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Amy wrote:

Hi, guys —

I am currently in the RCIA program. I committed a mortal sin many, many years ago and have asked God to forgive me of these sins but now wonder if I should confess that sin before receiving my First Communion. I thought I couldn't go to Confession until I was fully a Catholic and celebrated my First Holy Communion.

  • What should I do?

I don't want to do anything against the Church teachings.

Thank you for your answer!

Amy

  { What if I have committed a mortal sin but because I'm not Catholic yet, can't go to Confession? }

Bob replied:

Amy,

It is not entirely clear to me whether you were baptized as an infant or not.

  • If you haven't been baptized, when do you get all your sacraments at the conclusion of RCIA, presumably at the Easter vigil, then baptism will precede the other sacraments washing away the stain of all sin. You will be as white as snow so Confession would not be necessary as it would be redundant.

  • If however, you were already baptized, you should speak to your priest about having Confession before receiving Communion. Above all, don't fear, God knows the intentions of your heart and your desire to be faithful to him. That is the greatest blessing of all.

I wish you well on your way to full entry into the Church.

Peace,

Bob Kirby

Amy replied:

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your quick response!

I was baptized in a Protestant church when I was younger so will not have my past sins washed away.

I will speak to a priest from my parish about Confession before the Easter Vigil. Thank you for your reassuring words of God's understanding of my heart.

Although this sin was many, many years ago and I have no intentions of repeating it. I still want to have a clean heart and come into the Catholic faith with a pure soul. Since learning about mortal sins it has been weighing heavily on my conscience.

Thanks again for your quick answer!

Amy

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