Hey there,
Occasionally, a Genuflector will ask a question or suggest a topic. (I love when that happens.)
A few weeks ago I received the question, “Can you really do something terribly wrong and be forgiven through Confession?”
We’ve covered Reconciliation before, but not necessarily this specific aspect of it. And at the time, I felt this would be a great topic to cover during Lent … for obvious reasons. So I made a note in my editorial calendar.
But last Sunday as I sat in the pew listening to the week’s Homily that talked about the importance of Confession … and that not only should we go to Confession, but we should work to bring others to Confession, I decided then and there to delay my planned topic in lieu of this one.
So, based on reader input, and a little nudge from Our Lord, this week’s issue of Genuflect looks at serious sin, including what makes a sin mortal, whether all sins can be forgiven, if priests can forgive all sins, the type of sin that can’t be forgiven, how to deal with a serious sin you keep repeating, as well as revisiting previous information about going to confession and making reparation.
I pray this information touches your heart now as it did mine. (But don’t be surprised if the topic comes up again during Lent.) And if you have a question you’d like to see covered, please let me know.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Understanding Mortal Sin
Let’s start at the very beginning. In order to ensure you’re not committing a mortal sin, you need to understand what is a mortal sin. Beginning Catholic breaks it down.
Understanding Mortal Sin | Beginning Catholic
Can Every Sin be Forgiven?
Back in November of 2016, Pope Francis announced that priests were given the power to forgive sins. It caused a lot of confusion about whether all sins could be forgiven and why abortion was singled out. Father Michael Kerper clears it up for us.
Can Every Sin be Forgiven? | Diocese of Manchester
Sins a Priest Cannot Forgive
We turn to priests for forgiveness. But did you know there are 5 types of sin that a priest can’t forgive. That’s not to say forgiveness is not possible, but here’s the catch.
The Sins A Priest Cannot Forgive? | Catholic Say
An Unforgivable Sin
There’s one more type of sin that a priest can’t forgive … that even God can’t forgive. It’s a little obvious … but it’s something we should all keep in mind.
What Sins Can a Priest Not Forgive? | Answers
Struggling With Serious Sin
Sam Guzman offers advice on how to deal with repeated serious sin based on the sage advice of Saint Maximilian Kolbe. This article was published in 2013, but is still relevant for us all today.
St. Maximilian Kolbe on Serious Sin | The Catholic Gentleman
Make a Lifelong Confession
I must confess (pun intended) I’ve never heard of a lifelong confession. Monica McConkey explains what it is and how to do it. It’s something to consider.
Do You Need a Lifelong Confession | Catholic Mom
Sins Forgiven Without Confession
There are special circumstances when sins can be forgiven without making a confession … even a grave sin. It’s rare, but good to know about just in case. Here are the details from Fr. Edward McIlmail.
Ask a Priest: Can Sins Be Forgiven in The Absence of Confession? | RC Spirituality
Confession Basics
Last March Genuflect covered all the basics of going to confession. This is a treasure trove of information from the history of the sacrament, its various titles and myths, a guide to confession and examination of conscience resources, and various struggles you may encounter with Confession.
Reconciling With The Lord | Genuflect
Confession + Reparation
Last September Genuflect looked at a topic related to Reconciliation, but not often discussed: Reparation. This seemed like a good time to revisit this important topic.
The Road to Our Salvation Goes Through Reparation | Genuflect
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