E
ecm11
Guest
Is there a rule on going to confession after years of not going to mass? Also, what is the priests role in not telling others your sins (specifically if it involves location)?
- Status
1
1ke
Guest
I’m not sure what you mean by “a rule” regarding going to Confession.
In general, a person who has not been going to Mass is in a state of mortal sin and would need to go to Confession and receive absolution prior to receiving the Eucharist.
A priest may not tell anyone anything revealed during Confession.
J
jmcrae
Guest
There is only one word in this rule: GO!
You might like to make an appointment outside of regular confession times if you are worried or nervous about this.
I have no idea what you are referring to with regard to “location.” The priest cannot tell on you to anyone at all, ever, even if they are torturing him for the information. (Nor would he ever wish to.)
B
baltobetsy
Guest
You may wish to make an appointment if you think you would like to talk things over with the priest in an unhurried setting. A parish penance service or Saturday Confession time might make you feel rushed knowing there are many people in line behind you.
Examine your conscience so you are able to tell the priest your sins by kind and number. You don’t need to actually do the math on things like missing Sunday Mass - you can just say you have not been active in the Church or attending Mass and receiving the sacraments for X number of years. You will surely be able to assign a number to unforgettable sins like murder or bank robbery or divorce and remarriage without an annullment. But you can estimate the rest - I’ve lied several times a week all my adult life, I get drunk every weekend, I usually sleep with somebody on the third date keep doing so until we break up. I’ve had 6 relationships like this. And so on.
The priest may*** never, ever, under any circumstances***, reveal what you have told in your confession. He is not bound by the laws that doctors and teachers are, requiring them to report to authorities those who might be a danger to themselves or to others, even children. He may not even speak to you about your sins at a later time without your express permission. When you tell your sins and they are absolved, THEY ARE GONE! They will not come back to haunt you through the priest.
Betsy
Examine your conscience so you are able to tell the priest your sins by kind and number. You don’t need to actually do the math on things like missing Sunday Mass - you can just say you have not been active in the Church or attending Mass and receiving the sacraments for X number of years. You will surely be able to assign a number to unforgettable sins like murder or bank robbery or divorce and remarriage without an annullment. But you can estimate the rest - I’ve lied several times a week all my adult life, I get drunk every weekend, I usually sleep with somebody on the third date keep doing so until we break up. I’ve had 6 relationships like this. And so on.
The priest may*** never, ever, under any circumstances***, reveal what you have told in your confession. He is not bound by the laws that doctors and teachers are, requiring them to report to authorities those who might be a danger to themselves or to others, even children. He may not even speak to you about your sins at a later time without your express permission. When you tell your sins and they are absolved, THEY ARE GONE! They will not come back to haunt you through the priest.
Betsy
P
puzzleannie
Guest
don’t understand the question
the rule is that if you have missed Mass willingly without a compelling reason, objectively you have sinned and must confess before receiving communion. One may attend Mass in a state of mortal sin, but not receive communion. Indeed the graces of Mass will help one return to confession.
the priest must absolutely and without qualification keep everythign said in confession to himself, cannot mention to anyone outside confession, even to the penitent unless the penitent brings it up, and cannot take any action based on the contents of the confession, and cannot and will not even act as if he knows or remembers what is said. don’t know what location has to do with it.
- Status