New Catholic questions

[Arizona]

In my 7 months in the church, I have heard nothing but conflicting opinions. I am a life long democrat, but I am told being a Democrat is a sin. I go to confession once a month, but people tell me once a year is ok. Pope Francis is very forgiving, of everything, yet my fellow parishioners say they can’t forgive this, that. What the hey? Is there a right and wrong? What’s the point

 

[Kei]

You are supposed to go to Confession when you mortally sin, and more often is certainly fine to confess Venial sins.
The Canon Law is that you must go to Confession at least once a year if you have mortally sinned in that year.
You also must receive Communion at least once a year if you are able.
This is probably related: if you are in a state of mortal sin, you aren’t supposed to take the Eucharist.

Only certain platforms of the Democrat party are morally wrong, ie abortion, homosexual marriages, the “free love/proud to be a slut” stuff that third wave feminists can be into.

Catholics can maintain a variety of political opinions.

Our Faith is much more than politics.
Yes, there is right and wrong.

 

[po18guy]

Get a catechism. Stop looking left and right at other sinners. Stop listening to them. Look upward to the perfection of Christ on that cross. Read and learn from the catechism, and form your conscience well. You will then, as an act of justice toward God, seek reconciliation with Him when you need it.

When you realize “the point of it all” you will be changed.

 

[Arizona]

Good advice from both. Thank you

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Christianity is above politics. A Christian can never accept the Culture of Death, abortion, euthanasia, which is so popular in the West today. If you have “always” followed one political party or leader, you may need to reexamine that in light of becoming a Catholic Christian.

Catholics are required to confess at least once a year, but more often is wiser. I suggest Father Trigilio’s “Catholicism for Dummies” if you have not read it, as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Fallible people may say that they cannot forgive, but Christ will always forgive the repentant, as the Gospel makes clear. Read Matthew Chapter 6: ‘14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’

 

[CatholicSpirit]

Exactly, politics are below religion BIGTIME. Not all “Democrats” have historically agreed on a culture of death either. In fact, the word “liberal” should be reviewed further as it meant something completely different when Thomas Jefferson was around. The concept of anti-slavery has been somehow transformed into a “Democratic” concept but it existed in the Old Testament before a USA even existed. The history behind the Constitution supports that all parties should be anti-slavery. If you want to determine a good political stance to be alongside your religious views it isn’t a bad idea to look at minor parties. I have seen breaches of Constitutional freedoms and think before we can argue about “Demacrips and Rebloodlicans” it’s a good idea to meditate on “freedom” and the “pursuit of happiness.” Your call.

 

[adamhovey1988]

Take a deep breath, relax. It’s not necessarily being a Democrat is a sin, in fact here in the Southeast ( United States), a lot of Democrats are pro-life and support traditional marriage and the like. The problem is, with the national party, which is overwhelmingly pro-abortion and other things that contradict Church teaching. I’m not a member of a political party, nor would I be. If I ran for office, I would probably run as a Republican. But, it’s not that you being a Democrat that’s the problem, it’s that what the modern democratic party now supports that’s the problem. There are pro-choice Republicans, like Rudy Giuliani, and there are pro-life Democrats, like Dan Lipinski. Now, why you’re a Democrat, that might be another story.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I am a life long democrat, but I am told being a Democrat is a sin.

There are boatloads of Catholic “life long Democrats”, such as me and my entire Catholic family. It’s not a sin to be a member of a political party (as long as it’s not seeking to destroy the Catholic Church, such as some communist parties have tried to do in the past) or to vote your conscience. We are all pro-life; i don’t quiz my relatives on what they do in the voting booth (when my parents were alive they would tell me without my asking but they are no longer with us).

I have a long family heritage with the Democratic party and feel it is partly my duty to stay in it and try to influence, by voting in the primary, the selection of better candidates than what they usually seem to dredge up (Clintons, Tim Kaine, Elizabeth Warren etc).

 

[Gorgias]

You are supposed to go to Confession when you mortally sin, and more often is certainly fine to confess Venial sins.

Yes.

The Canon Law is that you must go to Confession at least once a year if you have mortally sinned in that year.

You also must receive Communion at least once a year if you are able.

No… you’ve got conditions in there that aren’t part of the precepts you’re trying to quote. It’s not “if you have mortally sinned” or “if you are able.” The precepts of the Church are “confession at least once a year” and “Eucharist at least during Easter season.” From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2042:

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.

The third precept (“You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion 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.

