Question:
Bro. Ignatius,
In response to this particular question, "Even when we have not committed mortal sin, are we are still obliged to confess our sins at least once a year”.
Regarding our obligation to confess our sins at least once a year is technically and theoretically correct. However, confession is one of the Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church, and according to Pope John Paul II, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, with or without grave sin being committed, should become a once a month obligation for all Roman Catholic’s.
Bro. Ignatius, I believe that the confusion regarding going to confession at least once a year is based upon this teaching by the Roman Catholic Church. The Church teaches that if a soul does not go to confession and receive Holy Communion during the course of one full year, that soul is technically, and theoretically, excommunicated by the Church.
Our willingness, and desire, to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, attend daily Mass, and receive Holy Communion, as often as possible, provides the soul, as do the other four (4) Sacraments, with a special personalized God given grace for a special or specific purpose, that is known only to God.
Bro. Ignatius, Sacraments, all seven, are wonderful gifts from God that should be received as often as possible. Even Church Sacramental’s, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia which states that, “One of the most remarkable effects of sacramentals is the virtue to drive away evil spirits whose mysterious and baleful operations affect sometimes the physical activity of man”. Thus “Holy Water”, a Sacramental, we use to bless ourselves entering and leaving Church, is being removed from the Church during the season of Lent, a common practice by priests in many of our parishes.
I hope this is helpful to your readers.
God Bless,
John
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Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM
Dear John: I am afraid what you have said is wrong. First, The Pope did not say that once per month Confession is an "obligation". He was encouraging once-a-month confession, not obligating it. Second, confession once-a-year is required only if grave sin is on one's soul (which is what what was clarified in the previous post you refer to). Third, if a person fails to confess once a year and fails to receive the Eucharist once a year, he is not excommunicated. I have no idea where this idea comes from, but there are only about seven or so automatic excommunications in the Church and this is not one of them. To summarize the issue: We are obligated to receive the Eucharist once a year during the Easter Season: Can. 920 ß1 Once admitted to the blessed Eucharist, each of the faithful is obliged to receive holy communion at least once a year.
ß2 This precept must be fulfilled during paschal time, unless for a good reason it is fulfilled at another time during the year
We are obligated to receive the Sacrament of Confession once a year if one has grave sin on their soul: Can. 989 All the faithful who have reached the age of discretion are bound faithfully to confess their grave sins at least once a year.
Obviously, this is a severe minimum standard. To facilitate spiritual health receiving the Eucharist ought to be at least weekly at Sunday Mass (if properly disposed) and attending to the Sacrament of Confession frequently. A common, but not obligated, practice of devout Catholics is to receive Confession monthly regardless of whether or not grave sin is on their souls. Can. 988 ß2 The faithful are recommended to confess also venial sins.
God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary
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