URGENT: Help Please

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How do I prevent this idea from killing my soul:
“I’m in a state of mortal sin, the Holy Spirit has departed from me, I haven’t been to confession and can’t go right now without causing more sin, I’m going to hell if I die right now anyways, why not commit more mortal sin?”

As well as the idea that this dilemma disproves the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I’m close to falling into despair since I’m sick and might not make confession tomorrow.
 
Take it easy hon. Have a bath a pour yourself a hot cup of tea. Better? Okay.

First off, “mortal sin” it not a static state. If you commit another one, you will indeed be pulling yourself even further away from God. Don’t do it.

Since you aren’t able to go to confession right now, resolve to go at the soonest reasonable opportunity. God is so merciful, and if a person dies with the intent of reconciliation in their heart, He’s definitely going to take that into account.

Say a prayer, and don’t panic.
 
I don’t know what keeps you from going. I suggest confession privately to God and praying an Act of Contrition, and resolving to go to Confession at the earliest reasonable opportunity. While we do have the sacraments and canon law, be wary of being overly legalistic if you face reasonable issues such as illness or domestic situation Trust in God’s mercy. He does not insist on the impossible.

Is it possible to contact your parish? They may be able to assist in some way, or direct you to someone who can. I’ve in mind a home visit (if that’s something that can be done), but you may be able to get some appropriate direction in some way. Perhaps you can get better counsel from a priest or deacon.
 
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

1451 Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.”

1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.

Link here: vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P4D.HTM

So if you are truly sorry and detest the sin you have committed, then (as you have committed a mortal sin) you must also make a firm resolution to go to confession as soon as possible. Then you will be fine (so long as you actually follow through with your resolution to go as soon as possible).
 
Wesrock said:
I don’t know what keeps you from going. I suggest confession privately to God and praying an Act of Contrition, and resolving to go to Confession at the earliest reasonable opportunity. While we do have the sacraments and canon law, be wary of being overly legalistic if you face reasonable issues such as illness or domestic situation Trust in God’s mercy. He does not insist on the impossible.

Is it possible to contact your parish? They may be able to assist in some way, or direct you to someone who can. I’ve in mind a home visit (if that’s something that can be done), but you may be able to get some appropriate direction in some way. Perhaps you can get better counsel from a priest or deacon.
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Not likely. I could suck it up and go to Mass tomorrow. They have confessions beforehand.
 
“…I’m going to hell if I die right now anyways, why not commit more mortal sin?”
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Now hold on. Let’s put that temptation into the proper perspective: “I’ve already hurt the One I love…why not hurt Him some more?”

Does that sound like something you’re still okay with?

Sin is not about “doing something bad,” as much as it is about hurting our relationship with Christ. Sometimes remembering that it’s about that relationship, that friendship, helps with the temptation–especially the temptation to despair.

God loves you. He does not leave us–we push Him away with our choice to sin. But we can come back to Him and He is waiting! Reconciliation is not a punishment; it’s medicine for what ails the soul. It’s a repair to our damaged relationship.

God isn’t sitting up there just waiting for us to screw up. God wants you to ask for forgiveness and to receive it; He is merciful! I’d suggest reading the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32, I think, or thereabouts).

As for “can’t” go to Confession without committing more sin, I’d think the logic of that idea through very carefully. It sounds suspicious to me.
Are you presuming you will sin again right after Confession? Ask for God’s help to avoid that, and do what you can to prevent it… and then go to Confession. If you do sin again, go to Confession again. It’s spiritual training–it takes practice and effort!
Are you unrepentant (remember, you don’t have to “feel” an emotion of sorrow or guilt to repent) at this time, but think you’ll repent later? Why not make the choice to repent now, rather than later?
Is there some other reason–perhaps it involves other people? You may want to discuss it with your priest or a Spiritual Director for help with other options or solutions that you may not have considered.

In the meantime, I will say a prayer for you. :gopray2:
 
Also what kind of thing did you commit? Was it out of ignorance because ignorance always excuses mortal sin.

In order for one to commit mortal sin three conditions have to be met
  1. It has to be of grave matter.
    2 You have of had full knowledge
  2. You need full consent
So what I would do is examine yourself to see if you fell into all three catecories.

Peace, For Jesus Christ died for all our sins no matter how small or great.
 
You should go to confession tomorrow! It will make you feel much better. If you have the chance, don’t miss it.
 
CatholicRaven said:
Now hold on. Let’s put that temptation into the proper perspective: “I’ve already hurt the One I love…why not hurt Him some more?”

Does that sound like something you’re still okay with?

Sin is not about “doing something bad,” as much as it is about hurting our relationship with Christ. Sometimes remembering that it’s about that relationship, that friendship, helps with the temptation–especially the temptation to despair.

God loves you. He does not leave us–we push Him away with our choice to sin. But we can come back to Him and He is waiting! Reconciliation is not a punishment; it’s medicine for what ails the soul. It’s a repair to our damaged relationship.

God isn’t sitting up there just waiting for us to screw up. God wants you to ask for forgiveness and to receive it; He is merciful! I’d suggest reading the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32, I think, or thereabouts).

As for “can’t” go to Confession without committing more sin, I’d think the logic of that idea through very carefully. It sounds suspicious to me.
Are you presuming you will sin again right after Confession? Ask for God’s help to avoid that, and do what you can to prevent it… and then go to Confession. If you do sin again, go to Confession again. It’s spiritual training–it takes practice and effort!
Are you unrepentant (remember, you don’t have to “feel” an emotion of sorrow or guilt to repent) at this time, but think you’ll repent later? Why not make the choice to repent now, rather than later?
Is there some other reason–perhaps it involves other people? You may want to discuss it with your priest or a Spiritual Director for help with other options or solutions that you may not have considered.

