Venial/mortal sins & "obligations"

[friendlymomma]

I am a Protestant who recently started seriously studying the Catholic faith. I am pretty far along in my journey and my husband & I now have plans to join the Church. However, recently I have started to become very confused by the issue of what sins are mortal, what sins are venial, and what “obligations” a Catholic has. I have read the Catechism on this but still do not understand what it actually means for a Catholic and the state of his soul. It seems from what I hear and read that many Catholics believe that it is actually pretty easy for one to “put one’s soul in jeopardy.” I have so many questions regarding this, I don’t even know where to start. But I have to start somewhere, so I will ask a question:
Are you going to hell if you skip Mass and you don’t have any excuses for missing it?

 

[davidv]

I am a Protestant who recently started seriously studying the Catholic faith. I am pretty far along in my journey and my husband & I now have plans to join the Church. However, recently I have started to become very confused by the issue of what sins are mortal, what sins are venial, and what “obligations” a Catholic has. I have read the Catechism on this but still do not understand what it actually means for a Catholic and the state of his soul. It seems from what I hear and read that many Catholics believe that it is actually pretty easy for one to “put one’s soul in jeopardy.” I have so many questions regarding this, I don’t even know where to start. But I have to start somewhere, so I will ask a question:
Are you going to hell if you skip Mass and you don’t have any excuses for missing it?

Welcome to the Forum.

Blessing on your journey.

The canonical obligations are called the Precepts of the Church (CCC 2041-2043).

To answer your specific question: It depends.

Do you know how serious it is to keep the Lord’s day holy? In the way the Church asks us to?

Do you remain unrepentent of this sin despite knowing of its seriousness?

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I am a Protestant who recently started seriously studying the Catholic faith. I am pretty far along in my journey and my husband & I now have plans to join the Church. However, recently I have started to become very confused by the issue of what sins are mortal, what sins are venial, and what “obligations” a Catholic has. I have read the Catechism on this but still do not understand what it actually means for a Catholic and the state of his soul. It seems from what I hear and read that many Catholics believe that it is actually pretty easy for one to “put one’s soul in jeopardy.” I have so many questions regarding this, I don’t even know where to start. But I have to start somewhere, so I will ask a question:
Are you going to hell if you skip Mass and you don’t have any excuses for missing it?

Well, it is considered a grave matter. I don’t know about going to hell. But yes, attending Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation is required, except in cases of illness, or traveling (and even then, if we can get to a church, we should). However, the way to think of it is that we GET to attend Mass and be with Our Lord and Savior at his sacrifice, not that we HAVE to. Once you can receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, what could keep you from it?

As for Catholics being over-concerned about sin…We do not believe that we have a lock on heaven, but we also know that Mass itself gives us grace, and we have a sacrament of Confession and Absolution. So there is really no need to fear or worry. God gave us the means of grace in the sacraments. We try not to commit mortal sin because that can cause us to be separated from God if we were to die unrepentant.

But these questions will be answered for you over time.

Welcome home, and please go to a priest and get enrolled in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults as soon as possible.

 

[englishredrose]

I am a Protestant who recently started seriously studying the Catholic faith. I am pretty far along in my journey and my husband & I now have plans to join the Church. However, recently I have started to become very confused by the issue of what sins are mortal, what sins are venial, and what “obligations” a Catholic has. I have read the Catechism on this but still do not understand what it actually means for a Catholic and the state of his soul. It seems from what I hear and read that many Catholics believe that it is actually pretty easy for one to “put one’s soul in jeopardy.” I have so many questions regarding this, I don’t even know where to start. But I have to start somewhere, so I will ask a question:
Are you going to hell if you skip Mass and you don’t have any excuses for missing it?

In short
Most definately not!

That is just scare mongering and if anyone tries to tell you anything else then its a lie. You wont go to hell for missing mass however number of times for no reason. God loves us all and does not punish us by sending us to hell. (he does not want to punish us at all and our penances in confession are in aide to bring us closer to God) Our God is a loving God who loves us deeply and wants us to love him in return freerly.

