Hi Beth,

Thanks for the question.

Kissing a priest, at the right time, in the right place, for the correct reason, is not a mortal sin.
If it were:

• Catholic mothers of priests would not be able to share their affection for their sons, and
• Priests would not be able to share their affection for:
  • their family members or,
  • if done appropriately, with their parishioners . . . including newly baptized babies!

The key behind your question is appropriate behavior in each situation on behalf of the lay Catholic and the priest.

Also remember for a sin to be a mortal sin it must be:

1. a grave matter
2. done with full knowledge, and
3. deliberate consent

I hope this helps,

Mike

Hi, Mike —

You were kind to answer Beth's question that way.

Tell her to stay away from the priest!

Fr. Jonathan