Confession During the Week

[ccmcmg]

I’m a little confused on the need for confession during the week. I try to make it to daily mass a couple times a week. Sometimes I go to confession but let’s say you are not living in mortal sin. Venial sins are absolved when receiving the Eucharist. So if I go to mass on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday again and if I haven’t committed a mortal sin, what is the need for confession? Of course i will have venial sins in between the masses but I would go to confession right before the daily mass. So if my sins are about to be forgiven when I partake in the Eucharist, why go to confession right before that?

Some parishes have it daily in my area; others are once or twice a week. Growing up, we were lucky if the priest was available for more than 10 minutes before Mass.

Just because you personally don’t need daily confession (or even weekly) doesn’t mean that someone out there doesn’t need confession that particular day. And what does it hurt? My preferred confession times are during the week, generally before Mass. It allows me to receive the Most Holy Eucharist in as near of a state of Grace as I can get! Many of my venial sins are those that are repeated, sadly. I still need forgiveness for them.

Personally, why wouldn’t we receive one of the great gifts that God has given us and our Church offers? How many Sacraments can we receive more than once? Take advantage of it!

People commit mortal sins every day of the week, not just right before Saturday confession; plus, if they ‘wait’ they may put it off indefinitely. I’m quite sure that there have been people who died with mortal sin unconfessed, who thought that whenever they got to confession next would be ‘soon enough’. There are some ‘mortal’ sins that are difficult to overcome, and could easily happen daily.

Are you concerned that you think you’re supposed to go to Confession daily, before every Mass?

Here are some links and info for some clarification:
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=19936&highlight=Communion+venial+sins
*Jim Blackburn, Apologist/Catholic.com
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) is generally required for the remission of mortal sins committed after Baptism (which forgives all sins). The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) explains, “Christ instituted the sacrament of Penance for all sinful members of his Church: above all for those who, since Baptism, have fallen into grave sin, and have thus lost their baptismal grace and wounded ecclesial communion. It is to them that the sacrament of Penance offers a new possibility to convert and to recover the grace of justification” (CCC 1446).

While sacramental confession of all sins is recommended (cf. Code of Canon Law, 988.2), venial sins may be confessed directly to God. Moreover, the Catechism notes, “[Scripture and the Fathers] cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of sins: efforts at reconciliation with one’s neighbor, tears of repentance, concern for the salvation of one’s neighbor, the intercession of the saints, and the practice of charity which covers a multitude of sins” (CCC 1434).

Perfect contrition also obtains forgiveness. “When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible” (CCC 1452).*

ewtn.com/faith/teachings/euchb2.htm
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=707862

 

[CatholicSooner]

Yes there is a benefit from going to Confession but the Holy Communion forgives, absolves and cleanses all at the same time.

Well I’ve heard this and the opposite in this thread without either quoting the CCC. Does anybody really know if communion absolves the sin?

 

[babochka]

Well I’ve heard this and the opposite in this thread without either quoting the CCC. Does anybody really know if communion absolves the sin?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) explains, “As bodily nourishment restores lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens our charity, which tends to be weakened in daily life; and this living charity wipes away venial sins” (CCC 1394)

In the Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgy, we pray a prayer before Communion. In it, we specifically pray that our Holy Communion be for the remission of sins.

O Lord, I believe and profess that You are truly Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first.
Accept me as a partaker of Your mystical Supper, O Son of God; for I will not reveal Your mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief I confess to You:
Remember me, O Lord, when You shall come into Your kingdom. Remember me, O master, when You shall come into Your kingdom. Remember me, O Holy One, when you shall come into Your kingdom.
May the partaking of Your holy mysteries, O Lord, be not for my judgment or condemnation but for the healing of soul and body.
O Lord, I also believe and profess that this, which I am about to receive, is truly Your Most Precious Body, and Your Life-Giving Blood, which I pray, make me worthy to receive for the remission of all my sins and life everlasting. Amen.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me.
O Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number.

 

[InNomineDomini]

~ Pope Benedict XVI (answering childrens questions)

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2005/october/documents/hf_ben_xvi_spe_20051015_meeting-children_en.html

What a beautiful response, and what a wonderful link!

 

[CatholicSooner]

So is there nothing definitive on if communion absolves sins or just forgives them?

 

[chimo]

So is there nothing definitive on if communion absolves sins or just forgives them?

To be absolved and forgiven is the same thing. Try not to separate the two.

 

[Bookcat]

So is there nothing definitive on if communion absolves sins or just forgives them?

Yes as noted Absolution is different. They are different Sacraments with different aspects effects as noted above.

Reception of Holy Communion does not “absolve” - such happens during the Sacrament of Confession.

 

[CatholicSooner]

Yes as noted Absolution is different. They are different Sacraments with different aspects effects as noted above.

Reception of Holy Communion does not “absolve” - such happens during the Sacrament of Confession.

But where is this located in church teaching? I believe Pope Benedict said it wipes or washes away our sins. To me, that means it is like the sin never happened.

 

[CatholicSooner]

To be absolved and forgiven is the same thing. Try not to separate the two.

Not necesarily. You can still be forgiven for an act but have to pay the consequence

 

[Bookcat]

But where is this located in church teaching? I believe Pope Benedict said it wipes or washes away our sins. To me, that means it is like the sin never happened.

