Question

[Tennis42]

There are a couple things I’ve done recently that I think could’ve been mortal sins, but I’m not completely sure if I’m held accountable. My parents think I’m being too scrupulous (they don’t know what it was, they just know that I want to go to Confession even though I went recently), so they want me to wait awhile before I go again. I still have doubts as to whether or not I did commit a mortal sin, so am I still able to receieve Communion? I’ve heard mixed opinions on this, but most say that I should only avoid Communion if I’m ABSOLUTELY SURE I’m guilty of mortal sin. Also, should I just make an Act of Contrition until I can go?

 

[Catholic1954]

Does what you did concern a GRAVE MATTER? Did you know, at the time you did it, that it was WRONG to do it? Did you DO it anyway? If you can answer “yes” to ALL THREE questions, then yes it was a mortal sin. Be 100% honest with yourself when you think about your actions. If it was a mortal sin, KEEP GOING TO MASS, but you should not receive Communion until you can make it to confession, and be sure to discuss it with the priest, so next time there will be no doubt and you can avoid this uncomfortable situation in the future. You should say the Act of Contrition anyway.

 

[ClayPots47]

Honestly and prayerfully ask yourself the questions Catholic1954 posted, If you can be certain that you did not meet the conditions for mortal sin, then receive communion.

Suggest to your parents, since they acknowledged you are scrupulous, that scrupulosity is all the more reason for you to need to go to confession, as the priest can assist you.

If you don’t go to communion, because you realized you committed mortal sin, and your parents notice and say something to you (I don’t know if yours would question you or not); You can simply inform them that due to your scrupulosity, you were unsure whether you should receive, so you decided you wouldn’t until you get to confession. Which is the truth, as you indicate here that you have doubts; you don’t need to say you committed a mortal sin or did something involving grave matter, as they are not entitled to know.

You need to go to confession to get help with scrupulosity, if you are indeed scrupulous, as much as you need it for the absolution of mortal sins. Perhaps your parents will see that, and take you when you ask, without comment/question. Be sure to discuss this issue with the priest, when you do get to confession.

 

[timeandeternity]

Tennis, as an individual who knows what it is like to struggle with intense scrupulosity for months on end, this is the best advice I can give you (it came from one of the holiest priests I have ever known, who also “went through hell” with scrupulosity, in his own words):
Unless you can swear on a Bible that you have committed a mortal sin, you have not committed a mortal sin. Let me repeat: Unless you can swear–on a Bible!–that you have committed a mortal sin, you *have not *committed a mortal sin. And unless this is the case, please go to communion–if you are scrupulous (which, from your posts, it certainly appears that you are), the worst thing you can do is not receive Christ. Trust me–I know this keenly from experience. Also, find yourself a spiritual director. A good, solid priest who knows what he’s talking about will be perhaps the most important weapon you have in fighting off scrupulosity. It would probably be wise to explain to your parents that you are dealing with scrupulosity, and that you really need a priest to help you overcome this. It seems that they are concerned that you are scrupulous–if this is the case (as it was with my parents), they will want to find you what you need to rid yourself of scrupulosity.
I am praying for you! Never forget that you are deeply loved by a compassionate, merciful Savior. Throw yourself into His arms, for He can never fail you.