I want to stop you here and encourage you to book a time with the priest and talk to him fully about all the questions you have. Don’t be affraid. It will be helpful. More helpful than here because poeple sometimes mean well but get stuff very wrong. Please have a chat with your priest instead because a) it will help you get to know each other b) he is here for spiritual advice etc and c) you are much more likely to get the truth and if you don’t understand him or confused tell him.

 

[Bookcat]

Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005

SIN

1. What does the acceptance of God’s mercy require from us?

1846-1848
1870

It requires that we admit our faults and repent of our sins. God himself by his Word and his Spirit lays bare our sins and gives us the truth of conscience and the hope of forgiveness.

1. What is sin?

1849-1851
1871-1872

Sin is “a word, an act, or a desire contrary to the eternal Law” (Saint Augustine). It is an offense against God in disobedience to his love. It wounds human nature and injures human solidarity. Christ in his passion fully revealed the seriousness of sin and overcame it with his mercy.

1. Is there a variety of sins?

1852-1853
1873

There are a great many kinds of sins. They can be distinguished according to their object or according to the virtues or commandments which they violate. They can directly concern God, neighbor, or ourselves. They can also be divided into sins of thought, of word, of deed, or of omission.

1. How are sins distinguished according to their gravity?

1854

A distinction is made between mortal and venial sin.

395. When does one commit a mortal sin?

1855-1861
1874

One commits a mortal sin when there are simultaneously present: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. This sin destroys charity in us, deprives us of sanctifying grace, and, if unrepented, leads us to the eternal death of hell. It can be forgiven in the ordinary way by means of the sacraments of Baptism and of Penance or Reconciliation.

1. When does one commit a venial sin?

1862-1864
1875

One commits a venial sin, which is essentially different from a mortal sin, when the matter involved is less serious or, even if it is grave, when full knowledge or complete consent are absent. Venial sin does not break the covenant with God but it weakens charity and manifests a disordered affection for created goods. It impedes the progress of a soul in the exercise of the virtues and in the practice of moral good. It merits temporal punishment which purifies.

 

[Bookcat]

so I will ask a question:
Are you going to hell if you skip Mass and you don’t have any excuses for missing it?

The Lords Day is very important.

Yes it is a grave matter to say ‘skip Mass’ without say being sick or it being impossible etc…(one can even get permission from ones Pastor to do so).

scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c1a3.htm#II

But one does not “go to hell” – unless one dies in a state of mortal sin.

The mercy of God seeks us out in this life. The Good Shepherd desires our salvation. To give us “true life” again in him.

Jesus can forgive the repentant person and restore him to his grace prior to death…via such as the grace of perfect contrition and of course if possible confession.

We have to on the one hand avoid “presumption” --Jesus tells us to “watch!” we know not the hour or the day…etc etc and on the other hand we need to always have hope and confidence in God remember that Jesus desires our salvation …he is the good Shepherd --read the parables of the Shepherd and the lost sheep and the lost coin.

 

[Bookcat]

"Moreover, our radical belonging to Christ and the fact that “we are in him” must imbue in us an attitude of total trust and immense joy. In short, we must indeed exclaim with St Paul: “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8: 31). And the reply is that nothing and no one “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8: 39). Our Christian life, therefore, stands on the soundest and safest rock one can imagine. And from it we draw all our energy, precisely as the Apostle wrote: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me” (Phil 4: 13).

Therefore, let us face our life with its joys and sorrows supported by these great sentiments that Paul offers to us. By having an experience of them we will realize how true are the words the Apostle himself wrote: “I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me”; in other words, until the Day (II Tm 1: 12) of our definitive meeting with Christ the Judge, Saviour of the world and our Saviour."

Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20061108_en.html

 

[TheRealJuliane]

In short
Most definately not!

