Time to know Church rules

Dear Editor, In reply to Sarah Carey’s article ‘Is the Vatican a million miles away from parish life?’  (IC 23/10/14), God and the Church is very merciful, but also just. Everyone has, is and will be welcomed at Mass. However, if any soul is in a state of mortal sin, then that person cannot receive Holy Communion until they have been to Confession and received absolution from a priest. 

Sin is a funny thing; it doesn’t rubber stamp a sign on one’s forehead announcing adulterer, thief, immoral sexually, etc. So each individual has to educate themselves of the rules handed down by God to the Church, abide by them, and not amend, bend or twist them to suit their own circumstances or desires. 

Yours etc.,

Margaret Nolan,

Swinford,

Co, Mayo.