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Nancy G. wrote:

Hi, guys —

Tomorrow my Catholic school has their annual Confession every year before Easter and I want to ask you some questions about some sins.

  • Is it a sin to not pay attention in class?

I have to say most of the time I don't really pay attention.

  • Is this a mortal sin?

In my class, we were supposed to read chapters from a book every night. I haven't been doing that and my class has finished the whole book. Every day we go over and answer questions on a paper dealing with what we read and I just don't do it until the teacher goes over it, calls on people to give the answer, and then I write out an answer. That paper gives us points.

  • Is this a mortal sin?

My Grandma and I go to church when she takes me. One day, we were about to go but I really didn't want to go, so I tried to encourage her to say that we weren't going this week.

  • Was this a mortal sin?

I have lied to multiple people.

  • How should I confess this?

Should I say, I lied to someone.

Nancy G.

  { At my young age, can you tell me if these are mortal sins and, if so, how to confess them? }

Bob replied:

Nancy,

All the things you mentioned are sins and should be confessed; there isn't any one that I would say is a mortal sin because frankly I don't think you are mature enough in some of these areas.

Tell the priest everything. Although you may feel embarrassed, he has heard it all before so don't worry about that.

You only get one life, and one shot at your youth. Stop wasting it; there is no excuse for not doing your best. Boredom and a lack of interest don't cut it. God is counting on you to become the best version of yourself, so do it. Even if you don't see how certain studies really apply to your interests, do your best anyway. The habits you learn in doing, will forge your character.

Think about this:

  • Do you want to get married someday?
  • Have a family?
  • What kind of a husband do you want?
  • Do you want him to be a second-rate version of himself?
  • Someone who doesn't try hard?
  • Do you think your ideal man wants a wife that doesn't work hard?

I know it is hard for young people to imagine their distant future, but your decisions now affect that. Figure out whatever is in your way to getting on that path, and move it out of the way.

Then you will have a lot less to confess.

Peace,

Bob Kirby

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