That is just scare mongering and if anyone tries to tell you anything else then its a lie. You wont go to hell for missing mass however number of times for no reason. God loves us all and does not punish us by sending us to hell. (he does not want to punish us at all and our penances in confession are in aide to bring us closer to God) Our God is a loving God who loves us deeply and wants us to love him in return freerly.

I want to stop you here and encourage you to book a time with the priest and talk to him fully about all the questions you have. Don’t be affraid. It will be helpful. More helpful than here because poeple sometimes mean well but get stuff very wrong. Please have a chat with your priest instead because a) it will help you get to know each other b) he is here for spiritual advice etc and c) you are much more likely to get the truth and if you don’t understand him or confused tell him.

Let’s not give people the wrong impression, you can definitely still go to hell! Of course God does not WANT to punish us, but Hell is still a reality and we can definitely be separated from God forever. There are such things as mortal sins and if our sins are not repented of, we can be doomed to Hell.

As an Anglican, you should not advise people of what the Catholic Church teaches.

 

[Bookcat]

"Moreover, our radical belonging to Christ and the fact that “we are in him” must imbue in us an attitude of total trust and immense joy. In short, we must indeed exclaim with St Paul: “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8: 31). And the reply is that nothing and no one “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8: 39). Our Christian life, therefore, stands on the soundest and safest rock one can imagine. And from it we draw all our energy, precisely as the Apostle wrote: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me” (Phil 4: 13).

Therefore, let us face our life with its joys and sorrows supported by these great sentiments that Paul offers to us. By having an experience of them we will realize how true are the words the Apostle himself wrote: “I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me”; in other words, until the Day (II Tm 1: 12) of our definitive meeting with Christ the Judge, Saviour of the world and our Saviour."

Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20061108_en.html

 

[Bookcat]

Pope Benedict XVI on the Lords Day

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html#The_eucharistic_form_of_the_christian_life

Wonderful!

 

[friendlymomma]

*"Moreover, our radical belonging to Christ and the fact that “we are in him” must imbue in us an attitude of total trust and immense joy. In short, we must indeed exclaim with St Paul: “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8: 31). And the reply is that nothing and no one “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8: 39). Our Christian life, therefore, stands on the soundest and safest rock one can imagine. And from it we draw all our energy, precisely as the Apostle wrote: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me” (Phil 4: 13).

Therefore, let us face our life with its joys and sorrows supported by these great sentiments that Paul offers to us. By having an experience of them we will realize how true are the words the Apostle himself wrote: “I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me”; in other words, until the Day (II Tm 1: 12) of our definitive meeting with Christ the Judge, Saviour of the world and our Saviour."

Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/be…061108_en.html *__________________
I understand that Catholics believe that they do not have eternal security, and I don’t believe in that doctrine anymore either. But I am seeing that the alternative to it is a very complicated matter indeed. If more Catholics lived and talked like they believe the words above (the Bible and the words of the Pope), then I don’t think I would be so confused. The matter of the state of one’s soul is so complicated that it is no wonder Protestants do not understand. Catholics should be very careful in how they speak. When a Catholic says, “I go to Mass faithfully so that I can get to heaven,” I think it is very sad. I think it is important to go to Mass, but as a Protestant, that kind of statement seems to almost reject the blood of Christ and His sacrifice.

 

[davidv]

"Moreover, our radical belonging to Christ and the fact that “we are in him” must imbue in us an attitude of total trust and immense joy. In short, we must indeed exclaim with St Paul: “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8: 31). And the reply is that nothing and no one “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8: 39). Our Christian life, therefore, stands on the soundest and safest rock one can imagine. And from it we draw all our energy, precisely as the Apostle wrote: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me” (Phil 4: 13).

Therefore, let us face our life with its joys and sorrows supported by these great sentiments that Paul offers to us. By having an experience of them we will realize how true are the words the Apostle himself wrote: “I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me”; in other words, until the Day (II Tm 1: 12) of our definitive meeting with Christ the Judge, Saviour of the world and our Saviour."

