Father,

I am struggling very much with a teaching of the church. I am trying very hard to follow all the teachings. I pray the rosary every day and I go to daily mass. I also study for 2 to 3 hours every day. Through my studies I have come to understand many things and have changed my ways except for one particular thing. Financially and medically, I feel we cannot have another child. It would be devastating losing my wife or not having a mother for my 3 young children. Sex is a very important part of our marriage. Because of this, I am not following the Church's teaching on contraception. I understand about NFP, but am not willing to take a small chance, and I know of people who this method has not worked for, and contraception has been working for us for many years. I am even contemplating a vasectomy. Because I am unwilling to change my view on this, I feel I cannot receive a valid penance and therefore cannot recieve the holy eucharist. I wonder if my prayers are even worth it. It is only this one issue that pains me. I feel there is nothing more I can do. Like I mentioned, I am already spending 4 hours of my day in prayer and studies. If a person makes a conscience decision to sin, does this mean he should leave the Church? It would be so easy for me to follow the protestant teachings. What is the proper thing to do in this situation?

Thank You and God Bless You.

The proper thing for you to do is learn about the most effective method of natural family planning as well as about the possible serious damaging side effects of contraception. I suggest that you contact the Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha to learn about the most effective method of natural family planning. Telephone: 402-390-6600.

COPYRIGHT 2009

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