John,

Most people probably go to Purgatory first, but some can go directly to Heaven if they are so detached from sin and worldly things that they have no need to be cleansed and purified.

Any time you sin, you require purification from the effects of that sin. You can be purified through suffering on Earth, or in Purgatory for that purification you never underwent on Earth.

You cannot go to Purgatory and then to Hell — because all of those in Purgatory are in God's friendship and are destined for Heaven.

Eric

Hi John,

In addition to Eric's answers check out these postings which address your questions very well:

My favorite web postings on Purgatory are these:

• What is Purgatory, why does it only apply to Catholics, and what is the Scriptural basis for this?
• Do we go to Purgatory (if necessary) when we die or do we sleep until the Judgement Day?

There are more web postings on Purgatory in our database here:

• site:AskACatholic.com Purgatory
  

I hope this helps,

Mike