SIn and Eucharist

[Monica4316]

I think the Easter duty rule doesn’t claim that the person would be a strong Catholic just from one Communion a year. It just means that its the absolute minimum before another mortal sin happens. Minimum doesn’t mean great… Its just if you miss the minimum you have another mortal sin on your soul.

I do believe the Eucharist (worthily received of course) strengthens us against sin. If I don’t receive for a longer time I notice myself getting much weaker. Frankly if I had a job or something where I could never go to Mass, I’d find a different job.

If someone doesn’t have access to Mass, can’t get there, or something else they can’t control, - they could spend time in prayer, make acts of spiritual Communion… I believe if its not their choice, they can still receive graces through what they are able to do. God doesn’t abandon us… The Eucharist does give many graces through.

If a person lives not too far from a church but can’t get there, they should let the priest know and arrange for Communion to be brought to them. Our priest does this with some people who are homebound and hears their Confessions. Some of them don’t even live that close at all.

 

[Rosebud77]

Not necessarily. If for some unavoidable reason you could not attend Mass and receive Holy Communion it is possible to keep your faith and avoid falling into sin by a regular and strong prayer life, regular examination of conscience, etc. There are Catholics who have very limited access to a priest because of their location, or those who are ill and have no access to Mass or Communion, or perhaps they are POW’s who have no access to a priest, etc.

What happens is up to you with the help of God’s grace.

And don’t forget–there are many non-Catholic or non-Orthodox Christians who love Jesus Christ very much, but do not have Mass and the Eucharist, and they aren’t falling into sin because of their strong faith and prayer life and live very holy lives. I have more than a few relatives like that.

Thank you for this, I agonised for years as I cannot cope with attending Mass in person through increasing illness…I left CAF for months, as folk were asserting that YOU MUST GO TO MASS even in a wheelchair using an oxygen mask,
Could not bear the guilt being put on me and trying to cope was making me more and more ill… I live way out in the boonies and need the isolation for my calling as a solitary. And now I am at peace.

God is not limited by our human constraints and restraints thankfully… He feeds us wherever we are. Great is He and greatly to be praised!

 

[Brendan_64]

No. You are only required to confess mortal sins. If you have not committed any mortal sins in a 12 month period you do not obliged to to confess.

But in realistic terms how many people go a year without commiting a mortal sin? Going for a few weeks without falling into mortal sin is hard enough, in my opinion.

 

[Rosebud77]

Monica4316;14162076**:

I think the Easter duty rule doesn’t claim that the person would be a strong Catholic just from one Communion a year. It just means that its the absolute minimum before another mortal sin happens. Minimum doesn’t mean great… Its just if you miss the minimum you have another mortal sin on your soul.

I do believe the Eucharist (worthily received of course) strengthens us against sin. If I don’t receive for a longer time I notice myself getting much weaker. Frankly if I had a job or something where I could never go to Mass, I’d find a different job.

If someone doesn’t have access to Mass, can’t get there, or something else they can’t control, - they could spend time in prayer, make acts of spiritual Communion… I believe if its not their choice, they can still receive graces through what they are able to do. God doesn’t abandon us… The Eucharist does give many graces through.

If a person lives not too far from a church but can’t get there, they should let the priest know and arrange for Communion to be brought to them. Our priest does this with some people who are homebound and hears their Confessions. Some of them don’t even live that close at all.

Where is your jusitfication, please, for your ideas in eg your first paragraph? You are rewriting the rules to a disconcerting degree and limiting God, also to a disconcerting and worrying degree, With no real trust?

And you limit your own abilities too,

God rules and He feeds and the Church knows and provides for this. Nothing minimal ! Always there always great, always in charge and always loving.

Please trust? As I and others do. There have been year after year when it was impossible for me to get to Mass or receive communion in distant places where there was no priest within reach and never have I lacked or fallen away from His grace. Not ever. Please rest assured on that.

It is wonderful that you do as you do , of course it is.
Thank you

 

[thistle]

But in realistic terms how many people go a year without commiting a mortal sin? Going for a few weeks without falling into mortal sin is hard enough, in my opinion.

I agree with you but that is not the point. The point is that we are required to confess mortal sins once a year. If we are still in a state of grace since receiving Communion during the previous Easter period we are not required to confess.
The once a year requirement applies only to receiving Communion.

 

[Rosebud77]

But in realistic terms how many people go a year without commiting a mortal sin? Going for a few weeks without falling into mortal sin is hard enough, in my opinion.

Different lifestyles, different people… different access also, Which is thus provided for by a compassionate and realistic Church of course.

