When do we commit a mortal sin?

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Nelka

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Do we commit a mortal sin the moment we commit it or the moment we plan to commit it?

For example I have realised that I will miss Mass this weekend. I have to work all day today and travel across the country to attend a baptism and then travel back. It suddenly occurred to me that I won’t be able to attend any Mass this weekend. I do to want to miss Mass but find myself in trouble. So am I in mortal sin now because I won’t make it or when the last Mass ends?

(The baptism isn’t during a Mass but a singular event).

Thanks.
 
First thing, practical level, if you can make it to a Church for baptism can you not arrive earlier or stay later for Mass?

Second, if going to Mass is too troublesome with your travel schedule, ask your pastor for a dispensation. He has that authority.

Last, you know in your heart if it is simply difficult or a pain to get to Mass or if it is actually impossible. If it is impossible, God does not demand the impossible so you do not have an obligation.
 
Setting aside this particular situation, which you should discuss with your priest as the other person already said, we are not penalized for our temptations that happen without us actually doing the act, unless we sit around dwelling on them (e.g. Lustful or covetous thoughts) or engaged in some bad behavior to bring on the thoughts.

People are human, they get tempted. Jesus himself was exposed to human temptations by the devil. Jesus rejected the bad acts suggested to Him and rejected Satan, hence he did not commit a sin solely through being tempted.
 
Nelka, the short answer is contact your priest to check if he deems your reason meets the requirements for a dispensation for this particular Sunday.
Normally I’d give you the quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church but it’s not as easy on my iPad
Look up EWTN under Sunday Mass and Holy Day Obligation to check whether ‘grave cause’ applies to your situation.
Main suggestion is to phone the priest regarding the difficulty this weekend.

God bless you
 
I highly recommend you purchase a copy of the Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth. Not because I think you’re a kid, but because it explains more of the answers to your questions in an easy to read an very informative, light format. Super read, you can get it on Amazon and it has is used in programs all over to help people without going into pages and pages of dry explanations.
 
Thanks.

I spoke to the priest who was at the baptism and he was fine with it. Funnily enough my parents childminded him many years ago.
 
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