On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics, a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.
What’s a mortal sin? Is it a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sunday? What about if I eat meat on Friday during Lent?
Is your sin a grave violation of God’s law? Did you have full knowledge that you were being disobedient? Did you have any choice in the matter? These are things for you to consider. Attending Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation is the first precept of the Church. Observing days of fasting and abstinence during Lent is the fourth precept. (The others are going to confession at least annually, receiving the Eucharist at least during the Easter season, and helping to provide for the Church’s material needs.)
In general, if something you did or didn’t do is weighing heavily on your soul or conscience, whether the offense was mortal or venial (a slight offense to God), going to confession will help.
