[armydoc]

Actually, with such a definition, there may not be as many people living in mortal sin as you think.

Is missing Sunday Mass without a "valid" reason a mortal sin? Polls consistently show that only 25-35% of self-identified Catholics attend Mass weekly. Is the sacrament of Penance (sacramental absolution; confession) necessary for forgiveness of mortal sin? Polls consistently show that only 10-30% self-identified Catholics attend confession regularly (and I would guess those who do attend are not primarily the ones who miss Mass frequently). Putting this all together, you have to come to the conclusion that the majority of American Catholics live in a state of mortal sin most of the time.

[sinkspur]

Putting this all together, you have to come to the conclusion that the majority of American Catholics live in a state of mortal sin most of the time.

You would; I would not.

Anyway, the original discussion was that there were too many Catholics who DO go to Mass also going to Communion. I don't agree with that.