*Pope Benedict XVI *

vatican.va/holy_father/be…061108_en.html __________________
I understand that Catholics believe that they do not have eternal security, and I don’t believe in that doctrine anymore either. But I am seeing that the alternative to it is a very complicated matter indeed. If more Catholics lived and talked like they believe the words above (the Bible and the words of the Pope), then I don’t think I would be so confused. The matter of the state of one’s soul is so complicated that it is no wonder Protestants do not understand. Catholics should be very careful in how they speak. When a Catholic says, “I go to Mass faithfully so that I can get to heaven,” I think it is very sad. I think it is important to go to Mass, but as a Protestant, that kind of statement seems to almost reject the blood of Christ and His sacrifice.

Much of what humans do is indeed quite confusing. Does any of this confusion change the simplicity of the two commands that must be obeyed to enter heaven, love God and love neighbor?

In addition, it is painfully obvious that many Catholics do not understand many of the basic tenants of the faith they profess. As as result they make statements like the one you cite without understanding the error or that the incompleteness of it gives the wrong message. This is why we need to be attentive to the Magisterium, who we can be assured is guided by the Holy Spirit to not lead us astray.

 

[Bookcat]

*"Moreover, our radical belonging to Christ and the fact that “we are in him” must imbue in us an attitude of total trust and immense joy. In short, we must indeed exclaim with St Paul: “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8: 31). And the reply is that nothing and no one “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8: 39). Our Christian life, therefore, stands on the soundest and safest rock one can imagine. And from it we draw all our energy, precisely as the Apostle wrote: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me” (Phil 4: 13).

Therefore, let us face our life with its joys and sorrows supported by these great sentiments that Paul offers to us. By having an experience of them we will realize how true are the words the Apostle himself wrote: “I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me”; in other words, until the Day (II Tm 1: 12) of our definitive meeting with Christ the Judge, Saviour of the world and our Saviour."

Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/be…061108_en.html* __________________
I understand that Catholics believe that they do not have eternal security, and I don’t believe in that doctrine anymore either. But I am seeing that the alternative to it is a very complicated matter indeed. If more Catholics lived and talked like they believe the words above (the Bible and the words of the Pope), then I don’t think I would be so confused. The matter of the state of one’s soul is so complicated that it is no wonder Protestants do not understand. Catholics should be very careful in how they speak. When a Catholic says, “I go to Mass faithfully so that I can get to heaven,” I think it is very sad. I think it is important to go to Mass, but as a Protestant, that kind of statement seems to almost reject the blood of Christ and His sacrifice.

A few thoughts.

1. One does not look to those who have particular personal problems in their marriage to discover how marriage is lived or to be lived. Same thing here.
2. The fact that some who are say Americans --may mis-speak when talking about America due to poor choice of words…misconceptions …etc does not mean that such is what America is or how Americans believe per se. Same thing here.
3. Well one could say “No of course I do not commit adultery I want to go to heaven” etc but such is simply a statement someone made. Similar to what was noted.
4. As to the reality of Mass -remember it is all about the Sacrifice of Christ and his blood that was shed for us. Such is made present at Mass (see the Catechism for more).

 

[Bookcat]

Pope Benedict XVI on the Lords Day

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html#The_eucharistic_form_of_the_christian_life

Wonderful!

good reading

 

[friendlymomma]

A few thoughts.

1. One does not look to those who have particular personal problems in their marriage to discover how marriage is lived or to be lived. Same thing here.
2. The fact that some who are say Americans --may mis-speak when talking about America due to poor choice of words…misconceptions …etc does not mean that such is what America is or how Americans believe per se. Same thing here.
3. Well one could say “No of course I do not commit adultery I want to go to heaven” etc but such is simply a statement someone made. Similar to what was noted.
4. As to the reality of Mass -remember it is all about the Sacrifice of Christ and his blood that was shed for us. Such is made present at Mass (see the Catechism for more).