One can see the Catechism and Compendium or various other documents and works of Sacramental Theology.

Washing away or wiping away of sins is yes a forgiving but it not the same effects as the Sacrament of Confession - not the same Sacrament. Absolution is about the Sacrament of Confession.

(and in any case temp. effects too can remain in both cases…so it is not as if the sin never happened…).

 

[CatholicSooner]

One can see the Catechism and Compendium or various other documents and works of Sacramental Theology.

Washing away or wiping away of sins is yes a forgiving but it not the same effects as the Sacrament of Confession - not the same Sacrament. Absolution is about the Sacrament of Confession.

(and in any case temp. effects too can remain in both cases…so it is not as if the sin never happened…).

I’m not saying you are incorrect, would just like some church doctrine on the subject because it is clear that there are differenting opinions out there

 

[Bookcat]

I’m not saying you are incorrect, would just like some church doctrine on the subject because it is clear that there are differenting opinions out there

(Church Teaching is found in what I noted above).

Perhaps ask again what your seeking exactly. I may be missing what you seek.

 

[Bookcat]

I’m not saying you are incorrect, would just like some church doctrine on the subject because it is clear that there are differenting opinions out there

See what I linked above the Compendium (post 13) and read articles 292, 310 and 306 regarding the various effects of the two Sacraments.

 

[CatholicSooner]

See what I linked above the Compendium (post 13) and read articles 292, 310 and 306 regarding the various effects of the two Sacraments.

Thanks. I still don’t see where it clearly defines what “wipes away venial sins” means. I haven’t seen anything that say communion doesn’t absolve venial sins or that confession is the only sacrament that absolves venial sins.

 

[chimo]

Not necesarily. You can still be forgiven for an act but have to pay the consequence

Your definition of absolution is much different than mine. It is probably because you define things as a Catholic. I define matters as an Orthodox. We probably are in agreement any way but because of how different we use the same terminology we are not seeing together.

 

[chimo]

Yes as noted Absolution is different. They are different Sacraments with different aspects effects as noted above.

Reception of Holy Communion does not “absolve” - such happens during the Sacrament of Confession.

May be to a Catholic but not to the Orthodox. We use similar terms but mean different aspects as you have expressed. In my understanding Jesus both absolves and forgives in any reception of Holy Communion since the Lord does not need for you to be absolved in another Sacrament. For a clearer understanding of what I mean look to the Sacrament of Holy Unction which also can forgives and absolves sin even without you confessing your sins. The Sacrament of Holy Communion works the same way as does the Sacrament of Holy Unction when dealing with the healing of your sins. The Sacrament of Holy Confession brings to light more personally what is your sins. Here in this Sacrament it is required for you to bring out your sins. Yet the healing aspect of Unction and Holy Communion is there for your sins no matter if you confessed them or not. It is though better to confess your sins personally to be able to have more knowledge of what they are.

 

[Bookcat]

Thanks. I still don’t see where it clearly defines what “wipes away venial sins” means. I haven’t seen anything that say communion doesn’t absolve venial sins or that confession is the only sacrament that absolves venial sins.

Venial sins can be forgiven in many ways - and yes Holy Communion is one very important way.

All the Sacraments can forgive venial sin.

Absolution only happens in* one* Sacrament. Confession.

 

[CatholicSooner]

Absolution only happens in* one* Sacrament. Confession.

yes, you have said this many times but I read through the references you gave and still haven’t seen any church doctrine that says that. I’m simply asking for “proof” of this statement instead of just taking you for your word.

 

[Bookcat]

May be to a Catholic but not to the Orthodox. .

We are discussing what the Catholic Church and Theology Teach -so the various Orthodox Churches and Theology are not under discussion here. (no offense to our Eastern Orthodox Brothers…)

 

[Bookcat]

yes, you have said this many times but I read through the references you gave and still haven’t seen any church doctrine that says that. I’m simply asking for “proof” of this statement instead of just taking you for your word.

The word “absolution” and “absolve” as in “I absolve you from your sins” is part of the Sacrament of Confession. No other.

1491 The sacrament of Penance is a whole consisting in three actions of the penitent and the priest’s absolution. The penitent’s acts are repentance, confession or disclosure of sins to the priest, and the intention to make reparation and do works of reparation.

1449 The formula of absolution used in the Latin Church expresses the essential elements of this sacrament: the Father of mercies is the source of all forgiveness. He effects the reconciliation of sinners through the Passover of his Son and the gift of his Spirit, through the prayer and ministry of the Church:

God, the Father of mercies,
through the death and the resurrection of his Son
has reconciled the world to himself
and sent the Holy Spirit among us
for the forgiveness of sins;
through the ministry of the Church
may God give you pardon and peace,
and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#1449

1442 Christ has willed that in her prayer and life and action his whole Church should be the sign and instrument of the forgiveness and reconciliation that he acquired for us at the price of his blood. But he entrusted the exercise of the power of absolution to the apostolic ministry which he charged with the "ministry of reconciliation."42 The apostle is sent out “on behalf of Christ” with “God making his appeal” through him and pleading: "Be reconciled to God."43

1424…

It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest’s sacramental absolution God grants the penitent “pardon and peace.”