Need some help

[Brian2944]

I am not yet a Catholic (RCIA begins next month), but I had a question about how Church doctrine applies to me. I 100% believe everything the Church teaches, but my wife and I have not yet learned how to use NFP. We do plan on attending classes and getting some books. We have been trying to remain abstinent until we learn NFP, but unfortunately there have been a few times when we conceded (we used the withdrawal method).

I feel horrible because I believe it is against God’s original will for sex, but since I have not yet entered the Church and learned NFP, have we commited a mortal sin??

please help
God Bless
Brian

 

[LittleDeb]

Welcome! Welcome to the forums and welcome to your future in the Catholic Church. As we here love to say ‘welcome home!’ We lovingly anticipate your arrival!!

The doctrines of The Church apply to all people. However, your culpability may be lessened depending on your circumstance. Meaning: all the world is called to marital chastity, not just Catholics. You and your wife must have knowledge and full consent of the will (contraception is already grave matter) to commit mortal sin. Keep praying. Offer up your sins in all areas. Don’t beat yourself up over this. You can’t overcome this by yourselves. Jesus is the only one who can help. If you sin, seek forgiveness and do penance.

This would be something to bring to a priest. Explain your journey and find out if you, in your circumstances, are able to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You might not “need” it right now. If your sin is venial you are forgiven when you ask.

Most importantly, be open to life in each and every marital act. Is this a time God might be calling you to conceive? Remember our families are made in His time, not ours. The use of NFP to abstain during fertility must be for serious reason. It is up to the couple to have a properly formed conscience during this discernment of periodic abstinence. Don’t fear the babies God may want to send you!

Theologian Scott Hahn says, “A couple should love each other so much that in 9 months they give it a name!”

Bless you in your journey! Please let us NFP folks know if we can help get you on a good path.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

RCIA and all faith is a journey this issue is part of your journey, it never really ends. So as you transform you will learn then practice. Now is the time of learning. God sees the learning and changing, whether you chose to practice abstinence or another method while changing to NFP is a decision for you and your wife. My opinion is just that an opinion and void of the ramifications. My advice is to spend a day with your wife and dedicate to this decision.