Good points. But a Protestant wouldn’t know which Catholics are mis-speaking and which ones aren’t. When I heard that someone said that about Mass “…to get to heaven…”, I honestly wasn’t sure if they were mis-speaking. A “devout” Catholic said that to my Protestant sister, and I was so disheartened.
I understand that listening to the Magisterium is important. Is a priest part of the Magesterium? I do not know exactly what the Magesterium is, though I have a general idea. I know that many priests and even bishops can be wrong, and say things that go against the teaching of the Church. And unfortunately the Catechism is difficult to understand by one’s self. Where is a seeking Protestant to go? I hope you understand that I am not trying to pick a fight or make an argument, though I am sure my frustration is evident in my questions and comments. I just want the TRUTH!

 

[davidv]

Good points. But a Protestant wouldn’t know which Catholics are mis-speaking and which ones aren’t. When I heard that someone said that about Mass “…to get to heaven…”, I honestly wasn’t sure if they were mis-speaking. A “devout” Catholic said that to my Protestant sister, and I was so disheartened.
I understand that listening to the Magisterium is important. Is a priest part of the Magesterium? I do not know exactly what the Magesterium is, though I have a general idea. I know that many priests and even bishops can be wrong, and say things that go against the teaching of the Church. And unfortunately the Catechism is difficult to understand by one’s self. Where is a seeking Protestant to go? I hope you understand that I am not trying to pick a fight or make an argument, though I am sure my frustration is evident in my questions and comments. I just want the TRUTH!

The Magisterium is the teaching office of the Church. See CCC 888 and following. As such it isn’t an individual. In my opinion, in the case of Sunday worship, the official Church documents are neither confusing nor complicated.

Continue to pursue TRUTH. He is present in the Catholic Church in the very unique way of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist.

 

[Bookcat]

Good points. But a Protestant wouldn’t know which Catholics are mis-speaking and which ones aren’t. When I heard that someone said that about Mass “…to get to heaven…”, I honestly wasn’t sure if they were mis-speaking. A “devout” Catholic said that to my Protestant sister, and I was so disheartened.
!

yes I understand.

Of course it is true that yes going to Mass is part of that…and in the Mass…heaven comes down Praised be Jesus Christ the Lord who is there!

Many things that can be said can be true …but there can also be misunderstandings that can arise too.

 

[Bookcat]

Veritas! Truth!

Amen!

 

[friendlymomma]

The Magisterium is the teaching office of the Church. See CCC 888 and following. As such it isn’t an individual. In my opinion, in the case of Sunday worship, the official Church documents are neither confusing nor complicated.

Continue to pursue TRUTH. He is present in the Catholic Church in the very unique way of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist.

That is good that you do not find it complicated. Maybe I have been a Protestant too long, and am too used to “yes or no” answers. But your answer to my question about Sunday obligation was “It depends.” And it depends on many things, not just one factor. Your answer is not an insufficient answer, but in my opinion, it is complicated. And for a life-long Protestant, confusing as well.

I do believe in the presence of The Truth in the unique way of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Just trying to understand all this other stuff too.

 

[davidv]

That is good that you do not find it complicated. Maybe I have been a Protestant too long, and am too used to “yes or no” answers. But your answer to my question about Sunday obligation was “It depends.” And it depends on many things, not just one factor. Your answer is not an insufficient answer, but in my opinion, it is complicated. And for a life-long Protestant, confusing as well.

I do believe in the presence of The Truth in the unique way of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Just trying to understand all this other stuff too.

I don’t mean to be off-putting. Sorry if I sounded that way.

Let me try to explain myself better. The Church’s teaching on keeping the Lord’s day is quite simple; participate in the Holy Mass and refrain from unnecessary labor.

Where it get messy are the complicated situations we imperfect humans find ourself in, or often put ourselves in. When try to see what we can get by with and not offend the letter of the law, a lot of complications set in. When strive to be holy as Jesus called us to be, we try to follow the narrow way, staying as far away from the boundries of sin as we can.