237 WHEN A SIN RESULTS IN EXCOMMUNICATION

YOUCAT Lesson 237

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

237  Are there sins that are so serious that not even the average priest can forgive them?

There are sins in which a man turns completely away from God and at the same time, because of the seriousness of the deed, incurs excommunication.  When a sin results in “excommunication” absolution can be granted only by the bishop or a priest delegated by him, and, in a few cases, only by the Pope.  In danger of death, any priest can absolve from every sin and excommunication.  [1463]

…….The Gentle Mastery of Christ.     “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.    Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." – The Gospel of Saint Matthew  11:28-30…..237

A Catholic who, for example, cooperates in an abortion automatically excludes himself from sacramental communion; the Church simply acknowledges this fact.  The purpose of “excommunication” is to correct the sinner and to lead him back to the right path.

THE MINISTER OF THIS SACRAMENT

…….1463   Certain particularly grave sins incur excommunication, the most severe ecclesiastical penalty, which impedes the reception of the sacraments and the exercise of certain ecclesiastical acts, and for which absolution consequently cannot be granted, according to canon law, except by the Pope, the bishop of the place or priests authorized by them. In danger of death any priest, even if deprived of faculties for hearing confessions, can absolve from every sin and excommunication.(compare Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 976; Corpus Canonum Ecclesiarm Orientalium, can. 725.)^{69 --}Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

236 SINS ARE FORGIVEN IN THE NAME OF CHRIST

YOUCAT Lesson 236

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

236  Why are priests the only ones who can forgive sins?

No man can forgive sins unless he has a commission from God to do so and the power given by him to ensure that the forgiveness he promises the penitent really takes place.  The bishop, in the first place, is appointed to do that and, then, his helpers, the ordained priests.  [1461-1466, 1495]

“Candor toward a brother must not be mistaken for confession.  The latter is made to the Lord of heaven and earth in the presence of a man who is authorized to hear it.”  Brother Roger Schutz (1915-2005)

…….Painting above: …..Jesus saying farewell to his eleven remaining disciples, from the Maesta by Duccio, 1308–1311. …..236

Appearance to the Disciples.    On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.   The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.    [Jesus] said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”   And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit.   Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” – The Gospel of Saint John 20:19-23

In 1907  Pope Pius X specifically reaffirmed the relevance of Gospel of John 20:22-23 to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  He quoted John 20:22-23: "Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained."

THE MINISTER OF THIS SACRAMENT

…….1461   Since Christ entrusted to his apostles the ministry of reconciliation, (compare John 20:23; 2 Corinthians 5:18)⁶⁵  bishops who are their successors, and priests, the bishops' collaborators, continue to exercise this ministry. Indeed bishops and priests, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, have the power to forgive all sins "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

…….1462   Forgiveness of sins brings reconciliation with God, but also with the Church. Since ancient times the bishop, visible head of a particular Church, has thus rightfully been considered to be the one who principally has the power and ministry of reconciliation: he is the moderator of the penitential discipline.(compare Lumen Gentium 26 § 3.)⁶⁶    Priests, his collaborators, exercise it to the extent that they have received the commission either from their bishop (or religious superior) or the Pope, according to the law of the Church.(compare Codex Iuris Canonici, cann. 844; 967-969; 972; Corpus Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium, can. 722 §§ 3-4.)⁶⁷ --CCC

…….1463   Certain particularly grave sins incur excommunication, the most severe ecclesiastical penalty, which impedes the reception of the sacraments and the exercise of certain ecclesiastical acts, and for which absolution consequently cannot be granted, according to canon law, except by the Pope, the bishop of the place or priests authorized by them. In danger of death any priest, even if deprived of faculties for hearing confessions, can absolve from every sin and excommunication.(compare Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 976; Corpus Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium, can. 725.)⁶⁹ --CCC

…….1464 Priests must encourage the faithful to come to the sacrament of Penance and must make themselves available to celebrate this sacrament each time Christians reasonably ask for it.(compare Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 486; Corpus Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium, can. 735; Presbyterorum Ordinis 13.)⁷⁰ --CCC