 

[billcu1]

Different lifestyles, different people… different access also, Which is thus provided for by a compassionate and realistic Church of course.

I haven’t been going to Mass or running around on the bus at all. It’s too hot up here in WV. Down in LA they’ve been getting floods and I’m sure they’d like to give us some of that rain Well I go to the restaurant I can walk to and the buses don’t run on Sunday. When the weather’s decent again I’m going to Absolution and Eucharist. And I believe attending the adoration for at least 1/2 hour is enough to get a plenary indulgence.

 

[Brendan_64]

Different lifestyles, different people… different access also, Which is thus provided for by a compassionate and realistic Church of course.

Are you sugesting that the Church ought to apply different standards and different rules according to a person’s chosen lifestyle? Sin is sin. Mortal sin is mortal sin. What was gravely sinful 100 years ago is gravely sinful today, and will be gravely sinful in 100 years time.

I think the lack of attendance for Confession these days is quite concerning. Should the Church simply shrug and say, “Oh well, different people, different lifestyles, let’s not get too hung up on all that sin business”?

 

[Rosebud77]

:

 

[Vico]

I haven’t been going to Mass or running around on the bus at all. It’s too hot up here in WV. Down in LA they’ve been getting floods and I’m sure they’d like to give us some of that rain Well I go to the restaurant I can walk to and the buses don’t run on Sunday. When the weather’s decent again I’m going to Absolution and Eucharist. And I believe attending the adoration for at least 1/2 hour is enough to get a plenary indulgence.

Also available for plenary, are reading sacred scripture for 30 minutes, or the way of the Cross in a Church approved setting. I note that sacramental confession can be within about 20 days before or after the indulgenced work.

General Remarks On Indulgences

1. This is how an indulgence is defined in the Code of Canon Law (can. 992) and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1471): “An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints”.
2. In general, the gaining of indulgences requires certain prescribed conditions (below, nn. 3, 4), and the performance of certain prescribed works (nn. 8, 9, 10 indicate those specific to the Holy Year).
3. To gain indulgences, whether plenary or partial, it is necessary that the faithful be in the state of grace at least at the time the indulgenced work is completed.
4. A plenary indulgence can be gained only once a day. In order to obtain it, the faithful must, in addition to being in the state of grace:

— have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin;
— have sacramentally confessed their sins;
— receive the Holy Eucharist (it is certainly better to receive it while participating in Holy Mass, but for the indulgence only Holy Communion is required);
— pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff.

1. It is appropriate, but not necessary, that the sacramental Confession and especially Holy Communion and the prayer for the Pope’s intentions take place on the same day that the indulgenced work is performed; but it is sufficient that these sacred rites and prayers be carried out within several days (about 20) before or after the indulgenced act. Prayer for the Pope’s intentions is left to the choice of the faithful, but an “Our Father” and a “Hail Mary” are suggested. One sacramental Confession suffices for several plenary indulgences, but a separate Holy Communion and a separate prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions are required for each plenary indulgence.
2. For the sake of those legitimately impeded, confessors can commute both the work prescribed and the conditions required (except, obviously, detachment from even venial sin).
3. Indulgences can always be applied either to oneself or to the souls of the deceased, but they cannot be applied to other persons living on earth.

vatican.va/roman_curia/tribunals/apost_penit/documents/rc_trib_appen_pro_20000129_indulgence_en.html

 

[billcu1]

Also available for plenary, are reading sacred scripture for 30 minutes, or the way of the Cross in a Church approved setting. I note that sacramental confession can be within about 20 days before or after the indulgenced work.

General Remarks On Indulgences

1. This is how an indulgence is defined in the Code of Canon Law (can. 992) and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1471): “An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints”.
2. In general, the gaining of indulgences requires certain prescribed conditions (below, nn. 3, 4), and the performance of certain prescribed works (nn. 8, 9, 10 indicate those specific to the Holy Year).
3. To gain indulgences, whether plenary or partial, it is necessary that the faithful be in the state of grace at least at the time the indulgenced work is completed.
4. A plenary indulgence can be gained only once a day. In order to obtain it, the faithful must, in addition to being in the state of grace:

— have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin;
— have sacramentally confessed their sins;
— receive the Holy Eucharist (it is certainly better to receive it while participating in Holy Mass, but for the indulgence only Holy Communion is required);
— pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff.

