Tried to go to confession , no Priests

[phil19034]

Not having a priest available to hear your Confession is a serious reason where a perfect confession would suffice.

Jim

First, we should ALL be attempting a Perfect Act of Contrition after we mortally sin.

Confession should NOT be the first time we appoligize to God for our mortal sins.

But we should not receive communion until we have made it to confession, unless there is a grace reason that compels us to receive.

God Bless

 

[phil19034]

serious embarrassment if communion is not taken

But what is the definition of “serious embarrassment”?

My understanding is that “serious embarrassment” is the kind that can cause someone psychologically harm.

For example, someone who has a mental disorder/ disease that causes them to constantly think others are judging them or talking behind their back. Such a person might fit this category. Or a child who has verbally abused siblings who will tease if the child doesn’t receive. Or parents who will nag, badger or punish the child (even adult child) for committing a mortal sin (after finding out about the sin due to child refraining)

All those people would be subject to “serious embarrassment.” However, most of us would not be.

God Bless

 

[Nelka]

It’s not impossible— it’s just impossible to objectively know if we’ve obtained it

So it’s pointless?

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Grave reason for using a “Perfect Contrition.”

A person without mortal sin is allowed to receive, regardless of the reasons.

Jim

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Only if you’re in a state of mortal sin, are you required to abstain from receiving Holy Communion.

I was giving an answer to the OP and using the teaching of the Church.

I was not telling them not to receive, but providing the teaching.

Was then corrected by being shown the teaching on making a Perfect Contrition.

Jim

 

[phil19034]

phil19034:

It’s not impossible— it’s just impossible to objectively know if we’ve obtained it

So it’s pointless?

No, it’s not pointless. Everyone should attempt to make a Perfect Act of Contrition after sinning mortally.

But you wait until after Confession before starting to receive Communion again (unless there is a grave reason to receive)

 

[Nelka]

But as you cannot know whether it is perfect or not you have to assume imperfect?

 

[Mi_Rose]

No perfect contrition means sorry because our sins have wounded God. It may be mixed with imperfect contrition,that is fear of punishment and still be perfect contrition.

 

[ajfrab]

But what is the definition of “serious embarrassment”?

My understanding is that “serious embarrassment” is the kind that can cause someone psychologically harm.

That is question, isn’t it. And the answer will likely be different for each of us. What might cause serious embarrassment to you or I might not even register as embarrassing to someone else. Psychological harm was not mentioned in the commentary, but that would certainly be an issue, as could professional embarrassment or even scandal–picture a deacon serving at Mass refusing to take communion. As in many questions, the answers are not black and white, but instead will likely vary for each of us, depending on where we are in our spiritual journey and our understanding of our relationship with Christ.

Peace be with you.

 

[phil19034]

But as you cannot know whether it is perfect or not you have to assume imperfect?

Yes and no.

But it doesn’t matter for most of us because canonical, we are not supposed to receive Communion until we go to Confession after a mortal sin unless there is a grave reason to receive.

I was implying that the reason Confession exists is because most of us can’t tell the difference between perfect and imperfect contrition.

However, that’s not true of everyone. Holy people who really love The Lord and who have very well developed consciences can know the difference. But most people haven’t reached that level.

 

[phantom0076]

Thank you all for your replies. I was lucky enough to be able to talk to the Priest before mass and he took me aside to hear my confession so that I could receive

Again thank you

 

[acanonlawyer]

Actually, the commentary for the Code of Cannon Law indicates that grave reasons could include the danger of death, and even serious embarrassment if communion is not taken.

Well, that is a commentary. Other qualified canonists may have a different opinion. Personally, I suppose there might be a scenario where there is such embarrassment that a person feels as though it is impossible to not receive Holy Communion (like maybe the person is in the line for Communion or at the rail and only then remembers a mortal sin).

Other “grave reasons” have been said to include the obligation to fulfill the yearly precept of receiving Communion, the occasion of trying to prevent profanation of the Eucharist, receiving Communion prior to marriage…

Dan

 

[Mintaka]

Canon law is very generous, on purpose. Canon law people have always been taught to interpret the law generously, because the Church is a mother.

It’s not new. St. Alphonsus ruled in his canon law manual that you had no obligation to go to church if you lived more than 15 minute’s donkey ride away. He wasn’t saying that people shouldn’t go; he was acknowledging that more than 15 minutes on a jolting donkey could be a burden, particularly for the old.

Now, whether or not a person takes advantage of that generosity is up to his own conscience and devotion. But there’s nothing shameful in getting Mother Church’s help. What is lawful is lawful, because what is bound on Earth is bound in Heaven.