Expert: Edward Bode - 8/16/2008

Question
I have been a catholic for the first 12 years of my life I went to ccd. I got my confirmation and all that but then I have sinned a whole lot, different occasions of couse. I just wonder could the catholic church forgive me like Jesus is supposed to forgive everyone I didn't kill anyone but I broke every one of the other commandments, I mean I love God more than anyone I have so much faith in Jesus, I just hope he still has faith in me. I guess my question is do catholic's beleive if your not a catholic can you still go to heaven? I have so many more questions but there is one? Thank you

Answer
While there is life, there is hope.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation [Penance; Confession] is always available to you.  Give it a try.  I pray that you do.
Catholic belief is that God does not remove the possibility of salvation from anyone.  Check 1 Timothy 2:3.  Also, The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 846-51.  Available online at:
www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm
If you wish more, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes, Stephanie, and thanks for writing.