No. The Catholic Church teaches that there are two different kinds of sins: mortal and venial.1 This is because the Scriptures tell us there are two types of sin: one that leads unto death, or mortal, and one that does not lead unto death, or venial.2
Many sins are habitual, or don’t constitute a serious matter, or don’t involve the full consent of the will. These sins are considered “venial,” which means they do not lead to spiritual death. They may not break our relationship with God, but they do harm our relationship with God. Consequently, Catholics may continue to receive communion, and remain in good standing with the Church, even when they’ve committed venial sin. However, they should seek to confess and repent of these sins whenever possible, because they can easily lead to mortal sin when left unchecked.
Some sins are very serious, involve a serious matter, and do involve the full consent of the will. In these cases, the sin is called mortal, because it does break our relationship with God. A mortal sin can lead to death, and by that is meant spiritual death. The soul in a state of mortal sin is in danger of hell. When one is in a state of mortal sin, one is not in good standing with the Church, and should not present one’s self for communion. Confession and repentance of all known mortal sins are necessary for salvation, and to return into a right relationship with God (a state of grace), and to restore a good standing in the Church.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1854-1864
- 1st John 5:16
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