Confession question

[St_Francis]

This is a sort of common situation some run into and I am wondering how best to advise someone in that situation.

Suppose Sally left the Church as a poorly-catchized teen, then decades later returned. She goes to Condession and confesses all her sins, including the sin of using abc. At the time she is confessing, she is no longer using abc.

As she grows in holiness and understanding, she begins to recoil from abc more and more, and the fact that one of the forms of abc she used was abortifacient. Now she has a better idea of how low she had sunk.

Should she re-confess her sin because now she is sorrier and also because she didn’t specify that one was abortifacient? IOW, must she, could she, or might it be a bad idea? (The last being because it might show a doubt of the efficacy of the sacrament)

If this starts to really get her down, can she say to herself that Christ has forgiven her sins, so she doesn’t need to worry about it any more?

Is trying to ignore it because it upsets her ok, or should she go through feeling bad–offering it up, or how best to handle this aspect?

Thanks!

 

[Bookcat]

Did the person know the reality of the form of Contraception (I would avoid the term ABC) used had that effect at the time?

Or was she clueless that such could be the case and just honestly thought it was just contraception?

If yes to the first – then bring up with the Priest in confession (I assume she did not hid the fact–but was trying to confess all mortal sins).

If Yes to the second – then she* may* mention that again in confession.

One may always “re-confess” past sins --though with those with scruples or for whom such would not be good (like they think or feel they are not forgiven) it can be advised not to do so --aside from say a general mention at the end “and for the sins of my life --especially the use of contraception”.

(note too that "forgetting a mortal sin while being contrite and seeking to confess all mortal sins - does not mean that the mortal sin was not forgiven too --but one simply mentions it when recalled)

In the end – after Confession – let her skip with joy at the true life she has in Christ and think on his love for her and the rejoicing of the angels in heaven…think on the Good Shepherd carrying her on his shoulders and tending to her wounds.

 

[Bookcat]

And if Sally was using the form of contraception knowing of the abortive aspect she should address this with the Priest in confession --even more so if she that was what she was seeking…

 

[TheRealJuliane]

This is a sort of common situation some run into and I am wondering how best to advise someone in that situation.

Suppose Sally left the Church as a poorly-catchized teen, then decades later returned. She goes to Condession and confesses all her sins, including the sin of using abc. At the time she is confessing, she is no longer using abc.

As she grows in holiness and understanding, she begins to recoil from abc more and more, and the fact that one of the forms of abc she used was abortifacient. Now she has a better idea of how low she had sunk.

Should she re-confess her sin because now she is sorrier and also because she didn’t specify that one was abortifacient? IOW, must she, could she, or might it be a bad idea? (The last being because it might show a doubt of the efficacy of the sacrament)

If this starts to really get her down, can she say to herself that Christ has forgiven her sins, so she doesn’t need to worry about it any more?

Is trying to ignore it because it upsets her ok, or should she go through feeling bad–offering it up, or how best to handle this aspect?

Thanks!

To my understanding, Sally MAY confess her sins because she has recognized aspects of them that she was unaware of when she previously confessed. I do not think that she MUST confess them, because, again, to my knowledge, she was absolved when she said, “For these, and for all other sins of my life, I am most heartily sorry.” (Well she was absolved when the priest absolved her, but you know what I mean.)

But if these sins are bothering her then I think that for her own peace of mind, she SHOULD confess them properly. She hasn’t really confessed them so she is not confessing “again.” I think the priest is really where she should go, because he can counsel her about the temporal effects of her sin and give her guidance. If she thinks she needs more time to speak with the priest in private, I would suggest an appointment away from the confessional.

 

[Lancer]

Using the term “re-confess” for any sins already confessed and forgiven…is problematic I recommend something along the following:

Father, I have confessed my sins of using C, and thank God for his mercy and forgiveness, but I want to express my continued and deeper sorry for all aspects of theses past confessed sins and continue to ask for God’s graces for healing.

Neither she nor the priest knows if there was an abortifacient occurrence…even if that was a possibility…it is still an unknown…and can’t be confessed as an occurrence of a sin.

Pax Christi

 

[St_Francis]

Bookcat, Julianne, Lancer, thanks so much for your excellent explanations Sometimes I learn a little here and a little there and then I have gaps in my knowledge which I find out about at awkward moments

 

[Bookcat]

Using the term “re-confess” for any sins already confessed and forgiven…is problematic I recommend something along the following:

Father, I have confessed my sins of using C, and thank God for his mercy and forgiveness, but I want to express my continued and deeper sorry for all aspects of theses past confessed sins and continue to ask for God’s graces for healing.

Neither she nor the priest knows if there was an abortifacient occurrence…even if that was a possibility…it is still an unknown…and can’t be confessed as an occurrence of a sin.

Pax Christi

If one was aware of such and especially if one intended such – I would bring the matter to confession (most especially the intended part!). One would simply state it as the case may be. The Confessor can guide particular cases.

---

One can by the way “re-confess” ANY post baptismal sin that has already been submitted to the keys and absolved.

But of course if one chooses to confess a “doubtful sin” one should note that such is doubtful in some way.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Bookcat, Julianne, Lancer, thanks so much for your excellent explanations Sometimes I learn a little here and a little there and then I have gaps in my knowledge which I find out about at awkward moments

Don’t I sound like I know more than I do???



I’ve learned TONS just since joining this forum - I’m only trying to help pass along what I have learned. I am being catechized just from being a member here, actually. The main thing is that it’s never wrong to ask the priest. Or speak freely to the priest in the confessional. It is Jesus we are speaking to, after all.

 

[St_Francis]

If one was aware of such and especially if one intended such – I would bring the matter to confession (most especially the intended part!). One would simply state it as the case may be. The Confessor can guide particular cases.

---

One can by the way “re-confess” ANY post baptismal sin that has already been submitted to the keys and absolved.

But of course if one chooses to confess a “doubtful sin” one should note that such is doubtful in some way.

Thanks for clearing that part up!

 

[St_Francis]

Don’t I sound like I know more than I do???

I am often impressed by how much you “seem to” know!

I’ve learned TONS just since joining this forum - I’m only trying to help pass along what I have learned. I am being catechized just from being a member here, actually.

Yes, me too!

The main thing is that it’s never wrong to ask the priest. Or speak freely to the priest in the confessional. It is Jesus we are speaking to, after all.

Very good point!