Author Topic: Question about fallen away Catholics (Read 831 times)

Dulcamara · « **on:** May 05, 2010, 10:43:35 PM »

Ok, so most of us probably know someone like this. They've left the Faith for whatever reason, and it's been over a year since their last confession and communion...

So how exactly does this situation work? These people are basically automatically excommunicated, right? And secondly, if they ever get their heads screwed on straight again and decide to amend their lives and come back to the Church, what exactly would such a person have to do to get back into the Church again?

I was just wondering. I should probably know this but...

Telesphorus · « **Reply #1 on:** May 05, 2010, 10:46:56 PM »

Automatically excommunicated?

According to whom?

Dulcamara · « **Reply #2 on:** May 05, 2010, 11:03:14 PM »

I thought you had (according to Church law) to go to confession and communion at least once a year in order to remain a Catholic.

Matthew · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2010, 11:13:35 PM »

By breaking one of the Six Commandments of the Church, a Catholic incurs a grave sin, yes. Excommunication, no.

There are certain offenses that used to incur "ipso facto" excommunication -- that is, no pronouncement was necessary, but one was excommunicated by the very deed. Examples include assault on a priest, procuring an abortion (this one might have been changed by the modern Church...)

When one is excommunicated, one must have recourse to the correct official. For some offenses (abortion), the Bishop is sufficient. For other offenses, one must have recourse to the Pope!

Anyhow, it's almost common sense that the first thing a returning Catholic must do is make a good Confession.

Matthew

Dulcamara · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2010, 11:18:01 PM »

Ah... thanks for clarifying.

So yes, obviously then, if there was no excommunication, then they would simply have to go to confession (correctly)...

I'm glad to hear it, for the sake of those we know who are away from the sacraments right now. And happily, I am now ignorant of one less thing. Which is something I suppose we should always aspire to be. (Less ignorant.)

:rolleyes:

Thanks.