[Forest Keeper]

Neither baptism nor confirmation are repeatable.

Yes, my error in not being clear. I meant that I've been told that the process of committing mortal sin, losing salvation (Spirit gone), confessing, regaining salvation (Spirit back), is repeated.

But the sacrament of reconciliation, so far as I understand, is not (or does not effect) a re-entering of the Holy Spirit into the body of the penitent; it restores the penitent into communion with the Church and with God (including with the divine Person of the Holy Spirit).

OK, I don't claim to know what is correct Catholic theology on this matter, I was just reporting what I have been told by those who have convinced me they know what they're talking about. :) If I read you correctly above, then a person who is in a damned state (post-mortal sin, but before reconciliation) still has the Spirit within him (all this is in the alternative to what Harley has found on Catholic websites :) but is just not in communion with the Spirit. If so, then what do you say happens when such a person dies before reconciliation? Wouldn't the only conclusion be that the Spirit has failed in His job? Wouldn't that be a breakage of the holy seal that the Spirit IS and represents?

[adiaireton8]

As my priest has told me, it is precisely the presence of God in hell that makes hell so miserable for the damned. The love of God is for them like a burning fire that is painful and repulsive. In other words, God never leaves; it would be impossible for Him to do so. He is necessarily everywhere, sustaining all things by the word of His power. And of course the Holy Spirit never "fails". But in Catholic doctrine humans have free will. Humans put themselves in hell; the Holy Spirit does not force anyone into heaven or hell.

-A8