If I smoke, must I confess it every time I go to confession?
The short answer
Smoking in moderation is no sin at all (CCC 2290). It can be excessive, though addiction may reduce culpability. Ask your confessor to assess your culpability and how often to confess it; confessing venial sins brings healing grace.
Smoking in moderation is not a sin (CCC 2290). It can be excessive, but addiction may lessen culpability. Talk with your confessor, who can assess your personal culpability and recommend how often to confess it.
The Church encourages confessing venial sins, because the grace of confession helps heal them and strengthens us against future temptation (CCC 1458).
You might also ask the intercession of Dorothy Day, the American Catholic social activist whose cause for canonization is under investigation; she was a heavy smoker for much of her life.
Continue exploring
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