What if one is still attached to a confessed sin?

[kalebevans]

If a Catholic man confessed a sin he was not detached from—say he is living with a girlfriend. Prior to absolution, he was not asked by the priest if he planned on moving out (detachment). The man, not planning on moving out, receives absolution. If he were to die suddenly after confession, does he go to heaven even though he never intended to be detached from his sin? My “fallen-away Catholic” friend has trouble with Catholic teaching on reconciliation b/c there are so many folks who confess sins that they plan on continuing to commit. Thanks.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear K,

One of the requirements for making a valid confession is that of having a firm purpose of amendment. This means that at the time of confessing the sin the person fully intends to not commit the sin again. If he still intends to commit the sin, regardless of what he tells the priest, the whole confession is invalid and he has committed an additional mortal sin (the sin of sacrilege).

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.