The Catholic obligation to practice fraternal correction, guiding souls away from sin toward repentance and holiness
Support This Work of Mercy"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother." — Matthew 18:15
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: "Fraternal correction is an obligation of charity" (CCC 1829). This flows from our love for God — whose honor is wounded by sin — and our love for neighbor, whose soul is in peril. When we admonish the sinner, we call them back to the path of righteousness.
The prophet Ezekiel reminds us of the gravity of this duty: "If I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning... he shall die for his sin, but his blood I will require at your hand" (Ezekiel 3:18). St. James echoes this urgency: "Whoever brings back a sinner from his error will save his soul from death" (James 5:20).
"Admonish the Sinner" means more than scolding or judging. It's the charitable duty to call a brother or sister back from the path of sin — gently, privately, and with genuine concern for their soul.
This isn't about being self-righteous or looking down on others. Christ teaches that we must first "remove the plank from your own eye" before addressing the speck in your neighbor's (Matthew 7:5). The goal is always conversion and reconciliation, never condemnation. We admonish because we care — because we want our neighbor to turn from darkness to light, from the devil to God.
In practice, this means encouraging those who have fallen away to return to Confession, gently reminding loved ones of God's teachings, and speaking the truth in love when we see someone harming themselves or others spiritually. It means being a true friend — one who cares enough to risk an uncomfortable conversation.
Divine Mercies Inc. lives out this spiritual work of mercy through our reconciliation ministry. We create spaces where those who have wandered from the faith can find their way back — with dignity, compassion, and no judgment.
We support individuals struggling with sin by connecting them with experienced Catholic counselors and confessors. Our ministry offers one-on-one mentorship, where trained volunteers walk alongside those seeking conversion, providing gentle guidance and prayerful support through their journey back to God.
We also provide resources for families and friends who want to help a loved one return to the faith — practical guidance on how to approach difficult conversations with charity and wisdom. Our goal is always to restore relationships: between the sinner and God, and between family members fractured by sin.
Every person who falls into sin needs someone willing to reach out a hand. But this ministry requires resources — trained volunteers, counseling services, retreat programs, and materials to guide people through their conversion journey.
Your generosity helps Divine Mercies Inc. continue this sensitive, life-changing work. Your support provides the personal attention and spiritual guidance that someone returning to the faith desperately needs. Together, we can help save souls and restore families.
Fraternal correction is an act of love. Help us reach those who are lost and guide them home.
Support This Work of MercyYour donation to the "Admonish the Sinner" restricted fund directly supports confession preparation and reconciliation programs.
100% of your gift goes directly to reconciliation ministry programs. All donations are tax-deductible.