Blackice71

I just saw your request and you can be assured of my family's prayer. I will also offer a special fast for your intention this week.

You should go see your priest. Satan will tell us that we are too bad for forgiveness, that ours is a private shame to be borne. Christ gives us a different message, but we have to be in a place to hear that.

You are going to have to do what is necessary to open you heart to Grace – that starts with a full and complete confession. Make an appointment with the priest so that you won't feel pressured to "move it along" during scheduled confession times; ask for his counsel. In all likelihood, he can direct you to a resource in your area like St. Joseph's Covenant.

You sound like you are suffering, blackice. Please seek help through the Church. You have a lot of people praying for you now.

A couple of suggestions; take 'em or leave 'em:
– never be in a place alone with a woman; leave a door open and make sure that someone else is with you.
– install protection software on your computer; and give your wife sole administrative rights – you needn't even say why, yet
– carve out time for you and your wife; go for a walk around the block or out for coffee – anything to keep you away from occasions of sin and help you reconnect with her
– drop cable TV if you have it. It is both a barrier to communication and a conduit for putting temptation before you
– take custody of your eyes; avert them from magazines at the checkout line, billboards, women on the street or at your workplace
– take stock of yourself and reflect on what it is to be a man of virtue

In Christ,
Michael