Asking for forgiveness out of confession

[Kathrin]

If I realize I did something wrong. I couldn’t resist a temptation, for example. Small things. Or I had a superstitious thought or something and later realize that was stupid. It’s ok to pray and tell God I’m sorry and ask for His forgiveness, right? I don’t have to go to confession for everything?

Kathrin

 

[Leopard]

Correct. Every time you realize you have committed some sin you should immediately ask God for forgiveness. It is only Mortal sins that normally must be absolved in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is not to say that it is not a good thing to confess venial sins, only that it is not absolutely necessary.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Leopard is right that only mortal sins need to be confessed. Venial sins can be forgiven in many ways.

You might find it helpful to read the section of the Catechism on forms on penance. Go here and see #1434-1439. It talks about other ways of obtaining forgiveness.

 

[promethius]

Correct. Every time you realize you have committed some sin you should immediately ask God for forgiveness. It is only Mortal sins that normally must be absolved in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is not to say that it is not a good thing to confess venial sins, only that it is not absolutely necessary.

Add to that, on top of saying an immediate prayer of apology to God, Communion serves to remove the stain of venial sin from us as well.

 

[PJM]

=Kathrin;4984460]If I realize I did something wrong. I couldn’t resist a temptation, for example. Small things. Or I had a superstitious thought or something and later realize that was stupid. It’s ok to pray and tell God I’m sorry and ask for His forgiveness, right? I don’t have to go to confession for everything?

Kathrin

:tiphat:Right on!:clapping:

The only sins that MUST be Confessed are ALL of the Mortal Sins; with quanity and circumstances if revelan.

However it is a good and saintly practice to confess veniel sins, especailly if we find ourselves committing them with any kind of regularity:blushing:

Love and prayers, you’re doing GREAT!

 

[Kathrin]

As far as penance goes… a priest just told me recently that it is not good to punish myself when I think I did something wrong. I’ve had the tendency to do that: Think that if I did something even just a little wrong, I have to go and punish myself somehow, e.g. by not doing something I enjoy etc.

Just another situation last night! Not a thought I had, but: One of my Lenten intentions is: No uncontrolled snacking. Well last night I had some bread and fruit because I was hungry, but then I went back to the kitchen there was a piece of bread left and I was already full but the bread was so good, I came up with some excuse or other that I could finish it off.
Well. Now I know that was wrong. I think it’s not a mortal sin? But I gave in to temptation. I asked God for forgiveness. I skipped something I like for breakfast today. I hope I’m ok… I still feel guilty. I think it would be exaggerated to go to confession just because of this? I am not sure though.

Kathrin

 

[thistle]

As far as penance goes… a priest just told me recently that it is not good to punish myself when I think I did something wrong. I’ve had the tendency to do that: Think that if I did something even just a little wrong, I have to go and punish myself somehow, e.g. by not doing something I enjoy etc.

Just another situation last night! Not a thought I had, but: One of my Lenten intentions is: No uncontrolled snacking. Well last night I had some bread and fruit because I was hungry, but then I went back to the kitchen there was a piece of bread left and I was already full but the bread was so good, I came up with some excuse or other that I could finish it off.
Well. Now I know that was wrong. I think it’s not a mortal sin? But I gave in to temptation. I asked God for forgiveness. I skipped something I like for breakfast today. I hope I’m ok… I still feel guilty. I think it would be exaggerated to go to confession just because of this? I am not sure though.

Kathrin

Lenten intentions are voluntary so if you break them its not any kind of sin.

 

[promethius]

As far as penance goes… a priest just told me recently that it is not good to punish myself when I think I did something wrong. I’ve had the tendency to do that: Think that if I did something even just a little wrong, I have to go and punish myself somehow, e.g. by not doing something I enjoy etc.

Just another situation last night! Not a thought I had, but: One of my Lenten intentions is: No uncontrolled snacking. Well last night I had some bread and fruit because I was hungry, but then I went back to the kitchen there was a piece of bread left and I was already full but the bread was so good, I came up with some excuse or other that I could finish it off.
Well. Now I know that was wrong. I think it’s not a mortal sin? But I gave in to temptation. I asked God for forgiveness. I skipped something I like for breakfast today. I hope I’m ok… I still feel guilty. I think it would be exaggerated to go to confession just because of this? I am not sure though.

Kathrin

As another poster stated, lenten abstentions are voluntary, so there was no sin whatsoever. Two things to note though:

1. it sounds like you suffer from scrupilosity. Talk to your priest about this.
2. Your priest is right, you cannot effectively punish yourself or self-determine an appropriate or even effective penance. Penance is ONLY effective when given in conjunction with the sacrament of reconciliation. Further, to supplant Christ’s sacriments with your own brand of self-punishment is a VERY bad practice. Say a brief prayer and go to communion for venial sins, go to confession for mortal sins. That’s it.