Ask a Priest Anything...about Confession!

[Herculees]

You say “us lay folks should refrain” and yet you are responding and many other’s who are NOT priests are responding. I’ve given an opinion when I have not seen an answer from a priest.

 

[edward_george1]

Read more carefully. I’ve answered most of what you’re answering, and if I haven’t, another priest has. And a lot of what you’re saying isn’t accurate.

 

[Herculees]

What have I said that is inaccurate? I’ve usually responded when I’ve seen no response!
I post I’m NOT a priest so as not to deceive anyone!

 

[edward_george1]

We are ALL under the seal of the confessional IF we overhear someone’s confession!

Not technically correct; the seal only technically binds the priest. Others are expected to maintain confidentiality about what they overhear in confession, but it isn’t the same as the sacramental seal, at least insofar as the priest is automatically excommunicated for betraying the penitent, while there is no automatic penalty for the one who overhears (even the translator). The law provides that they are punished with a “just penalty,” but one which must be declared.

He said
that he would not permit this but rather I could stand just outside the door while she
was in there. Unfortunately the one chose not to return to the sacrament.

He was right to not permit this, and I would imagine that he was telling you to stand outside, but not to listen.

I would then suggest confessing whatever you feel you have done wrong, and not worry about whether it was sinful, etc.

I have said repeatedly on here, and others with me, that feelings are not sins. We are to confess sins, not feelings, not things we think might be sins. Confession is the time to mention that we are unsure about what is or isn’t a sin, maybe to ask questions, but your advice isn’t exactly complete here.

I would say the fact that your thinking of it while in the confessional means it should be brought up. It doesn’t really matter whether or not it is sinful since it is on your mind then it should be confessed.

This is totally not true, and this is terrible advice to give to someone who is scrupulous or struggling with OCD. I notice you reply to me here, and not to someone asking the question, so I have to wonder if you think my advice is wrong.

Just because it’s on your mind doesn’t mean you should confess it. I have heard many confessions of people who come in, confess feelings and guilt and emotions and bad things happening to them for five whole minutes without ever mentioning one single sinful action. Sin is action. Sin is not things that happen to us. Sin is not things we feel.

IMHO you don’t have to worry if your sins are venial or mortal,
but rather you should go to confession and confess your sins.
For sins to be forgiven you must be sorry, confess your sins, and
make satisfaction for your sins.

You do need to make that distinction, though, between mortal and venial sin, because venial sins don’t actually need to be confessed and can be remitted in other ways, though we should confess them out of humility.

And making satisfaction is not, of itself, necessary for forgiveness; confession and absolution suffice. We cannot refuse to do penance when the priest offers it, i.e. we must accept the penance, but if we forget to do it, absolution is still valid. Forgiveness is not conditioned on our doing the penance if we legitimately forgot.

 

[edward_george1]

I would highly encourage to go once a month, but if you consider that to much for
you maybe consider going with the change of seasons (quarterly).

I have repeatedly, on this thread, if you read back over it very carefully, explained the frequency with which people should go to confession. You said you only are answering where a priest hasn’t. I have actually stated that frequency several times here and in other threads.

 

[annad347]

To have a strong faith one should really go to confession more than once a year!

I appreciate your help, but please undestand I go to a Catholic confession to remain an active practicing Catholic for its God will that I do so, I personal confess my sins to the Lord every day. I was wondering if I should this year, and since God made it possible, I did.

Though I wish I had the answer to the other question I had in that post before I went to cinfesss, but I guess God wanted me face my fear of speaking that confession solely with the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen

I do have another question: Are priest required or atleast encouraged to take
psychological or therapy classes?

I know they’re not therapist or psychiatrist but I was thinking if they took classes it would help give advise to their parishioners.

 

[edward_george1]

Are priest required or atleast encouraged to take
psychological or therapy classes?

Yes. Undergraduate seminary studies include a semester of psychology, and theological studies in preparation for the priesthood include a class in pastoral counseling. I tell people that I don’t have the training or credentials to actually treat mental health issues, but I am equipped to know where those limits are and when to refer someone. It’s like being a counseling EMT.

 

[annad347]

I was wondering because of the responses I got from the priest.

I did receive absolution and advise but not for the one sin I most afraid to confess, so Im guessing he ether didnt understand my sin, forgot or didnt have advise for me, but either way I’m good.

Thank you.

By the way your first and last name, weather real or not are the names of my 1st and 2nd brothers… Cool, huh?