…….1465   When he celebrates the sacrament of Penance, the priest is fulfilling the ministry of the Good Shepherd who seeks the lost sheep, of the Good Samaritan who binds up wounds, of the Father who awaits the prodigal son and welcomes him on his return, and of the just and impartial judge whose judgment is both just and merciful. The priest is the sign and the instrument of God's merciful love for the sinner. --CCC

…….1466   The confessor is not the master of God's forgiveness, but its servant. The minister of this sacrament should unite himself to the intention and charity of Christ.(compare Presbyterorum Ordinis 13.)⁷¹    He should have a proven knowledge of Christian behavior, experience of human affairs, respect and sensitivity toward the one who has fallen; he must love the truth, be faithful to the Magisterium of the Church, and lead the penitent with patience toward healing and full maturity. He must pray and do penance for his penitent, entrusting him to the Lord's mercy.

IN BRIEF

.......1495 Only priests who have received the faculty of absolving from the authority of the Church can forgive sins in the name of Christ. --CCC

235 CONFESSION OF EVERYDAY FAULTS

YOUCAT Lesson 235

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

235  Can I make a confession even if I have not committed any serious sin?

Confession is a great gift of healing that brings about closer union with the Lord, even if, strictly speaking, you do not have to go to confession.  [1458]

Photo: …..Vietnamese Trappist Cistercian monks. Having lived the full two-year Trappist Cistercian novitiate myself in Utah, I understand the joy on the faces of the above pictured religious men.  In the Trappist novitiate we went to confession weekly to root out imperfections. Now 58 years later having raised a family of six children and 21 years past retirement, I seek the confessional about every 2 months.  Usually my confession is before Mass during a visit to Our Lady of Good Help Shrine at Champion, WI . Rose and I are headed there again this Tuesday, February 21, my 87^th birthday! …..235

In Taize, at Catholic conferences, at World Youth Day celebrations-everywhere, you see young people being reconciled with God.  Christians who take seriously their decision to follow Jesus seek the joy that comes from a radical new beginning with God.  Even the saints went to confession regularly, if possible.  They needed it in order to grow in humility and charity, so as to allow themselves to be touched by God’s healing light even in the inmost recesses of their souls.

We put off our conversion again and again until death, but who says that we will still have the time and strength for it then?”  St. John Vianney (1786-1859)

The confession of sins

…….1458   Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.(compare Council of Trent: Denzinger-Schönmetzer 1680; Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 988 § 2.)⁵⁹    Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful(compare Luke 6:36.)^{60 –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition}

Whoever confesses his sins . . . is already working with God. God indicts your sins; if you also indict them, you are joined with God. Man and sinner are, so to speak, two realities: when you hear "man" - this is what God has made; when you hear "sinner" - this is what man himself has made. Destroy what you have made, so that God may save what he has made. . . . When you begin to abhor what you have made, it is then that your good works are beginning, since you are accusing yourself of your evil works. The beginning of good works is the confession of evil works. You do the truth and come to the light.(St. Augustine, In Jo. ev. 12,13:Patrologia Latina 35,1491.)⁶¹ --CCC

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 19, 2017

…….Painting above: …..As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”  Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep. –Acts of the Apostles 7:59-60

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 19, 2017
Lectionary: 79

The first reading is from the Book of Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them:  Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.

"You shall not bear hatred for your brother or sister in your heart.  Though you may have to reprove your fellow citizen, do not incur sin because of him.  Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against any of your people.  You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  I am the LORD."

Responsorial Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13

R. (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.

Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

He pardons all your iniquities,
heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
crowns you with kindness and compassion.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

The second reading is from 1 Corinthians 3;16-23

Brothers and sisters:  Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.

Let no one deceive himself.  If any one among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool, so as to become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God, for it is written:
God catches the wise in their own ruses, and again:  The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

So let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you, Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or the present or the future: all belong to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God.

