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Expert: Sal - 2/19/2005


Question
Hello. If a catholic commits suicide for whatever reasons, mental illness, depression, etc.  ,can he/she have a catholic burial.  Of course the Church has a stance on suicide, and I was wondering what it is in regard to salvation. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Chris:

A Catholic who commits suicide may have a Catholic Mass. This was not true in the past, but the Church has changed to allow for a Mass because only God knows for sure what the person's mental state was.

As far as salvation goes: if the person was not commiting suicide as a way to deny the existance of God, that person may be saved. the Church's position is that God alone determines a person's salvation.

Thanks for the question. If I can be of further assistance do not hesitate to let me know.

God Bless You,
Sal  

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Sal

Expertise

I love the Catholic Church and her book, the Bible. I will try to answer your questions with an emphasis on God*s Word. I believe the Catholic Church is the Church established by Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world. I can answer questions pertaining to the biblical basis for Catholic beliefs. I can also explain the beliefs of Jehovah*s Witnesses, Mormons, and Seventh Day Adventists as related to Catholic doctrine.

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I have studied the Catholic faith for twenty years. I have conducted adult education classes in the teachings of the Catholic Church. I have taught teenagers the Catholic faith. I have taught Bible Study.
   

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Knights of Columbus


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Southern Cross

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College graduate

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