Confession at first opportunity

  • Thread starter Thread starter BoomBoomMancini
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
B

BoomBoomMancini

Guest
So I know when we sin, at least mortally, we’re obliged to go to confession as soon as possible. Does this mean literally as soon as humanly possible? For example, if someone is struggling with a habitual mortal sin, like looking at pornography, are they okay to go to confession weekly before Mass? Or is the expectation that they will go to the first confession available, even if that means driving a great distance to a different parish that has a different confession schedule? Or could it mean the next regularly scheduled confession they can get to at a nearby parish, as long as it’s before taking Communion?
 
Whenever you can.

If it means driving three hours because you have the time, go for it.

If it means waiting a bit for the next regular confession schedule, go for it.

If it means approaching a priest after or before Mass to have a quick confession heard, go for it.

If it means having to wait out the weekend, abstain from Holy Communion in the meantime then go for the next available confession, sure, why not?

Whatever works for you given all practical and spiritual circumstances.
 
I think a good thing to do is to say a quick act of contrition right after you realize you are in mortal sin. Try to be perfectly contrite.

God is very merciful, and knows your heart better than you do.

Then go to confession as soon as possible. I highly doubt you’d have to drive 3 hours away to find a priest willing to hear a confession. If it is really bothering you, maybe make a call to your diocese. Im sure the diocese website has a list of confession times for parishes near you.
 
Rbaker said:
I highly doubt you’d have to drive 3 hours away to find a priest willing to hear a confession. .
Click to expand...
Well, no. I was exaggerating to point out what “earliest opportunity” could mean if taken literally/to an extreme. Someone in a very rural area might have to travel a long distance if they wanted to confess on, say, a random Tuesday.

I live in a large urban area, so there are plenty of parishes around. But most of them that have weekday confessions have it around noon, when I’m working. My normal practice with struggling to deal with habitual sin has been confession before Mass each week. Seems to be working and I think I’m making progress, but I was wondering if I’m failing in my obligation to confess at the earliest opportunity, since technically I could miss work, or ask a priest to hear my confession outside the scheduled time, etc. But that seems a little annoying for the priest, since I’m a healthy 30 year old man and not in any danger of death. I imagine the priest would think, “This really couldn’t have waited till Saturday, huh?”
 
BoomBoomMancini said:
So I know when we sin, at least mortally, we’re obliged to go to confession as soon as possible. Does this mean literally as soon as humanly possible? For example, if someone is struggling with a habitual mortal sin, like looking at pornography, are they okay to go to confession weekly before Mass? Or is the expectation that they will go to the first confession available, even if that means driving a great distance to a different parish that has a different confession schedule? Or could it mean the next regularly scheduled confession they can get to at a nearby parish, as long as it’s before taking Communion?
Click to expand...
Go for the next scheduled Confession in your parish would be just fine. In the mean time be sorry for your sin. 🙂
 
While you certainly should, for the sake of your soul, go to confession as soon as possible after committing a grave sin, the Church doesn’t oblige such. One is only obliged to confess grave sins once a year. Canon law is clear on that.
I struggle with semi-regular gravely sinful habits but sometimes getting to confession immediately would mean missing work or important family obligations.
 
BoomBoomMancini said:
So I know when we sin, at least mortally, we’re obliged to go to confession as soon as possible. Does this mean literally as soon as humanly possible? For example, if someone is struggling with a habitual mortal sin, like looking at pornography, are they okay to go to confession weekly before Mass? Or is the expectation that they will go to the first confession available, even if that means driving a great distance to a different parish that has a different confession schedule? Or could it mean the next regularly scheduled confession they can get to at a nearby parish, as long as it’s before taking Communion?
Click to expand...
What is a Mortal sin, remains a mortal sin [although culpability MIGHT be lessened conditionally]… BUT a FIRM commitment to make every human and spiritual effort {GODS the Judge here], is to be made to avoid a recurring sinful action.

Therefore one MAY NOT partake of Catholic Holy Communion in Mortal sin.

Confessions are not only at scheduled times, BUT appointments CAN be made for a private Confession,

IF the only way to get to Confession becomes a hardship, then so be it! Life is the “God TEST”, we flunk or pass on our own choices. Amen!

Pray much,

God Bless you

Patrick
 
PJM said:
What is a Mortal sin, remains a mortal sin [although culpability MIGHT be lessened conditionally]… BUT a FIRM commitment to make every human and spiritual effort {GODS the Judge here], is to be made to avoid a recurring sinful action.

Therefore one MAY NOT partake of Catholic Holy Communion in Mortal sin.

Confessions are not only at scheduled times, BUT appointments CAN be made for a private Confession,

IF the only way to get to Confession becomes a hardship, then so be it! Life is the “God TEST”, we flunk or pass on our own choices. Amen!

Pray much,

God Bless you

Patrick
Click to expand...
Well said, Patrick. 👍 The OP nevertheless can wait for the next available scheduled Confession or when he is able to do so.
 
This is a question your confessor is better suited to answer. I’m guessing there’s a difference between habitual sins and more deliberate sins, but we’re not equipped to give you direction. Some of us are overly scrupulous. Others overly lay. Speak with a priest at the end of your next confession. (Try to be early. Or schedule an appointment.)
 
One is not obliged to go right away…but seek out confession the sooner the better…

One would seek to make an act of perfect contrition in the mean time (see the Catechism) which includes the resolution to go to Confession as soon as possible.

(one can read such as “as soon as reasonably possible”)
 
Speaking quite literally at first opportunity, I made a mortal sin and suddenly realised the priest would be in the Church but would soon lock up after daily mass, so I ran as fast as I could in the pouring rain and I made it in the end!!!
 
camkutz said:
speaking quite literally at first opportunity, i made a mortal sin and suddenly realised the priest would be in the church but would soon lock up after daily mass, so i ran as fast as i could in the pouring rain and i made it in the end!!!
Click to expand...
god bless you both!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top