Confession and omitted sins

[andreas430]

I recently made a confssion in which I deliberately omitted a sin that I had planned to confess. The sin is something that I believe is grave matter, however, when I committed it, it was around the time when I was in 8th or 9th grade (about 5 years ago) and I did not fully know or understand Catholic teaching regarding the issue, which would make the sin venial. When I think it through logically, I don’t think I sinned in omitting it, as it was venial, but I still have this nagging feeling that I did something terribly wrong in witholding that sin. I think it’s just a case of me being over-scrupulous, but I would greatly appreciate some reassurance that I didn’t invalidate my confession by this omission (or confirmation of my fears, if I actually did sin and invalidate the confession).

That being said, I fully intend to go to confession tomorrow (Saturday) and confess the sin that I omitted last time.

Thank you to all who read this and help me out.

 

[LISA_Annette]

You do sound as if you have a problem with scrupulosity—it takes one to know one. I know that the nagging doubts and constant reviewing of conscience can cause alot of anxiety. According to my spiritual director, No you ***did not invalidate ***your confession by omitting the sin—because at the time that you committed the sin, you did not have FULL KNOWLEDGE that it was a sin. You may know NOW that it was, and so NOW your responsibility is to AVOID that sin.

You need to tell your confessor about your tendency to worry about sins so that he can help you get through this scrupulous phase—you can get help with spiritual direction outside of confession (if you haven’t already done so). Scrupulous people don’t see the line between serious and not so serious sin, so we want to SAY EVERYTHING compulsively.

Hope this helps----You are fine----someone who cares AS MUCH as you has to be Okay with God. God Bless you

 

[andreas430]

Thank you very much. And Gob bless.

 

[LISA_Annette]

:hug1: No problem—if you need some other encouragement, I will do what I can!

 

[thistle]

Thank you very much. And Gob bless.

While you were in Confession why didn’t you confess the sin anyway? Although not madatory we are encouraged to confess venial sins as well. Its a good habit to get into.

 

[paradoxy]

Confessing something that’s bothering you isn’t a bad idea, but your reasons for omitting it were honest.

Just tell your priest what you wrote here when you confess that sin. He should set your mind at ease about your previous confession.