Confessing Past Sins After Years & Years & Years & Years & Years

[Quaere_Verum]

I began receiving the Sacrament of Penance regularly about 5-6 years ago after about a 20 year period of not going to confession. I confessed the sins of the past which I recalled. However, since then I continue to recall other sins on my own & with the help of an examination of conscience book which lists some mortal & venial sins. I have such a long list now of sins now that earlier on I wasn’t aware of as sins. As I confess them more come up. I don’t know if I’ll ever finish plus it seems like so many to confess during one short time in the confessional w/ a long line of people waiting to receive the sacrament before Mass starts. Any suggestions?

 

[baltobetsy]

First, if you were not aware at the time you committed them that they were sins, you were lacking one of the criteria for mortal sin (that which must be confessed), which is full knowledge. That means you are not guilty of mortal sin for these actions, no matter how horrified you are now at having done them.

If you still would like to confess them all and make a totally fresh start, you can call the priest and make an appointment for a general confession. You’ll have plenty of time, without the pressure of a long line forming behind you.

And of course, the ultimate suggestion, ask the priest in confession. He will be able to give you the correct answer for your personal circumstances.

God bless you!

Betsy

 

[ASimpleSinner]

ask the priest in confession. He will be able to give you the correct answer for your personal circumstances

Really, there you have it.

Talk to your priest. DO NOT run the risk of developping scrupulosity.

 

[LilyM]

If there are any past actions which, though not mortally sinful, still trouble you, talk to your priest about confessing them anyway. In all likelihood they may still have been venial sins, and confession helps with healing the soul for sure.

Or you may wish to simply state at the end of a confession of recent sins ‘for these and all the sins of my past life, especially (name one or two of the most troubling) I am truly sorry’.

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

My suggestion is to seek out a priest that you know to be a good confessor. Ask him to help you make a general confession, i.e., to confess ALL of the sins of your past life. Don’t worry about the numbers, as that would be impossible to remember. At the end of the general confession, with his help, add the phrase, I am sorry for all these sins and those sins I have forgotten, and please ask God to forgive them. (This is an old confessional formula which I have been using since the 1940"s. A confession of this type, is extremely cleansing and brings home the extent of Gods loving Divine Mercy which is infinite. After this, do not worry about any more sins, unless its something like you killed the pope and forgot.
Deacon Ed B

 

[MarieVeronica]

First of all, the fact that you’re using an Examination of Conscience is a great start. I’ve had a similar experience of what you described. I have forgotten about sins from the past… and remembered them, during my next Examination of Conscience. Just save them, for your next Confession. God knows your good intentions. His Mercy is infinite.

It might be helpful to make a special appointment for Confession
(outside of regular Saturday Reconciliation times); that way, you won’t feel pressured to hurry and Father won’t feel the pressure of others waiting in line. And he might be better able to guide you through your Confession. This method has worked well… for my mother. I make a special appointment for her… because she has Alzheimer’s… and takes a long time to make her confession.

God bless.