Unlike mortal sin which involves a complete turning away from God’s love, venial sin wounds our relationship with God. The periodic confession of venial sins is also highly recommended as part of a good spiritual regimen. Actually, all sin is serious since it hurts our relationship with our Lord. Moreover, even venial sin can lead to mortal ...

Since mortal sin destroys sanctifying grace in a person’s soul, the sacrament of penance is necessary to reconcile the sinner and restore sanctifying grace before receiving holy Communion. If a person receives holy Communion in a state of mortal sin, he commits a sacrilege, which in itself is a mortal sin.

Therefore, the capital sins or vices are indeed “capital” and grave because they are the source of particular actual sins, which may be mortal or venial; in turn, the repetition of actual sins, particularly mortal sins, leads to the spiritual corruption …

Second, blasphemy is also a sin. Blasphemy is contempt for God, expressed in thought, word, or action. To use words either vocally or mentally against God which show hatred, reproach, disrespect, or defiance is sinful. This prohibition also applies to the Blessed Mother and the saints as well as sacred things or Church related practices.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “Mortal sin destroys charity in the heart of man by a grave violation of God’s law; it turns man away from God, who is his ultimate end and his beatitude, by preferring an inferior good to Him” (#1855). Therefore, sacramental absolution is necessary to forgive mortal sin, to restore the ...

Therefore, the Church upheld the traditional practice of the penitent examining his conscience, repenting of sin and feeling sincere contrition for those sins, having the firm amendment not to commit those sins again, confessing those sins to a priest privately and receiving absolution, and then performing the appropriate penance.

Something becomes more valuable than the Holy Eucharist. Sadly, I have known families who could conveniently walk to the Church but chose not to attend Mass; ironically though, they sent their children to the Catholic school. Yes, such behavior really is indicative of turning one’s back on the Lord and committing a mortal sin.

Granted, the person who is conscious of mortal sin must receive sacramental absolution for forgiveness. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “Mortal sin destroys charity in the heart of man by a grave violation of God’s law; it turns man away from God, who is his ultimate end and his beatitude, by preferring an inferior good to Him ...

Finally, this precept is the minimum standard. Even though a person may not be in a state of mortal sin, regular confession of venial sin helps the individual to form his conscience better, fight against temptation, be aware of the occasions of sin, and progress in the life of the Holy Spirit (cf. catechism, No. 1458).

What is the difference between mortal and venial sin? Why cannot habitual sinners be forgiven? What is “general absolution” and under what circumstances is it allowed? Is receiving First Penance before First Holy Communion optional? How do you go to confession? Does a person only have to go to confession when in a state of mortal sin?