1. It is appropriate, but not necessary, that the sacramental Confession and especially Holy Communion and the prayer for the Pope’s intentions take place on the same day that the indulgenced work is performed; but it is sufficient that these sacred rites and prayers be carried out within several days (about 20) before or after the indulgenced act. Prayer for the Pope’s intentions is left to the choice of the faithful, but an “Our Father” and a “Hail Mary” are suggested. One sacramental Confession suffices for several plenary indulgences, but a separate Holy Communion and a separate prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions are required for each plenary indulgence.
2. For the sake of those legitimately impeded, confessors can commute both the work prescribed and the conditions required (except, obviously, detachment from even venial sin).
3. Indulgences can always be applied either to oneself or to the souls of the deceased, but they cannot be applied to other persons living on earth.

vatican.va/roman_curia/tribunals/apost_penit/documents/rc_trib_appen_pro_20000129_indulgence_en.html

Your #3 up there. I don’t know if I am understanding but I went to what I thought was going to be Mass and arrived late. So I walked the stations. I was NOT to my belief in grace at the time. This does require movement and a simple meditation. Well I don’t think I will make it to confession and Eucharist within twenty days. This work as I understand it is to be done 20 days before or after a confession. So there’s 40 days. On the days of Eucharist your say at least 1 our father and hail Mary, prayer for the Pope’s intention for the month, or a devotional you like. I think you can only get a plenary on the day of taking the body and blood.
It will be my intentions to go to confession and within 20 days after go to Adoration for the whole hour if possible. Take communion and say an our Father and hail Mary. I would think that should be it. This is not counting plenaries or partials on special events or during seasons like Lent. Where you can kneel before a crucifix. Hope I am getting it right :)

 

[Vico]

Your #3 up there. I don’t know if I am understanding but I went to what I thought was going to be Mass and arrived late. So I walked the stations. I was NOT to my belief in grace at the time. This does require movement and a simple meditation. Well I don’t think I will make it to confession and Eucharist within twenty days. This work as I understand it is to be done 20 days before or after a confession. So there’s 40 days. On the days of Eucharist your say at least 1 our father and hail Mary, prayer for the Pope’s intention for the month, or a devotional you like. I think you can only get a plenary on the day of taking the body and blood.

It will be my intentions to go to confession and within 20 days after go to Adoration for the whole hour if possible. Take communion and say an our Father and hail Mary. I would think that should be it. This is not counting plenaries or partials on special events or during seasons like Lent. Where you can kneel before a crucifix. Hope I am getting it right :)

Plenary is more difficult because it must be near perfect:

The Communion and Prayer for the Holy Father are fitting to be on the day of the indulgenced work, but do not have to be. The triplet done within about 20 days before or after are: sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the Holy Father. Of those three, only the sacramental confession applies for multiple indulgences.

Intention must be present and also vocal prayer used, which means at least audible to yourself, and detachment from all sins including venial sins.

From Enchiridion Indulgentiarum fourth edition:

N17.
§ 1. To be capable of gaining indulgences a person must be baptized, not excommunicated, in the state of grace at least at the end of the prescribed work.
§ 2. To gain an indulgence, one must have at least the general intention of doing so and must carry out the enjoined works at the stated time and in due fashion, according to the sense of the grant.

 

[billcu1]

Plenary is more difficult because it must be near perfect:

The Communion and Prayer for the Holy Father are fitting to be on the day of the indulgenced work, but do not have to be. The triplet done within about 20 days before or after are: sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the Holy Father. Of those three, only the sacramental confession applies for multiple indulgences.

Intention must be present and also vocal prayer used, which means at least audible to yourself, and detachment from all sins including venial sins.

From Enchiridion Indulgentiarum fourth edition:

N17.
§ 1. To be capable of gaining indulgences a person must be baptized, not excommunicated, in the state of grace at least at the end of the prescribed work.
§ 2. To gain an indulgence, one must have at least the general intention of doing so and must carry out the enjoined works at the stated time and in due fashion, according to the sense of the grant.

Ok say for example walking the stations was the work. You go to confession say the prayers and take part in the Eucharist. On that day is it necessary to walk the stations or within 20 days of the confession? Would walking the stations need to be done on the same day as Eucharist? What is “the triplet” ? I want to make sure I get this right.

 

[Vico]

Ok say for example walking the stations was the work. You go to confession say the prayers and take part in the Eucharist. On that day is it necessary to walk the stations or within 20 days of the confession? Would walking the stations need to be done on the same day as Eucharist? What is “the triplet” ? I want to make sure I get this right.

I can see where that was unclear. There are these elements;

1. 
   *] Sacramental Confession
   *] Holy Communion
   *] Prayer for the Pope’s intentions
   *] Indulgenced work
   
   1, 2, 3 above can be about 20 days before or after 4. Necessary to be in a state of grace when the four conditions above are completed.