  

Alleluia 1 John 2:5

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Whoever keeps the word of Christ,
the love of God is truly perfected in him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 The Gospel according to St. Matthew 5:38-48

Jesus said to his disciples:  "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.  When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one as well.  If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand over your cloak as well.  Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles.  Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

"You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.  But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?  Do not the tax collectors do the same?  And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that?  Do not the pagans do the same?  So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Top of Form

234 WE CONFESS SERIOUS SINS AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR

YOUCAT Lesson 234

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

234  When is a Catholic obliged to confess his serious sins?  How often should one go to confession?

Upon reaching the age of reason, a Catholic is obliged to confess his serious sins.  The Church urgently advises the faithful to do this at least once a year.  At any rate one must go to confession before receiving Holy Communion if one has committed a serious sin.  [1457]

Painting: …..Saint Augustine of Hippo (354–430), Latin theologian. His writing on free will and original sin remains influential in Western Christendom. …..234

By “the age of reason”, the Church means the age at which one has arrived at the use of reason and has learned to distinguish between good and bad.  315-320

“It is not correct to think we must live like this, so that we are never in need of pardon.  We must accept our frailty but keep on going, not giving up but moving forward and becoming converted ever anew through the sacrament of Reconciliation for a new start, and thus grow and mature in the Lord by our communion with him.”  Pope Benedict XVI, February 17, 2007

Age of Reason

The age of reason, also called the age of discretion, is the age at which children attain the use of reason and begin to have moral responsibility. On completion of the seventh year a minor is presumed to have the use of reason,^[3] but mental retardation or insanity prevent some individuals from ever attaining the use of reason. The term "use of reason" appears in the Code of Canon Law 17 times, but "age of reason" does not appear.^[4] However, the term "age of reason" is used in canon law commentaries such as the New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law published by Paulist Press in 2002.

Children who do not have the use of reason and the mentally handicapped are sometimes called "innocents" because of their inability to commit sins: even if their actions are objectively sinful, they sometimes lack capacity for subjective guilt.

The confession of sins

.......1457   According to the Church's command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year."(compare Codex Iuris Canonici, Can. 989; Council of Trent (1551): Denzinger-Schönmetzer 1683; DS 1708.)⁵⁶    Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession.(compare Council of Trent (1551): Denzinger-Schönmetzer1647; 1661; Codex Iuis Canonici, can. 916; Corpus Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium, can. 711.)⁵⁷    Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.⁵⁸

233 WHAT SINS MUST BE CONFESSED?

YOUCAT Lesson 233

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

233  What sins must be confessed?

Under normal circumstances, all serious sins that one remembers after making a thorough examination of conscience and that have not yet been confessed can be forgiven only in individual sacramental confession.  [1457]

Photo: .....A simple confession box at Our Lady of Manaoag, Philippines. .....233

Of course there will be reluctance before making a confession.  Overcoming it is the first step toward interior healing.  Often it helps to think that even the Pope has to have the courage to confess his failings and weaknesses to another priest—and thereby to God.  Only in life-or-death emergencies (for instance, during an airstrike in wartime or on other occasions when a group of people are in danger of death) can a priest administer “general absolution” to a group of people without the personal confession of sins beforehand.  However, afterwards, one must confess serious sins in a personal confession at the first opportunity.  315-320

ABSOLUTION (from Latin absolvere=to loosen, acquit): The absolution of the priest is the sacramental forgiveness of one or more sins after the penitent’s confession of sins.  The formula of absolution reads: “God, the merciful Father, by the death and Resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins.  Through the ministry of the Church may he give you pardon and peace.   And I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The confession of sins

…….1457   According to the Church's command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year."( compare Codex Iuris Canonici, Can. 989; Council of Trent (1551): Denzinger-Schönmetzer 1683; DS 1708.)⁵⁶   Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession.(compare Council of Trent (1551): Denzinger-Schönmetzer 1647; 1661; Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 916; CCEO, can. 711.)⁵⁷    Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.(compare Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 914.)⁵⁸ –Catechism of the Catholic Church