (same bible readings and everything) as Sunday.

 

[theistgal]

Just out of curiosity, you say you went to Catholic school - did you get any religious instruction at all? It seems strange that you wouldn’t at least know that Catholics are supposed to go to Mass on Sundays.

 

[LilyM]

Just out of curiosity, you say you went to Catholic school - did you get any religious instruction at all? It seems strange that you wouldn’t at least know that Catholics are supposed to go to Mass on Sundays.

Not just that, but to church every Sunday for seventeen years and no-one mentioned that we need to go every Sunday? No-one pointed out that Sunday is special?

 

[fbl9]

Not just that, but to church every Sunday for seventeen years and no-one mentioned that we need to go every Sunday? No-one pointed out that Sunday is special?

in defense of the OP it has been a while,like we all remeber everthing that we have learned over the yrs… i agree Saturday eve mass meets the sunday obilgation…if one by reason of the work(or weather,and such) : can not attend mass on sunday,then they are excused from this obilgation…

 

[BRZ]

I came here for answers, not to be attacked so please keep comments to my questions, I don’t see why people need to comment about things I may or may not have learned in the past.
I have always gone to church on Saturday night, when I did go but I was curious about other days since mass is held on several days and I could not remember about that.

 

[fbl9]

I came here for answers, not to be attacked so please keep comments to my questions, I don’t see why people need to comment about things I may or may not have learned in the past.
I have always gone to church on Saturday night, when I did go but I was curious about other days since mass is held on several days and I could not remember about that.

week day masses are not manditory to attend…however if one can frequent these masses it is a good and holy thing to do…in that one may frequently recieve the Eucharist…now in my opion of what you have posted you need to repent of your sins (which it seems you have)you need to recieve the sacrement of reconcillation,which is a problem for you,which i can not give an answer for…this is a preplexing issue…

 

[LilyM]

I came here for answers, not to be attacked so please keep comments to my questions, I don’t see why people need to comment about things I may or may not have learned in the past.
I have always gone to church on Saturday night, when I did go but I was curious about other days since mass is held on several days and I could not remember about that.

We’re not attacking you, although it is possible that your teachers, parents or priests have been at fault if you have been to Catholic school and attended Mass weekly for 17 years without being taught these things - or not in such a way that you remember them.

As for finding an English-speaking confessor, assuming you’re American, if you approach either the US Embassy/consulate nearest to you, or if there are any American military bases in Korea (don’t know if there are) they may be able to point you in the direction of an English-speaking priest - or possibly have Catholic chaplains of their own.

 

[SimonArizona]

Well, this is my first post here, I have been lurking for about a week now reading through threads and I have a lot of questions to be answered. Basically, I used to go to church every weekend up until I was 17 or so but for the past 10 years I have basically only gone rarely which I regret. I can’t remember the last time I went to confession but it has probably been over 10 years. I need to go to confession I know, and I want to start going back to church. I was ignorant of a lot of things it seems. Even though I grew up Catholic and went to Catholic school, etc. it seems I made quite a few mistakes. I have been sexually active for some time and all the things that come with it, lustful thinking, looking at porn, using contraceptives, multiple partners. I know I was told at one time that fornication was wrong but I never really thought about it much and I don’t remember ever thinking it was as serious as being a mortal sin. I definitely don’t remember knowing using contraceptives was but after looking through here and seeing all of these topics discussed I now know how serious what I have done is. Does that mean I have committed a mortal sin? I honestly don’t think I ever knew that it was.

Also, I just learned about all this and I spent a night with my girlfriend and unfortunately gave in, but I promised to myself that would be the last time until I am married so I guess I am now in mortal sin. I can come back to grace by confessing right?

Also, is it necessary to go to church every week? Or is less frequently okay? Or is there a certain requirement?

Another question, I am currently living in a foreign country where English is not the language used. I found a Catholic church near my home but they do not speak English mass there. Is it okay for me to attend this mass? What if I can’t understand what they are saying? Also, how can I go to confession there? If the priest can’t speak English does this mean I can’t confess?