@Arizona, people are misleading you, if they’re telling you this stuff. “Being a Democrat” is not a sin, but they apparently are assuming that you agree with all the platforms that the Democratic party holds up as good. “Once a year [to confession]” is a bare minimum; if they’re saying “that’s ok”, then they’re really telling you “here’s what I do, in order to just skate by, by the skin of my teeth.” I’m not sure what they mean about not being able to forgive certain things. Are they saying that they, personally, are unforgiving? Maybe they should go to confession more often, then…

 

[1ke]

I am a life long democrat, but I am told being a Democrat is a sin.

Here are a couple of words of wisdom from me, these plus a dollar will get you a coffee at McDonald’s.

a) What you should be above all is a Catholic, not a Republican or Democrat. And you need to form your conscience on moral principles not party affiliation.
b) No political system is perfect. Both parties have ideas and stances that are offensive to God. One may have more such offensive positions than another. You have to look at them and decide.
c) You vote for candidates, not parties. So you need to look at the positions and voting records of the candidates you intend to support. Do they stand for things that are offensive to God? Can you in good conscience vote for them? Can you write or talk to them about their problematic positions?
d) We need to work for change in the parties and candidates.
e) Those who are telling you that you cannot be a democrat are likely basing that on the democratic party’s stance on abortion. This is, indeed, problematic. But, if you look at all of the Church’s documents and form your conscience you will find that the Church doesn’t tell you that you can’t “vote Democrat” or “vote Republican”. But what you should think more about are the individual candidates, their positions, and how you can foster change and support candidates whose positions best affirm life from conception to natural death and foster social justice, peace, and the common good. No small task.
f) Think critically about your position as a “lifelong…” anything… think more about the candidates than party allegiance. Both parties have done some pretty stinky things.

I go to confession once a month, but people tell me once a year is ok.

Don’t confuse what is desirable with what is allowable. Monthly confession, or confession whenever you need it, should be the norm. Annual confession of mortal sins in connection with Easter Duty (to receive the Eucharist at least annually during the Easter season) is the minimum.

Francis is very forgiving, of everything, yet my fellow parishioners say they can’t forgive this, that. What the hey?

Well that’s unfortunate. But, the Church is made up of people, and people aren’t perfect. We are called to strive for holiness. Keep doing what you are doing.

 

[Kei]

Can. 989 After having reached the age of discretion, each member of the faithful is obliged to confess faithfully his or her grave sins at least once a year.

So grave sins are required to be confessed. We don’t have to confess Venial sins, though it is suggested we do.

When I say “if you are able” I mean part of the Catholic Church in a correct disposition to receive the Eucharist, which is around Easter season.

 

[Gorgias]

Can. 989 After having reached the age of discretion, each member of the faithful is obliged to confess faithfully his or her grave sins at least once a year.

So grave sins are required to be confessed. We don’t have to confess Venial sins, though it is suggested we do.

Agreed. The precept, however, isn’t talking about “mortal sin”; it’s talking about at-least-annual reception of the graces of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You aren’t really suggesting that the Precepts of the Church are in conflict with canon law… are you?

When I say “if you are able” I mean part of the Catholic Church in a correct disposition to receive the Eucharist, which is around Easter season.

Oh… so you are talking about mortal sin!

In any case, yes: if a person is planning on receiving the Eucharist only once a year, then he should first go to Confession and be in a state of grace. No “if you are able” about it.

 

[Kei]

The Precept concerning confession cites the Canon Law, and should be interpreted in such context as opposed to absolutes (for instance, it doesn’t provide any “loophole”, for example, say someone became a super saint and hasn’t sinned even venially in the past year (even if it strains plausibility)). One should, but one is not required to confess venial sins.

If one is in a state of mortal sin, he should confess and receive the Eucharist at least once a year, as one is to receive the Eucharist at least once a year. Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not think those who have not received first communion are under an obligation to receive, likewise one who is in a coma or such for a long period of time and cannot receive would not be under an obligation.

 

[Gorgias]

The Precept concerning confession cites the Canon Law, and should be interpreted in such context as opposed to absolutes (for instance, it doesn’t provide any “loophole”, for example, say someone became a super saint and hasn’t sinned even venially in the past year (even if it strains plausibility)). One should, but one is not required to confess venial sins.

The precept doesn’t mention venial sins. It’s simple: at least once a year.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not think those who have not received first communion are under an obligation to receive

Of course not. However, you’re making things up when you suggest that only those who perceive themselves to be in a state of mortal sin must go to confession annually.

 

[Kei]

Even though the Canon Law cited in this council specifies grave sin?

 

[Gorgias]

Even though the Canon Law cited in this council specifies grave sin?

