Confession Question for Teachers of Catholicism

[ThanksB2him]

If in confession, all sins are confessed but one is confessed incorrectly and afterward realized it should have been presented differently, is the entire confession invalid? Do you need to correct this one sin next time or repeat the entire confession?

Thanks for the help!

 

[baltobetsy]

There is only a problem if the penitent intended to hide the sin in confession. If the poor presentation was sincerely unintentional, rather than an attempt to conceal the true nature of the sin, then all the sins are forgiven. If the penitent wishes, he may mention the sin in question at the next confession, using a clearer way of describing the sin.

If, on the other hand, the penitent was attempting to conceal the sin, none of the sins confessed were forgiven, and the sin of sacrilege has been added.

People with a scrupulous concscience, however, should not go back and critique their confessions, as it only feeds the obsession. The scrupulous should choose one confessor and obey him in all matters pertaining to conscience.

Betsy

 

[ThanksB2him]

Thanks Betsy,

I confessed the sin for what it was but for some reason added that it didn’t directly affect anyone. Not sure why I said that b/c it could have affected another and I didn’t mean to detract from it.

I micromanage everything and ‘scrupulous’ is a good word for me. Am I making to big of a deal out of this?

Thanks very much for opinions as I’m a little new to this.

 

[JimG]

As long as you intend to confess your sins accurately without holding anything back, your confession is valid, and all sins are forgiven. No one has perfect knowledge of all his or her actions, so it is pointless to agonize over minor matters. The sacrament is to be a source of forgiveness and comfort; it’s not a good idea to second guess a confession which was done in good faith.

 

[baltobetsy]

Thanks Betsy,

I confessed the sin for what it was but for some reason added that it didn’t directly affect anyone. Not sure why I said that b/c it could have affected another and I didn’t mean to detract from it.

I micromanage everything and ‘scrupulous’ is a good word for me. Am I making to big of a deal out of this?

Thanks very much for opinions as I’m a little new to this.

Yes, I would say you are overthinking this and worrying too much. What you said about the sin not affecting anyone else sounds as if it just popped out without any thought on your part. There is no intent to hide a sin here.

You might want to learn a little bit about scrupulosity, in case you have a tendency to be that way. Try the search function on this forum, or Google “Scrupulous Anonymous” for some good information. (I would normally add a link, but I’m not in the browser that has all my good links available.)

God bless you!
Betsy