Confessing Past Sins

[gs013564]

For the record, I am a bit scrupulous. I guess I’m not entirely clear on this. If I remember something that I know was mortal, but it definately was many moons ago and I don’t remember confessing it, then is it harmful for me to confess it? I have read that one with scruples should confess past mortal sins only if they are absolutely sure they have not confessed it (I honestly don’t recall confessing it, but its been so long that I don’t know if its because I didn’t or because it was a few years ago).

At the moment, I plan on asking my confessor this Friday, but thought I’d get your responses.

 

[Bookcat]

For the record, I am a bit scrupulous. I guess I’m not entirely clear on this. If I remember something that I know was mortal, but it definately was many moons ago and I don’t remember confessing it, then is it harmful for me to confess it? I have read that one with scruples should confess past mortal sins only if they are absolutely sure they have not confessed it (I honestly don’t recall confessing it, but its been so long that I don’t know if its because I didn’t or because it was a few years ago).

At the moment, I plan on asking my confessor this Friday, but thought I’d get your responses.

We are obliged to confess all mortal sins…and if we forget one…we are to confess it in the next confession. (those with scruples can …well “scruple” here…their confessor can guide them)

As to what you describe above…

While it “can” be fine for one with scruples to confess such as you describe (and even something one should do). However it can also create a real problem for many…

Discuss such with your regular confessor. Ask him how you are to approach such.

Perhaps even one could suggest to him that you follow the following that could be perhaps given for those with scruples:

“Regarding remembering some past sin…there is no need to confess it (or even I should not confess it) unless I am 1. certain it was mortal and 2. certain it was not already confessed as we are to do”.

 

[gs013564]

We are obliged to confess all mortal sins…and if we forget one…we are to confess it in the next confession. (those with scruples can …well “scruple” here…their confessor can guide them)

As to what you describe above…

While it “can” be fine for one with scruples to confess such as you describe (and even something one should do). However it can also create a real problem for many…

Discuss such with your regular confessor. Ask him how you are to approach such.

Perhaps even one could suggest to him that you follow the following that could be perhaps given for those with scruples:

“Regarding remembering some past sin…there is no need to confess it (or even I should not confess it) unless I am 1. certain it was mortal and 2. certain it was not already confessed as we are to do”.

Okay cool. Now, I am pretty sure I did not intentionally withhold these sins (at the time, I was in so much sin that I could scarcely remember them all), so I’m still in the clear for receiving communion as long as my intention is to confess it the next time I make a confession, correct?

 

[Bookcat]

Okay cool. Now, I am pretty sure I did not intentionally withhold these sins (at the time, I was in so much sin that I could scarcely remember them all), so I’m still in the clear for receiving communion as long as my intention is to confess it the next time I make a confession, correct?

You were sorry for etc and seeking to confess all your mortal sins …so then all were absolved. (and thus would not for that reason have to abstain from communion) If there is some mortal sin that one forgot then one is to confess it the next confession.

But as I added you may need to discuss if you should confess these old things your not sure you confessed or not with your confessor due to your scruples…

 

[rowsofvoices9]

For the record, I am a bit scrupulous. I guess I’m not entirely clear on this. If I remember something that I know was mortal, but it definately was many moons ago and I don’t remember confessing it, then is it harmful for me to confess it? I have read that one with scruples should confess past mortal sins only if they are absolutely sure they have not confessed it (I honestly don’t recall confessing it, but its been so long that I don’t know if its because I didn’t or because it was a few years ago).

At the moment, I plan on asking my confessor this Friday, but thought I’d get your responses.

The great moral theologian St. Alphonsus de Liguori’s sats it that if you sincerely cannot remember whether or not you confessed a mortal sin, consider it confessed.

 

[Bookcat]

The great moral theologian St. Alphonsus de Liguori’s sats it that if you sincerely cannot remember whether or not you confessed a mortal sin, consider it confessed.

I believe he may have stated along those lines was to those who are scrupulous. I think too he would agree with what I posted above (see post #2).