I feel you man. Pray. Hear Mass daily. Confession. Read the Bible all the day man. Peace.

 

[JPUSC]

Well, this is my first post here, I have been lurking for about a week now reading through threads and I have a lot of questions to be answered. Basically, I used to go to church every weekend up until I was 17 or so but for the past 10 years I have basically only gone rarely which I regret. I can’t remember the last time I went to confession but it has probably been over 10 years. I need to go to confession I know, and I want to start going back to church. I was ignorant of a lot of things it seems. Even though I grew up Catholic and went to Catholic school, etc. it seems I made quite a few mistakes. I have been sexually active for some time and all the things that come with it, lustful thinking, looking at porn, using contraceptives, multiple partners. I know I was told at one time that fornication was wrong but I never really thought about it much and I don’t remember ever thinking it was as serious as being a mortal sin. I definitely don’t remember knowing using contraceptives was but after looking through here and seeing all of these topics discussed I now know how serious what I have done is. Does that mean I have committed a mortal sin? I honestly don’t think I ever knew that it was.

Also, I just learned about all this and I spent a night with my girlfriend and unfortunately gave in, but I promised to myself that would be the last time until I am married so I guess I am now in mortal sin. I can come back to grace by confessing right?

Also, is it necessary to go to church every week? Or is less frequently okay? Or is there a certain requirement?

Another question, I am currently living in a foreign country where English is not the language used. I found a Catholic church near my home but they do not speak English mass there. Is it okay for me to attend this mass? What if I can’t understand what they are saying? Also, how can I go to confession there? If the priest can’t speak English does this mean I can’t confess?

You can attend any Mass in the world. I often go to the local Spanish or Vietnamese Mass if its the only one available and I don’t understand a word.

You should go to the parish office and see if any of the priests speak English or if there are any translators.

Catholics have a Sunday obligation, but you can go to Mass on Saturday evening to fulfill that obligation. If you miss a Sunday because of a circumstance you couldn’t control, it is not a moral sin.

You can go to Mass on the weekdays, but they are not required and do not fulfill your Sunday obligation. However, there a certain Holy Days of Obligation where you must go to Mass. The certain feasts observed depend on your country.

If you were using contraceptives or committing fornication without knowing they were mortal sins, then the gravity of the sins are lessened since for a sin to be a mortal sin, it must meet ALL of the following conditions:

1. its subject must be a grave (or serious) matter;
2. it must be committed with full knowledge, both of the sin and of the gravity of the offense (though nobody is deemed to be ignorant of the moral law, embedded into the consciences of every human being);
3. it must be committed with deliberate and complete consent, enough for it to have been a personal decision to commit the sin.

It is great that you have decided to take your faith seriously. It’s never too late to come back!!

 

[LilyM]

You should go to the parish office and see if any of the priests speak English or if there are any translators.

Or call the office of the local Catholic diocese (bishop), they also should be able to help.

You can actually use a translator in confession if you wish, doesn’t have to be one supplied by the parish, but the translator must understand that they are bound by the seal of confession as the priest is - they can’t reveal any of what you said to anybody.

 

[BRZ]

Thank you for your answers, I appreciate it.

Let me ask another question.

I am curious about the matter of theft. For instance, if one downloads a movie, or tv show and watches it, then deletes it, is that stealing and therefore a sin? For instance, in some countries, downloading an anime and watching it might be illegal but in others it depends on certain factors, For instance is it translated into your language, is it for sale, etc. What if I download an anime that is on TV in japan and is not in my language or being sold by a company in my country so there is no way for me to actually buy this show, if I download a translated version and watch it, than delete it, is that stealing? I honestly can’t see how it is any different from watching it on TV.

 

[LilyM]

Thank you for your answers, I appreciate it.

Let me ask another question.