In the meantime, I will say a prayer for you. :gopray2:
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In order to get a ride I’d have to sin
 
It’s for you to judge how ill you are. If you really can’t make it, make a firm resolution to go at the next possible opportunity instead. Say some prayers in the meantime (some have already been suggested).

If you can go, I’m sure God will appreciate the effort you have put in.

EDIT: May I ask why you need to sin to get a ride? Sorry to pry but it is all related it seems.
 
This is a bit off topic, but why is confession over the phone invalid if I called the rectory and a priest was there. I understand that it is, but still, what gives? I think the Orthodox allow this.
 
Upgrade25 said:
This is a bit off topic, but why is confession over the phone invalid if I called the rectory and a priest was there. I understand that it is, but still, what gives? I think the Orthodox allow this.
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According to a post from another threat:
  1. the penitent cannot be reasonably certain, in many cases, that the confessor is a priest or bishop.
  2. priests only have faculties to hear confession under the authority of the local Bishop, in their own diocese, or with permission in another diocese. Confession by phone or internet would often violate the authority of the local Bishop.
  3. the confessor hearing confessions in a Catholic church can be reasonably certain that he is dispensing the Sacrament to those able to validly receive it; but by phone or internet, there would be no reasonable way to determine if the penitent is a baptized Christian and a Catholic.
  4. Christ dispensed Sacraments in person, and all those He sent to dispense Sacraments do so in person. No one can be baptized by proxy, as some foolish persons have claimed. Similarly, no one can receive confession, except in person.
I’m happy to dry and dig up some official documents if you’d like.
 
Scutum_Fidei said:
According to a post from another threat:
  1. the penitent cannot be reasonably certain, in many cases, that the confessor is a priest or bishop.
  2. priests only have faculties to hear confession under the authority of the local Bishop, in their own diocese, or with permission in another diocese. Confession by phone or internet would often violate the authority of the local Bishop.
  3. the confessor hearing confessions in a Catholic church can be reasonably certain that he is dispensing the Sacrament to those able to validly receive it; but by phone or internet, there would be no reasonable way to determine if the penitent is a baptized Christian and a Catholic.
  4. Christ dispensed Sacraments in person, and all those He sent to dispense Sacraments do so in person. No one can be baptized by proxy, as some foolish persons have claimed. Similarly, no one can receive confession, except in person.
I’m happy to dry and dig up some official documents if you’d like.
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That would mean so much to me. Thank you
 
Scutum_Fidei said:
It’s for you to judge how ill you are. If you really can’t make it, make a firm resolution to go at the next possible opportunity instead. Say some prayers in the meantime (some have already been suggested).

If you can go, I’m sure God will appreciate the effort you have put in.

EDIT: May I ask why you need to sin to get a ride? Sorry to pry but it is all related it seems.
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Reply to edit: Parent has said I can only go to Confession before the Mass. Their choice. Who am I to yell at them for a Sacrament. I’m enough of a hypocrite already.
 
Would someone mind answering these:
Scutum_Fidei said:
According to a post from another threat:
  1. the penitent cannot be reasonably certain, in many cases, that the confessor is a priest or bishop.
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In some circumstances, such as in China, we don’t know if the priest is validly ordained.
Scutum Fidei:
  1. priests only have faculties to hear confession under the authority of the local Bishop, in their own diocese, or with permission in another diocese. Confession by phone or internet would often violate the authority of the local Bishop.
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Technically a priest could disobey their personal bishop using personal confessions.
Scutum Fidei:
  1. the confessor hearing confessions in a Catholic church can be reasonably certain that he is dispensing the Sacrament to those able to validly receive it; but by phone or internet, there would be no reasonable way to determine if the penitent is a baptized Christian and a Catholic.
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How can the confessor know if someone that is trying to convert him doesn’t step in to the confessional.
Scutum Fidei:
  1. Christ dispensed Sacraments in person, and all those He sent to dispense Sacraments do so in person. No one can be baptized by proxy, as some foolish persons have claimed. Similarly, no one can receive confession, except in person.
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The technology wasn’t available at the time.
Scutum Fidei:
I’m happy to dry and dig up some official documents if you’d like.
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Please correct my erroneous thinking.
 
If there is no morally acceptable way for you to get a ride, then you are not able to go today. Going tomorrow is perfectly reasonable.

If you are too sick tomorrow (if your cold would keep you from going out with friends, for instance), then stay home, and just go at your next opportunity. If you have a fever (even a mild one) tonight or tomorrow, PLEASE stay home (I thank you in advance on behalf of myself and other mothers of infants)! OTOH, if an allergy medicine clears up most of your symptoms, you’d probably be fine to go.

God does not expect us to do more than He gives us the opportunity and the power to do. 😉

Have faith, and hope in His Mercy! 🙂
 
This is from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications: vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/pccs/documents/rc_pc_pccs_doc_20020228_church-internet_en.html

It’s about the use of the internet, but I think it touches on similar themes (I have only skimmed it so far).

There are also a number of articles which quote Vatican spokesmen as saying that the sacrament of confession requires a ‘personal dialogue between penitent and confessor’ (phys.org/news/2011-02-vatican-iphone.html).

I’m sorry if I’m being foolish here, but how is going to confession before mass a sin?
 
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