Expert: Fr. Michael - 10/20/2005

Question
I had been away from the Catholic Church for about 4 years, going to other churches because I felt like I was missing out on something. However, I returned to mass a few months ago, and never plan on leaving the Catholic Church again. I never denied being a Catholic, and never joined any other churches. I think I made a mistake and hope you can advise me. You see, I have been receiving holy communion since going back to church but I haven't been to confession for a very, very long time. I don't know what I was thinking, but, I believe it is a sin to miss Sunday mass. Can I be forgiven if I go to confession for receiving holy communion when I should hot have?

Answer
Yes, if you are repentant.  Not only did you miss the proper worship of God, but you engaged in false worship and scandal by going to other churches.  These are all very serious sins against the First and Third Commandments.  Be sure that you go to a traditional church and confessor, not of the New Order.  If you do not know the locations in your area, see www.traditio.com/tradlib/masslat.txt