Can I be vague with a mortal sin confession?

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For the past 6 months,I have been going to church after many years away and really want to be a part of it again. I was raised Catholic, went to Catholic schools, etc., and went to church every Sunday until I was a teenager. This was all during pre-Vatican II, so we’re talking a while back.

I’ve been receiving a blessing at communion time and I now feel ready to go to confession and receive communion. I think I’ve lived a pretty decent life all this time and am a good, loving person with the exception of something I did 32 years ago, which would qualify as a mortal sin. No one knows about it but me and I have been extremely remorseful all this time. I want to be forgiven before I go to communion, but I really don’t want to be specific as to what it is, in the confessional.

Is there any way I can be absolved without actually stating to the priest what it is? It is definitely something for which I’m very, very sorry and I know it would never happen again.
 
I am pretty sure that you cannot be vague with mortal sin. Number one, remember that the priest has probably heard it before. Number too, if it makes you feel better, go to a random town somewhere and to a random church that you will probably see again and make your confession there. It is sometimes easier when you are certain the priest does not know you. And most importantly, remember: you are talking to Jesus through the priest, and He already knows.

Like the previous poster, I say, say it and be done with it. Chances are, nine out of ten, you will feel glorious getting it off your chest at last.
 
He has probably heard worse. Just suck it up and bask in the healing grace that the Sacrament provides.
 
Considering that it’s been some time since your last confession, you might want to call the rectory to schedule an appointment for this. Most importantly, don’t leave the priest uncertain. It’s best simply to name the sin and the number of times you did it, and any aggravating circumstances if necessary. Don’t try to justify your action or add qualifications. If your confessor needs any details, he will ask. He’s heard it all before, so just clearly stating the sin by name and number will not leave him uncertain. Moreover, priests have a tendency of forgetting what they hear in the confessional anyway. Even if he does remember, he can never use it against you, and is bound to keep it always secret under pain of some very strict canonical penalties.

Also, do not wrongly identify any natural tendencies to sin with actual sin itself. We all have weaknesses in character that we prayerfully strive to overcome, and taking this step to renew your life of sacramental grace is the best thing you can do for that. It is best to prepare by using an examination of conscience form like any of these, whichever is most appropriate to your state in life: usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/penance/examinations-of-conscience.cfm.

Oh, and by the way, welcome home.
 
I think it would be difficult to Shock a well seasoned Priest,
Just Blurt t all out,and after that,you will feel better,
 
It might be helpful to write it down and read it. Just get it out. The priest is not interested in the details.
 
Mortal sins must be confessed ordinarily in number and kind (murder 3x, etc). No unnecessary details but one has to get to what the mortal sin was was and circumstances that changes the nature of the sin (like it was ones brother one murdered).

Know that Jesus loves you and wants to give you true life in the Sacraments! He is the Good Shepherd!
 
Kit789 said:
For the past 6 months,I have been going to church after many years away and really want to be a part of it again. I was raised Catholic, went to Catholic schools, etc., and went to church every Sunday until I was a teenager. This was all during pre-Vatican II, so we’re talking a while back.

I’ve been receiving a blessing at communion time and I now feel ready to go to confession and receive communion. I think I’ve lived a pretty decent life all this time and am a good, loving person with the exception of something I did 32 years ago, which would qualify as a mortal sin. No one knows about it but me and I have been extremely remorseful all this time. I want to be forgiven before I go to communion, but I really don’t want to be specific as to what it is, in the confessional.

Is there any way I can be absolved without actually stating to the priest what it is? It is definitely something for which I’m very, very sorry and I know it would never happen again.
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As humiliating and shameful it may be, you must fully confess all mortal sins and state the number of times they were committed, if applicable. Don’t worry about the priest thinking less of you-- he probably won’t remember for very long, and if he does, he is sworn on pain of excommunication to remain silent, even if that means being killed for it. You are confessing to Jesus, and he already knows what you did. Why hide it? The post-absolution feeling of relief can be overwhelming. Deo gratias :signofcross:
 
Jon_Mallory said:
Is it something you could go to jail for?
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It doesn’t matter. Intentionally covering up a mortal sin in confession or trying to mislead the priest is a sacrilege and will invalidate one’s confession. That’s why we shouldn’t have face to face confession Except out of extraordinary circumstances.
 
