Q.I understand that for a sin to be a mortal sin it must be “grave matter.” Is it possible to commit a mortal sin because you are unaware of the gravity of the sin, but choose to commit it anyway?
A.This sounds like “hocus-pocus” or a backhanded trick intended to send people into hell who would otherwise be innocent. For those reasons and because the supposed sin lacks any true awareness of the intention to offend God (which is a necessary component for mortal sin), the answer to the question is a resounding no. As an additional point, this question also sounds like the tortuous complexity of scrupulosity more than anything else.
Q.Once and for all, straight out, no nuances with your answer. Is it permissible for a Catholic to attend a non-Catholic wedding, funeral, or any other kind of celebration? Would it not be scandalous to do so?
A.Yes, you may attend events, such as a wedding or a funeral, in a non-Catholic church. You do not need permission, and it is not considered scandalous. Your attendance does not represent your personal seal of approval. It is purely social, cultural, and a necessary experience of living in a world that has many different traditions and practices. Your Catholicism will not suffer or be wounded because you attended these services.