Question about Forgiveness

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BrokenPlatter

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I feel a little bit like the uncle of Hamlet, though the sin is very different.

Some years ago, in a sort of bargaining or attempt at self-prescribed penance for sins of the time, I promised God that I would live a life of chastity. I broke that promise several times, and then dismissed it completely. I am now married and have a baby boy.

I want to confess this, but like Hamlet’s uncle I feel trapped in that I’m living with the “fruit” of my sin. Can I be forgiven for my disregard of my vow of chastity while living as a wife and mother?
 
Well being “chaste” and “celibate” are two different things. If you’re married, you can be having sex and still be chaste. And I don’t think that personal vows are binding under sin(only vows made with the blessing of the Church are absolutely required to keep, marital vows, vows of celibacy, Baptismal vows)
 
I feel a little bit like the uncle of Hamlet, though the sin is very different.

Some years ago, in a sort of bargaining or attempt at self-prescribed penance for sins of the time, I promised God that I would live a life of chastity. I broke that promise several times, and then dismissed it completely. I am now married and have a baby boy.

I want to confess this, but like Hamlet’s uncle I feel trapped in that I’m living with the “fruit” of my sin. Can I be forgiven for my disregard of my vow of chastity while living as a wife and mother?
Well congratulations, you’re living a life of chastity right now.

Chastity means living your sexual life according to your state of life. When you’re single, that means celibacy (=no sex). When you’re married, it means fidelity to your husband (as in you will only have sexual relations with your husband and no one else), not celibacy.

If you’re really worried, speak with your priest/confessor next time you go for confession. They will probably tell you the same thing.
 
If you are worried about it, you can go to your Pastor in Confession, and he can give you dispensation for the vow that you made. Then you will be free of it no matter what you meant by “chastity”.
 
I agree with the previous posters, talk to your Confessor about this and share with him what you shared with us. I am quite confident that you will find a solution and he will help you to do so.
 
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