Strange promises

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michael-kaw

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When I was A LOT younger I was ice skating with I think my mum and sister, there was a moment where I couldn’t find them and I think I got a bit scared so I thought (or said, can’t remember) along the lines of “God if you help me find my parents I will build you an altar.” I think I made this promise several times but I didn’t know that there where supposed to be relics of saints in an altar. Do I actually need to do it, if so how would I?
 
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Bring it up in confession. The priest can release you from personal vows.
Though if you were a child, I doubt it would be considered binding regardless.
 
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Yes I was a young kid and if I was to go to confession, would I need to go quickly or next time I happen to go
 
Next time you go. It’s certainly not a grave sin you are currently conscious of.
 
I admire that you turned to Our Lord in a time of panic and need. Even 'though you made the promise as a small child it would be nice if you could follow up on it as an adult. As a child you may not have had the ways or means to build and ‘alter’ but as an adult, you may be able to fulfill your promise and sooth your heart and soul. God will love you all the more if you can carry through.
As for building an alter the Church does have a few rules that you probably should think about. Personally, I think I would try for a small meditation or meditation room. I know that one person took the door of an unused closet and made a really nice prayer or meditation room/nook. You can Google this online and find all kinds of little personal chapels, prayer corners, meditation rooms and the like. I think the Lord would be pleased with that, too. I personally love all the outdoor Grottos that people build.
By all means, speak to your priest about it. If you do follow up please send photos so we can share in your promise. Peace and prayers.
 
Please note there is a difference between a promise, an oath, and a vow.
 
Please talk to your parents and your pastor. You are posting a LOT here and as you are a minor with spiritual issues you should be taking them to your parents not the internet
 
michael-kaw said:
When I was A LOT younger I was ice skating with I think my mum and sister, there was a moment where I couldn’t find them and I think I got a bit scared so I thought (or said, can’t remember) along the lines of “God if you help me find my parents I will build you an altar.” I think I made this promise several times but I didn’t know that there where supposed to be relics of saints in an altar. Do I actually need to do it, if so how would I?
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I would forget about it and leave it in the past . You were just a frightened lad at the time .
 
How young is young kid?

If you were below the age of reason, it’s impossible for you to have made a vow by your own free will to begin with…

I’m a bit surprised nobody asked how old exactly you were…
 
Well I was probably about maybe 9 or something but I could be wrong
 
Would donating to the building of a new church not fulfill this promise? You may designate the donation specifically for that purpose.
 
michael-kaw said:
When I was A LOT younger I was ice skating with I think my mum and sister, there was a moment where I couldn’t find them and I think I got a bit scared so I thought (or said, can’t remember) along the lines of “God if you help me find my parents I will build you an altar.” I think I made this promise several times but I didn’t know that there where supposed to be relics of saints in an altar. Do I actually need to do it, if so how would I?
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Talk to your parents and your pastor about your anxiety and the possibility you suffer from scruples.

Get help from your parents. You are 14 years old. they need to know the anxiety you have and all the posts you’ve been making.
 
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