Dear John:

I am saddened when I hear stories like this. I am sure the priest is kindly and is trying to provide solace, but true kindness and solace does not come from error.

The Church teaches infallibly that "with death the possibility of merit or demerit or conversion ceases." This is divinely revealed dogma to which all Catholics must believe.

To quote then Cardinal Ratzinger, in his commentary of the change in Canon Law promulgated by Pope John Paul II in Ad tuendam fidem, entitled, Doctrinal Commentary on the Concluding Formula of the Professio Fidei, concerning divinely revealed teaching:

These doctrines require the assent of theological faith by all members of the faithful. Thus, whoever obstinately places them in doubt or denies them falls under the censure of heresy, as indicated by the respective canons of the Codes of Canon Law.

In addition the Church teaches:

Immediately after death the particular judgment takes place, in which, by a Divine Sentence of Judgement, the eternal fate of the deceased person is decided.

If indeed this priest is proposing that after death we have a second chance at salvation, then he isflirting with heresy, and certainly is no longer in communion with the Church.

I would suggest that you talk with the priest about this. Be sure that he is indeed teaching this. It is possible that you misunderstood him, or that he unintentionally misspoke or that he just did not explain his point well. If he really did teach that we have a second chance after death and is unwilling to reform, then the Bishop must be informed.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary