The sin did involve grave matter, but the sinner either was not aware their action was a grave matter or they were forced to do it by someone else.Ĭonfide your sin in a priest, or a trusted friend, relative, or authority figure, whenever possible.

Even if the sinner knew it was a sin and chooses to do it at their free will, minor sins cannot 'add up' to be mortal sins, but may tempt you to do so. Examples of minor sins are stealing $10 from your parents without asking, shoplifting a bottle of Coke, flipping off another driver, cheating on a school test, getting involved in a bar fight, and breaking civil laws of your jurisdiction.

The sin is minor (does not involve grave matter).

Fortunately, most sins are venial sins (very few offenses qualify as mortal sins). God may assign you to purgatory, where you will temporarily be punished with suffering, but unlike Hell, purgatory is temporary and upon completing your punishment, you can enter Heaven afterward. However, venial sins do not give you a 'free pass' to do it, it can possibly lead you to commit a mortal sin.

A venial sin is a minor sin that can hurt your relationship with God, but is not severe enough to end your relationship with him or send you to Hell.

The sinner chooses to do it anyway at their free will.The sinner must fully understand the sin they are about to commit is a mortal sin.Examples of grave sins (Sins eligible to be mortal if the two conditions below are also met) are murder, abortion, rape, fraud, abusing or selling illegal drugs, arson, bullying, adultery (cheating on your spouse, fiancee, or boyfriend/girlfriend), or fighting someone with the intent to seriously injure them or kill them. This means the sin is very evil and severe and violates the 10 commandments. In order for a sin to be mortal, all three conditions must be met (If one of them are missing, no mortal sin can be committed):

If you die with a mortal sin left unrepentant, you will go to Hell. A mortal sin is a very serious sin that ends your relationship with God and will prevent you from receiving the Eucharist indefinitely until you confess and repent.Venial sins are automatically forgiven after attending mass. Venial sins are not required to be confessed, but it is strongly recommended you do so. In confession, all mortal sins are required to be confessed in order for a confession to be valid and for God to forgive your sins. Know the difference between a 'venial sin' and 'mortal sin'.

Confess by