Q. When I was younger, I made a vow to God that I would become a religious. Now, I am older, and I really do not want to become a priest or a nun, but I feel trapped by the vow. Would it be a mortal sin to choose a different vocation?
A. No. Do not let piety interfere with the reality of your life. You did not make a vow that binds you to a promise. For a vow to be binding, it must be public, and it must be received and confirmed by a person with the necessary authority to receive a vow. If these conditions are not in place—and, from your description, it sounds like they are not—then it is piety, not obligation.
Q. I am really confused by the requirement of “restitution” for the forgiveness of sins. Trying to figure this out is very confusing. I do not know what is expected of me.
A. Let me help you with your confusion. Restitution is a requirement of the sacrament of reconciliation only when it is imposed as a condition by the confessor. If it is not imposed, there is no requirement. You cannot self-impose a penalty; in fact, it would be foolhardy to do so.