Jon_Mallory said:
Is it something you could go to jail for?
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It doesn’t matter. The priest still cannot tell anyone. And the law definitely doesn’t determine morality or sin. It’s legal for a mother to kill her baby, but we know that’s a sin. Same with sexual sins- legal yet sinful.
 
Regina7 said:
It doesn’t matter. The priest still cannot tell anyone. And the law definitely doesn’t determine morality or sin. It’s legal for a mother to kill her baby, but we know that’s a sin. Same with sexual sins- legal yet sinful.
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The priest may tell you to go to the police for your penance in case of murder, illegal pornography, etc.
 
Jon_Mallory said:
Is it something you could go to jail for?
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No, it’s a morality issue. I’ve never spoken about it to anyone and I’m having a hard time picturing myself doing so, even to a priest. I’m that ashamed. I’d been planning to go to my grave with it!!! 😦

P.S. I appreciate all the (name removed by moderator)ut here. It’s very helpful. 👍
 
Kit789 said:
For the past 6 months,I have been going to church after many years away and really want to be a part of it again. I was raised Catholic, went to Catholic schools, etc., and went to church every Sunday until I was a teenager. This was all during pre-Vatican II, so we’re talking a while back.

I’ve been receiving a blessing at communion time and I now feel ready to go to confession and receive communion. I think I’ve lived a pretty decent life all this time and am a good, loving person with the exception of something I did 32 years ago, which would qualify as a mortal sin. No one knows about it but me and I have been extremely remorseful all this time. I want to be forgiven before I go to communion, but I really don’t want to be specific as to what it is, in the confessional.

Is there any way I can be absolved without actually stating to the priest what it is? It is definitely something for which I’m very, very sorry and I know it would never happen again.
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It depends on what you mean by not specific. Are you deliberately concealing something or is the sin of a sexual nature and very embarrassing?

When I returned to the Church quite a few years ago I had some pretty horrendous sins that I did not even think at the time committed were even wrong. I was very specific about the acts and the priest said it was not necessary just that he knew what nature the sin was and that I showed contrition.

If the sin is of a sexual nature the priest does NOT need any details just what it was. In no case of mortal sin does one have to go into detail unless the priest asks or is uncertain what is being confessed.

Please do not be afraid as the sacraments bring much grace and God’s forgiveness will wash over you.Remember in that confessional you are speaking to Jesus and He already knows your heart.
 
Kit789 said:
No, it’s a morality issue. I’ve never spoken about it to anyone and I’m having a hard time picturing myself doing so, even to a priest. I’m that ashamed. I’d been planning to go to my grave with it!!! 😦

P.S. I appreciate all the (name removed by moderator)ut here. It’s very helpful. 👍
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I converted when I was an adult. It was HARD to go to confession when you haven’t grown up with it. It is still hard for me sometimes.

The thing to remember is that the priest is not a judge. I have confessed some pretty heavy things (In my opinion!) and I have never once felt judged. In fact, one time the priest told me it wasn’t as sin, under the circumstances! So put your trust in God, confess whatever it is and be free of it.

I will be praying for you. (((hugs)))
 
Kit789 said:
No, it’s a morality issue. I’ve never spoken about it to anyone and I’m having a hard time picturing myself doing so, even to a priest. I’m that ashamed. I’d been planning to go to my grave with it!!! 😦

P.S. I appreciate all the (name removed by moderator)ut here. It’s very helpful. 👍
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Worry not - the Priest has heard so many things…no worries.
 
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