Confession in confessional vs. at home, alone

[ceemi]

It has been awhile since I have been in a confessional. I consider myself Catholic. I have been baptized, received first Holy Communion, and Confirmed in a Catholic church. I have been away from the Church for some time and want to start attending mass again. Before I return, I want to get myself in “good graces” with God and start anew.Now, my question is this: Can I have my own, private confessional time or do I have to attend confession at the church? Once a person asks for forgiveness of sins, in the name of Jesus Christ, it states in the Bible that your sins have been forgiven. What do you do if, in your own mind, you are continuously being reminded of this sin? You have still been forgiven, correct? Even if your conscience cannot seem to let it go? What should I do?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

It has been awhile since I have been in a confessional. I consider myself Catholic. I have been baptized, received first Holy Communion, and Confirmed in a Catholic church. I have been away from the Church for some time and want to start attending mass again. Before I return, I want to get myself in “good graces” with God and start anew.Now, my question is this: Can I have my own, private confessional time or do I have to attend confession at the church? Once a person asks for forgiveness of sins, in the name of Jesus Christ, it states in the Bible that your sins have been forgiven. What do you do if, in your own mind, you are continuously being reminded of this sin? You have still been forgiven, correct? Even if your conscience cannot seem to let it go? What should I do?

That is why in Sacramental Confession you hear the words “Your Sins are forgiven” Go in Peace. You are required to speak with the pastor of the parish before returning to receiving the Sacraments after being away for some time. You should not just do this on your own.

 

[dmelosi]

It has been awhile since I have been in a confessional. I consider myself Catholic. I have been baptized, received first Holy Communion, and Confirmed in a Catholic church. I have been away from the Church for some time and want to start attending mass again. Before I return, I want to get myself in “good graces” with God and start anew.Now, my question is this: Can I have my own, private confessional time or do I have to attend confession at the church? Once a person asks for forgiveness of sins, in the name of Jesus Christ, it states in the Bible that your sins have been forgiven. What do you do if, in your own mind, you are continuously being reminded of this sin? You have still been forgiven, correct? Even if your conscience cannot seem to let it go? What should I do?

I had not been to confession for years and years…when you do finally go…such a burdern off of you.

You will be glad that you went and will make it part of your life in the future.

 

[DebCWil]

That is why in Sacramental Confession you hear the words “Your Sins are forgiven” Go in Peace. You are required to speak with the pastor of the parish before returning to receiving the Sacraments after being away for some time. You should not just do this on your own.

Make a special appointment with your pastor. He can give you guidance that you will not necessarily hear in the privacy of your own home. I think Br. Rich put it quite succintly.
A friend of mine lived among non-Catholics who did not understand why we go to confession. His response was the need for humility that confession requires. It is that humility and effort that can be daunting. Think of it in terms of physical illness. Would you self-prescribe or see a physician when ill? Would you set a broken bone by yourself?