I am curious about the matter of theft. For instance, if one downloads a movie, or tv show and watches it, then deletes it, is that stealing and therefore a sin? For instance, in some countries, downloading an anime and watching it might be illegal but in others it depends on certain factors, For instance is it translated into your language, is it for sale, etc. What if I download an anime that is on TV in japan and is not in my language or being sold by a company in my country so there is no way for me to actually buy this show, if I download a translated version and watch it, than delete it, is that stealing? I honestly can’t see how it is any different from watching it on TV.

Downloading isn’t necessarily sinful in and of itself, however we should obey the laws of our country at all times unless they command us to sin. So if the law of your country permits it, then it’s fine. It should be easy to find out.

See a film is the property - intellectual property to be specific, but just as real as their house or car - of the people who make it, the people who pay money to have it made, the people who own what are called ‘broadcast rights’. That’s because it’s a valuable property - most people who make or buy broadcast rights to a tv show do so as an income-earning exercise. See tv stations often have to pay for the right to broadcast shows, which money they get back from advertisers - indirectly through your shopping dollar, so you do kinda pay for what you watch on TV. And it’s wrong to deprive them of that income by sneaking a download.

In any event, tv stations always have to have the legal permission of the owners to broadcast anything at least.

Now you wouldn’t dream of entering someone’s home without their express permission, would you? Or hopping into their car without them inviting you in? Why? Because it’s their property, and they have every right to determine who accesses it.

Watching or listening to a download, unless you know it’s legally kosher and permission has been obtained by the owner of copyright in the show or album for it to be downloaded, is the same thing - a person who makes a tv show or an album or what have you has every right to restrict who accesses their intellectual property in the same manner as they do with their physical property.

 

[JPUSC]

If you’re downloading a TV show, I don’t really see anything wrong with that (unless if it’s against the law in your country). I know some people download certain episodes of a program if they had missed the original airing.

If you’re downloading a movie, it could probably be a sin since filmmakers make money off of theatre screenings and DVD sales and you are “stealing” from them by not paying for their product.

Digital downloading is kind of a murky area. I don’t know if the Church has said anything about it.

 

[BRZ]

Well the thing is, I used to download songs, movies, and games and all that but now I have completely stopped. I deleted everything I had which was illegal but in regards to this, it is a little different. I download these two anime shows, they come out new every week and this fansub group translates them to English and puts them up for free download. Now this is not exactly legal, true, but the company who makes the anime doesn’t do anything about it. The thing is, for one, it wont be available for purchase in English for many years, so there is no way it could be hurting sales as it would be impossible for me to buy it anyway. Also, it generates interest for when it does come out to buy which is most likely why the company doesn’t do anything, I will most likely buy it when it is available for me. Also the laws regarding this are still rather shaky because nothing is being sold. If the anime was being sold the companies would immediately crack down. In the case of movies or music, I can understand as it would hurt their sales, but in this case there is no sale available. I don’t burn the show to dvd, I only watch and then delete every week. I don’t feel as if I am stealing it at all.

 

[JPUSC]

Well the thing is, I used to download songs, movies, and games and all that but now I have completely stopped. I deleted everything I had which was illegal but in regards to this, it is a little different. I download these two anime shows, they come out new every week and this fansub group translates them to English and puts them up for free download. Now this is not exactly legal, true, but the company who makes the anime doesn’t do anything about it. The thing is, for one, it wont be available for purchase in English for many years, so there is no way it could be hurting sales as it would be impossible for me to buy it anyway. Also, it generates interest for when it does come out to buy which is most likely why the company doesn’t do anything, I will most likely buy it when it is available for me. Also the laws regarding this are still rather shaky because nothing is being sold. If the anime was being sold the companies would immediately crack down. In the case of movies or music, I can understand as it would hurt their sales, but in this case there is no sale available. I don’t burn the show to dvd, I only watch and then delete every week. I don’t feel as if I am stealing it at all.

Well…if it’s not exactly illegal and it’s a TV show that’s readily accessible to you in your television/cable setup and you only download it because of the translation, then I don’t think there’s anything wrong, but I’m not an expert.

Speaking as a filmmaker myself, if it generates interest in my product, it could be seen as a positive.