‘Grave sin’ speaks to the necessity to approach the sacrament in general, not the precept that requires at least yearly recourse to the sacrament.

 

[Edward_H]

You’re doing great. Once a month is great. Careful what you follow from the lukewarm.

Ignore the rest and the Church politics…life is short. God has a plan for us. We need to get at it, mainly - nearly totally - locally, if that makes sense.

I’ll re-write the absolute BEST advice I ever got from a Catholic priest; he’s a priest of Opus Dei.

He said in response to my “to and fro-ing” about my prayer life and my struggle to become a better man and Catholic:…“It’s much simpler than that…your job is to make <my wife’s name> the happiest woman on the face of the earth, every day!”

That advice is still alive in me, demanding more love from me.

And the beautiful thing it’s a perfect medicine for 'self focus, self-pity" (my wants, my “needs”, my opinion, my todo list).

So I suspect he’d say much the same thing…focus right where you are, giving your all to your spouse/family, those that God has placed right near you.

 

[Arizona]

Thanks to all. Your comments have been helpful. Glad I found this forum. Very nice, thoughtful people here. Rob

 

[PJM]

In my 7 months in the church, I have heard nothing but conflicting opinions. I am a life long democrat, but I am told being a Democrat is a sin. I go to confession once a month, but people tell me once a year is ok. Pope Francis is very forgiving, of everything, yet my fellow parishioners say they can’t forgive this, that. What the hey? Is there a right and wrong? What’s the point

REPLY on 2 consecutive POST due to length; PLEASE READ BOTH

My dear FRIEND in Christ,

Know that you made the right, the ONLY right choice in joining the Only Church and Faith desired, founded and guided by God Personally.

Gageing from Senator McCain, Arizona, somewhat similar to California tends towards the political left. That is also reflected in the screwy advice you’ve been getting.

My name is Pat and I’m a now retired Trained, certified, experienced Catholic Catechist [teacher] of our Faith. With over 1 Billion worldwide Catholics, there are going to be some who knowingly or not, are off the reservation. Sadly this includes on some issues, our current Pope. [different topic].

My last 3 years of face to face teaching was with RCIA, and even though programs differ greatly, I do have some idea on what is taught,

I’m now 73 years old, and until Regan was also a “Life-long-Democrat.” But my friend, today’s Democratic Party is anything except democratic. THEY Legislate Abortion and legalized Gay/homosexual “marriages.”
Do yourself & your family a huge favor and take the time to read and COMPARE the 2 Parties 2016 National Platforms [agenda’s]

Democrats: https://www.democrats.org/party-platform

FYI: by “women’s rights” is meant the right to legalized abortions.

Republican: https://www.gop.com/the-2016-republican-party-platform/

Specifically ANTI-Abortion & a whole lot more

FROM OUR CATECHISM

1783 Conscience must be informed and moral judgment enlightened. A well-formed conscience is upright and truthful. It formulates its judgments according to reason, in conformity with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator. The education of conscience is indispensable for human beings who are subjected to negative influences and tempted by sin to prefer their own judgment and to reject authoritative teachings.

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[PJM]

CONTINUED FROM ABOVE POST

1784 The education of the conscience is a lifelong task. From the earliest years, it awakens the child to the knowledge and practice of the interior law recognized by conscience. Prudent education teaches virtue; it prevents or cures fear, selfishness and pride, resentment arising from guilt, and feelings of complacency, born of human weakness and faults. The education of the conscience guarantees freedom and engenders peace of heart.

2322 From its conception, the child has the right to life. Direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, is a “criminal” practice (GS 27 § 3), gravely contrary to the moral law. The Church imposes the canonical penalty of excommunication for this crime against human life.

2272 Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. “A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae,” “by the very commission of the offense,” and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law. The Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy. Rather, she makes clear the gravity of the crime committed, the irreparable harm done to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and the whole of society.

2274 Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being.

Prenatal diagnosis is morally licit, “if it respects the life and integrity of the embryo and the human fetus and is directed toward its safe guarding or healing as an individual. . . . It is gravely opposed to the moral law when this is done with the thought of possibly inducing an abortion, depending upon the results: a diagnosis must not be the equivalent of a death sentence.”

“Church Has Always Condemned Abortion
By Fr. William Saunders
The Roman Catholic Church has consistently condemned abortion — the direct and purposeful taking of the life of the unborn child. In principle, Catholic Christians believe that all life is sacred from conception until natural death, and the taking of innocent human life, whether born or unborn, is morally wrong. The Church teaches, “Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being” (“Donum vitae,” 5).” End Quotes

The Fifth Commandment is THOU SHALT NOT KILL

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