Confessing

[discernmentinpr]

I am going to confession tonight, for the first time in about three years. I want to confess certain sins that I have committed over the past few years. If I want to confess masturbation, would it be acceptable for me to say: “For having lustful thoughts, and sometimes acting impurely.”

I am just concerned because he has been my spiritual advisor and has helped me discern the priesthood. I am scared he will tell me that because I masturbated I will not be allowed to apply to college seminary, which is the plan. I am scared he will think badly of me.

 

[acadian]

Don’t play games. Just say “I acted impurely with myself.”

Chances are whoever you are confessing to has confessed the same thing at one point or another. Also priests are forbidden from using the information that they have gained in confession to effect things outside of the confessional.

Put it all on the table. Leave nothing unsaid.

Do not be worried about whether someone holds you in high regard. That bit of pride might be something for you to take a look at.

 

[ynotzap]

Some of the finer qualities of a good confessor is one that shows compassion and understanding , and one who has the humility to know he too is a sinner. I had a priest confessor who seemed to forgive me, before I confessed all of my humiliating sins, he made it easy for me, and I thank God for him. I also had a priest, who I assume was very holy, who made me feel like I didn’t know that what I did was serious, as if I intended my weakness, a failure to understand. This is something you may have to face, trust God and it will turn out alright. You are confessing to God through the priest ,a lot of people don’t go because they don’t like the idea of going through the priest but directly to God, there is the Sacramental grace that goes with confession, and also an oppertunity to receive spiritual advice. Have courage.

 

[Mystical_Seeker]

Most males have this problem from time to time. You would definitely not be the first seminarian who struggles with this at some point.

 

[UbiCaritas15]

Jesus never called perfect people, but always those who knew they needed him because they were sinners.

 

[steymard]

Another euphemism he will understand is “the solitary sin”. In any case, he needs to know and you need to confess it. Jesus is waiting for you.

The information you give him in confession will NOT be repeated outside of the confessional. On the other hand, you need to take seriously whatever advice he gives you with regard to discerning the priesthood. Lust and masturbation are serious sins that must be manfully resisted to the uttermost, and it may be that he will tell you to wait on applying in order to take some time to curb these sins. I don’t know.

Also you should be aware that some seminaries (I don’t know how many do) will ask you about your habits and whether you have been living a chaste life. I think this is a legitimate question for them to ask, since the spiritual state of the priest is their responsibility. Don’t despair! This is WONDERFUL that you are going to confession. This Lent, make a habit of it. And if you have to wait, well, the Lord will take care of you.

 

[Mystical_Seeker]

I like the saying, “Every sinner has a future, and every saint has a past.”

MS