Dear Ryan:

This question is not necessarily easy to answer. There is no way to anticipate every possible situation. It requires discernment on case-by-case basis.

We must begin with church teaching. The Catechism says:

1868 Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:

- by participating directly and voluntarily in them;

- by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them;

- by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;

- by protecting evil-doers.

1869a Thus sin makes men accomplices of one another and causes concupiscence, violence, and injustice to reign among them.

Let's look at each of these items whereby we may become an accomplice to others' sin. Participating directly in voluntarily with someone to sin is obvious. Ordering advising praising or approving sin on the part of other people is obvious. Protecting other people when they sin is obvious.

The two things that are more complicated is the definition of "approving" and the third item of not disclosing or not hindering someone when we have an obligation to do so.

Silence can be a form of approving the actions of another. Thus, we must evaluate a situation and not be shy to speak up. But the provision of the third element, "when we have an obligation to do so" presents us with another complication.

In one situations and with which people do we have an obligation to speak up about their sin. Before driving our car down the street and we see a bystander on the sidewalk who's committing an obvious sin are we obligated to stop the car, get out, and confront that center?

Are we obligated to confront a bank robber that he is setting?

And those extreme examples we do not have an obligation. In fact, it can be reckless and dangerous to confront such people. We have an obligation to protect our own life and lest there is compelling reason to place our life at risk.

In a less extreme situation but is talk about a family member who is an open sin. Do we remind him of his sin every time we see him? Do we disrupt the Thanksgiving dinner to confront that family member of his sin?

The answer to that is that it is important for us to express to that family member or to a friend that what they're doing is sinful and may risk their soul. Once we do that we do not have an obligation, and in fact it will be counterproductive, to nag the person. The person knows how you feel. They know that you think that they are sinning. There is no need to nag them. If the question comes up that answer the question honestly. If you relationship with a friend or family member is such where this issue may come up, then gently remind them. But do not get into unproductive argumentation. St. Paul instructs us to avoid that. And certainly do not rule in the Thanksgiving holiday or Christmas holiday or birthday or other special occasions by arguing with the sinner.

There may be occasions where one is in the position to approach a stranger. Do this very cautiously and only if you are certain that the Holy Spirit is calling you to approach that stranger. And again, be calm and loving and states simply what you say. Do not get into unproductive argumentation.

To the specific circumstances that you have written about, if you are with friends or family and they say God's name in vain you should ask them to refrain from this out of respect for God and for you. You may remind him once in a while but remember that nobody likes nagging. Also keep in mind that their utterance of God's name in vain may actually not be a mortal sin. It can only be mortal if the person knowingly and deliberately called out God's name in vain. Most people, rather, are not making a deliberate choice to insult God. Instead they have a bad habit in these utterances are not premeditated but are spontaneous. They need, of course, to work on that bad habit. If they are open to it you can be instrumental in helping them to overcome the habit by gently reminding them each time they make the utterance.

If you see a friend or family member to commit objective grave sin than out of love for your friend or family member who's about to drive over a cliff you should remind them that they need to refrain from receiving Communion until they have been to the Sacrament of Confession.

If you're talking to a person who has a reputation for being a devout religious person is a reasonable to presume that they know their duty to go to Confession before receiving the Eucharist after they have sinned gravely. If you know the person well and believe that they are failing to do this you may need to approach them. But be very careful. In such a situation it will be very easy to commit rash judgment.

As for the priest who use profanity and blasphemy I would certainly approach them with the admonition. In fact I have done that with the priest was very jovial. Sometimes is joviality and jokes were inappropriate. By that I am not saying he was vulgar, but sometimes he would joke about religious issues that would be misunderstood by his parishioners even though I know what he means when I am with him in the privacy of the rectory.

Of course, in most situations the admonitions that you give to someone should be private. There are some situations, however, where something needs to be said on the spot. But those are rare. Try to always refrain from embarrassing the person my admonishing them in public.

Now do not take what I have said as a certain formula. This issue requires discernment of the situation on a case-by-case basis and upon what the Holy Spirit prompts you to do. As the Blessed Mother said, "go to Him and do what he tells you."

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary