I wonder if I should have been confirmed if I knew I could not practice the faith

[Lady Bug]

Hi, I've written about this sort of thing before. However, for me it bears repeating. On the one hand, I think my life would be more miserable if I had not been confirmed. On the other hand, I had a feeling in the pit of my gut that trying to actually live out the faith would become a burden because of my dad. It's one of those nights where my dad's behavior (i.e. sleep) and emotional patterns are erratic and may ruin my ability to attend Mass. The sin of presumption is rearing its ugly head and saying "You can confess it next week." My misery is compounded by the fact that it would have been nice to go to Mass on the first Sunday of Lent. Trying to just fulfill the basic duties of being a Catholic does not mix with my situation, and I will always wonder if I should have bothered getting confirmed. I knew in my heart that it might not be possible to actually obey the faith the way it's supposed to be obeyed.

 

[RileyG]

God’s peace be with you!

Continued prayers

 

[Gnarwhal]

"Could not" suggests the situation is at least somewhat out of your hands, therefore there's no problem that you were confirmed. If, for example, you were able to practice your faith but knew you "would not" at the time of your confirmation then yeah that would mean you didn't mean the promises and affirmations you made when you were.

Fortunately that's not the case, you have the desire and intention it's just often times beyond your ability to do anything about it. That, as far as I know, eliminates your culpability.

 

[Lady Bug]

"Could not" suggests the situation is at least somewhat out of your hands, therefore there's no problem that you were confirmed. If, for example, you were able to practice your faith but knew you "would not" at the time of your confirmation then yeah that would mean you didn't mean the promises and affirmations you made when you were.

Fortunately that's not the case, you have the desire and intention it's just often times beyond your ability to do anything about it. That, as far as I know, eliminates your culpability.

Now I'm hoping that, at the time, I was in the "could not" camp.

 

[Gnarwhal]

Now I'm hoping that, at the time, I was in the "could not" camp.

I'm sure you were, you seem like you wouldn't have bothered with pursuing the faith at all if it wasn't something you wanted to commit to.

 

[RileyG]

Now I'm hoping that, at the time, I was in the "could not" camp.

Don’t be so hard on yourself. God loves you.

 

[chevyontheriver]

Hi, I've written about this sort of thing before. However, for me it bears repeating. On the one hand, I think my life would be more miserable if I had not been confirmed. On the other hand, I had a feeling in the pit of my gut that trying to actually live out the faith would become a burden because of my dad. It's one of those nights where my dad's behavior (i.e. sleep) and emotional patterns are erratic and may ruin my ability to attend Mass. The sin of presumption is rearing its ugly head and saying "You can confess it next week." My misery is compounded by the fact that it would have been nice to go to Mass on the first Sunday of Lent. Trying to just fulfill the basic duties of being a Catholic does not mix with my situation, and I will always wonder if I should have bothered getting confirmed. I knew in my heart that it might not be possible to actually obey the faith the way it's supposed to be obeyed.

You were right to be confirmed. It is a grace for you which is better for you in all of your crazy challenges. God loves you and has graced you by your baptism and confirmation. Be glad in that. You do have some strengths and the sacraments build on that.

 

[MTMattie]

Hi, I've written about this sort of thing before. However, for me it bears repeating. On the one hand, I think my life would be more miserable if I had not been confirmed. On the other hand, I had a feeling in the pit of my gut that trying to actually live out the faith would become a burden because of my dad. It's one of those nights where my dad's behavior (i.e. sleep) and emotional patterns are erratic and may ruin my ability to attend Mass. The sin of presumption is rearing its ugly head and saying "You can confess it next week." My misery is compounded by the fact that it would have been nice to go to Mass on the first Sunday of Lent. Trying to just fulfill the basic duties of being a Catholic does not mix with my situation, and I will always wonder if I should have bothered getting confirmed. I knew in my heart that it might not be possible to actually obey the faith the way it's supposed to be obeyed.

Have you spoken to or asked guidance from a priest?