Author Topic: Unable to access the Sacraments (Read 813 times)

Dylan · « **on:** July 01, 2009, 01:33:47 AM »

After searching for a Traditional or Eastern rite Church in my area, I haven't found any. All the churches in my area are Novus Ordo, so I am unable to go to confession, or attend Mass. What should I do in this situation? I really would like to go to confession but, I don't know of any validly ordained priests in the area.

Because of my situation, I have a few questions that I hope can be answered:

1. Would Perfect contrition suffice at this time?

2. If one dies in a state of perfect contrition but, has not had confession would that result in going to Hell?

3. Is it absolutely necessary to confess your sins to a valid priest if you cannot find one; would confession directly to God suffice?

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2009, 02:17:47 AM »

Quote from: Dylan

1. Would Perfect contrition suffice at this time?

2. If one dies in a state of perfect contrition but, has not had confession would that result in going to Hell?

3. Is it absolutely necessary to confess your sins to a valid priest if you cannot find one; would confession directly to God suffice?

Perfect contrition ALWAYS suffices to obtain forgiveness. However, if one would receive the Sacraments again, one must confess all mortal sins first. Perfect contrition restores one to a state of grace, so, dying in such a state would merit heaven.

God USES priests, but he does not NEED them. There is actually a great little booklet on this topic available from Bp. McKenna's website (google it). I am reading it right now, in fact.

God speed. Be at peace, as God has arranged all things, even this horrific crisis. ALL will lead to his greater glory and our greater good.

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2009, 02:19:45 AM »

Btw, it is possible that there is an older priest among the Novus clergy. If so, he might be a good man to meet and befriend in case you need him.

Dylan · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2009, 03:00:51 AM »

Thanks for your answers, gladius. I will also look to see if I can find a older priest in the Novus Ordo clergy.

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2009, 03:16:44 AM »

You are most welcome, Dylan. Good luck and God speed.

Btw, it should go without saying, but, if you find an older, undoubtedly true priest, make sure you approach him in a kindly manner.

Remember, God will always provide exactly what you need. Trust him in all things.

Dylan · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2009, 03:19:19 AM »

Quote from: gladius_veritatis

You are most welcome, Dylan. Good luck and God speed.

Btw, it should go without saying, but, if you find an older, undoubtedly true priest, make sure you approach him in a kindly manner.

Remember, God will always provide exactly what you need. Trust him in all things.

I most definitely will. Thanks again and may Our Lord bless you.

Matthew · « **Reply #6 on:** July 01, 2009, 09:42:38 AM »

Let anyone should think that Perfect Contrition is a magic answer that solves all the "problems" of going to confession, such as having to leave for Mass early and having to confess your sins to a priest --

There is a HUGE problem with Perfect Contrition as a primary solution, that is, choosing it on purpose over going to Confession.

And that is -- you never know if you really made an act of Perfect Contrition. Just like you can't know 100% that you are in the State of Grace (that is a dogma of the Faith), you can't know what your TRUE motivation is for being sorry. With the Sacrament of Penance, you can be 100% sure your sins were forgiven (as long as your confession was sincere, entire, etc.)

And your residence for eternity is too much to risk -- so anyone who can reach a priest, even if it's a 4 hour trip, should do so whenever they have mortal sins to confess. What is 8 hours of your time and $75 worth of gas when you compare that to an eternity in hell vs. an eternity in heaven? That's what all our material wealth is FOR -- to help us gain heaven.

Matthew

spouse of Jesus · « **Reply #7 on:** July 01, 2009, 09:45:36 AM »

Chant, I studied catholic dogmas, and I saw that one.
" you cannot be sure of being forgiven"
I thought that it applied to confession.