Confessing sins in specific detail? Yes or no?

[callmeChris]

I want to go to confession for the first time in a couple months but I recently heard somewhere from a catholic source on purgatory that sins that aren’t confessed or emphasized upon aren’t really forgiven and must be cleansed in purgatory which made me think about sins that you really don’t go into detail in but confess the nature of it.

For example, Confessing that you had watched pornography but dont go into detail as to the type of pornography or the nature of lustful thoughts you have. Is it usually common practice and encourage to be specific about the sins you commit or just say the without getting into too much detail. I’m also asking this because although confession isn’t today i’d like to be absolved but my parish priest will be pretty much in front of me as I do it (IF he hears my confession). I’ve said and done bad things

 

[Ad_Orientem]

Mortal sins have to be confessed in kind and number, e.g. “I watched porn on two occasions.” I wouldn’t give details unless they determine the kind or the gravity of the sin (e.g. some kinds of porn are more perverse than others). If you committed other mortal sins while watching the porn, mention that too, generally. Don’t go into too much detail, both for the priest’s sake and for those waiting in line! If he needs more detail he can ask.

For venial sins it is sufficient to be sorry for them. They don’t have to be mentioned or emphasized. What you may have heard is that sometimes we don’t have enough contrition for the sins we confess, so while they are forgiven, there remains some cleansing we have to undergo. Confessing them may help stir up this contrition. It may also help us to face and conquer them. But unless you have an appointment with the priest, and no one in line, I wouldn’t go through a long list of venial sins; two or three should suffice.

There are other ways to expiate our past sins - sacrifices, good works, reception of Holy Communion, penances, and for that matter receiving the sacrament of Penance.

 

[hwriggles4]

CallMeChris:

Thanks for posting a good, solid question. A good priest years ago mentioned to us that in confession, details aren’t necessary. For example, a man struggling with self-abuse can just say, “Father, I’ve been impure with myself.”

Here’s another thing: it is often advised to do the Examination of Conscience prior to entering the confessional. Priests are so busy these days that they often don’t have time for someone to make a 10-15 minute confession “one on one” in the confessional, even behind the screen (which I prefer behind the screen anyway). If you do want or need some kind of spiritual direction, try making an appointment with a priest in advance.

Here’s another thing: Priests have heard nearly everything, and they cannot break the seal of the confession, so don’t be afraid of going to confession.

Good luck!

 

[veilofveronica]

I know for me, I get incredibly nervous in Confession and don’t always remember all I want to say…that’s all right, as the priest absolves all of your sins, and if you didn’t confess due to your own memory etc, then those sins are covered in absolution.

I don’t think you have to get into detail unless you really feel a need to. The priest will prompt if he needs more detail.

 

[porthos11]

I want to go to confession for the first time in a couple months but I recently heard somewhere from a catholic source on purgatory that sins that aren’t confessed or emphasized upon aren’t really forgiven and must be cleansed in purgatory which made me think about sins that you really don’t go into detail in but confess the nature of it.

For example, Confessing that you had watched pornography but dont go into detail as to the type of pornography or the nature of lustful thoughts you have. Is it usually common practice and encourage to be specific about the sins you commit or just say the without getting into too much detail. I’m also asking this because although confession isn’t today i’d like to be absolved but my parish priest will be pretty much in front of me as I do it (IF he hears my confession). I’ve said and done bad things

Only if it changes the nature of the sin, or constitutes an additional sin.

For example, I struck a man. Fine. You just confessed to the sin of assault or physical harm.

However, if the man you struck is a priest, then you have to mention that fact, because there’s an additional sin: sacrilege.

I stole five dollars from the department store vs. I stole a homeless man’s last five dollars he was going to use to buy his meal with.

Otherwise, details aren’t necessary. I watched porn. Twice. And committed masturbation while at it. Twice. Period.

 

[ccmcmg]

I want to go to confession for the first time in a couple months but I recently heard somewhere from a catholic source on purgatory that sins that aren’t confessed or emphasized upon aren’t really forgiven and must be cleansed in purgatory which made me think about sins that you really don’t go into detail in but confess the nature of it.

Even if the sin has been forgiven/absolved, there can still be time in purgatory for it. Purgatory isn’t for forgiveness of sins.

 

[Vico]

I want to go to confession for the first time in a couple months but I recently heard somewhere from a catholic source on purgatory that sins that aren’t confessed or emphasized upon aren’t really forgiven and must be cleansed in purgatory which made me think about sins that you really don’t go into detail in but confess the nature of it.

For example, Confessing that you had watched pornography but dont go into detail as to the type of pornography or the nature of lustful thoughts you have. Is it usually common practice and encourage to be specific about the sins you commit or just say the without getting into too much detail. I’m also asking this because although confession isn’t today i’d like to be absolved but my parish priest will be pretty much in front of me as I do it (IF he hears my confession). I’ve said and done bad things

What is forgiven through sacramental confession is the eternal punishment of sin. Temporal punishment is resolved in the state of purgatory, and during our remaining life. The Catechism has:

1473 The forgiveness of sin and restoration of communion with God entail the remission of the eternal punishment of sin, but temporal punishment of sin remains. While patiently bearing sufferings and trials of all kinds and, when the day comes, serenely facing death, the Christian must strive to accept this temporal punishment of sin as a grace. He should strive by works of mercy and charity, as well as by prayer and the various practices of penance, to put off completely the “old man” and to put on the "new man."85