Hi, Sue Ann —

Let me say up front I've been disappointed with Catholic Doors in the past. I used some of their prayers for my Holy Quotes program until the administrator of that website wanted to charge me for using them.

Sitting back and scratching my head: charging money for prayers?  <I don't think so.>

Let's just pray for the people who run that site. I apologize for the poor pastoral manner in which he treated you.

There were two questions in our private dialogue:

• What is a mortal sin?, and
• How do I understand the Catholic view of salvation?
  

These postings should help you understand the Church's view on what mortal sin is and how to deal with it:

• Is it a mortal sin if someone arrives late to Mass or leaves the Church after Holy Communion?
  
• When does getting angry get to the point of being a mortal sin or is it always a mortal sin?
  
• Are having impure thoughts a mortal sin and should I go to Confession before going to Communion?
  
• What's your advice for a 60-year-old gal who struggles with concupiscence and sins of the flesh?
  

On understanding the doctrine: Outside the Church there is no salvation.

Because correctly understanding this teaching is so important to the faithful Catholic, I strongly suggest you read all our postings in this specialized area in our knowledge base.

Hope this helps,

Mike