Replies

*** So you’ve never broken the law, then, not even once?
“Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” ***
That’s not an answer. If you won’t write in your own words an answer, including if you want to how this passage relates to perfectly keeping the law, then provide Catholic writing that does provide answers.***

You didn’t answer on if you ever have broken the law.

You also didn’t answer on why you answered that question by quoting John 21:20-22 and explaining the connection between them that you claim is there. If there is one in Catholicism, then bring it forward.

With the way you respond, which is mostly not to the matter at hand, I was answering and still now am only answering on a point or two at time. However, I did indeed allow for you to produce Catholic writing not only on the two questions above that you still haven’t answered, but also on any other point. So you’ve quoted the Catholic catechism on the Ten Commandments. But it’s a passage on the Ten Commandments, not justification. I’ve read the Catholic Catechism on justification and just re-read. There is more grace in it than your responses here suggest.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s1c3a2.htm

Now, you have not addressed grace. Grace is in Jesus’ words, and throughout the Bible. Grace is the message of the Gospel. How do the Ten Commandments fit with it? And if you are keeping the Commandments, do you ever go to Confession then?

You also didn’t answer on why you answered that question by quoting John 21:20-22 and explaining the connection between them that you claim is there.

You did not ask that question.

I’ve read the Catholic Catechism on justification and just re-read. There is more grace in it than your responses here suggest.

Good

How do the Ten Commandments fit with it?

2054 Jesus acknowledged the Ten Commandments, but he also showed the power of the Spirit at work in their letter. He preached a "righteousness [which] exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees"5 as well as that of the Gentiles.6 He unfolded all the demands of the Commandments. "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not kill.' . . . But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment."7

2055 When someone asks him, "Which commandment in the Law is the greatest?"8 Jesus replies: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the prophets."9 The Decalogue must be interpreted in light of this twofold yet single commandment of love, the fullness of the Law:

And if you are keeping the Commandments, do you ever go to Confession then?

Yes

Full Question

Is a Catholic required to go to confession at least once a year if he has not committed a mortal sin?

Answer

No. Church law requires confession only of grave (mortal) sins at least once a year. If a person has committed no mortal sins, he is not obligated to go to confession. The Code of Canon Law states:

After having reached the age of discretion, each member of the faithful is obliged to confess faithfully his or her grave sins at least once a year. (CIC 989)

That said, "it is recommended to the Christian faithful that they also confess venial sins" (CIC 988).

Worded another way

How often do I need to confess?

The Church recommends that Catholics receive the Sacrament of Penance frequently. Strictly speaking, after they’ve reached the age of reason, Catholics are obliged to confess their serious sins at least once a year (CIC 989), but the minimum should not be made a maximum. Catholics should come to confession as soon as possible after they’ve committed a mortal sin. If they’re seeking to grow in holiness, the regular practice of confession at least once a month is commended.