Confession This Afternoon

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JScott

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Today I finally made it back to confession. I haven’t gone in a few years and was looking forward to achieving some peace with my soul. I went to a priest that I haven’t seen for confession before. I am sorry to say that he seemed put out. I needed help and told him that I haven’t been to confession in a while and have been missing mass. I explained that I wanted a new start but didn’t really know how to achieve this. He said he understood but that I should look more into examination of conscience. Then in about a month, come back to confession. I think he absolved me of my sins but am confused and frustrated. He even said the situation I described would not diminish this confession but I don’t feel like I am at peace with it. I guess I expected more empathy from him.
I am willing to do what I have to do but I don’t feel like I was “welcomed” and even absolved.
Thanks!
Scott
 
Welcome to CAF, JScott.

Not sure if it will make you feel better, but if you made a legitimate attempt at confessing your mortal sins, and the priest absolved you, and you made an act of contrition, and he gave you a penance, and you carried it out, you are absolved.

Maybe he felt you weren’t quite prepared today which is why he suggested some time to make a thorough examination of conscience, and to return another day.

My advice is to do just that. If you remember something you missed, make a note of it for next time. If it’s an extensive list, see about scheduling an appointment.
 
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Thank you! That makes sense. It may help to jot down some thoughts.
 
When I read the title of the OP I was surprised that someone was able to go to confession today. With the busyness of Holy Week, at least at the parishes I go to, confessions aren’t heard on Holy Saturday. Perhaps this is why the priest may have seemed put out. I’m glad he heard it though and as others have said, I’d heed his advice.

God bless you for wanting to come home to the Church. Have a blessed Easter season.
 
I don’t know how to put this so you are not offended Scott, but confession is not for feeling welcomed. It is for being forgiven. Your priest absolved you of your sins and suggested ways to be more prepared in the future because you said you needed help, and that you have been away for a while. Please, don’t overthink what happened. Just be happy you went and enjoy Easter knowing that you are home again.
I hope this Easter brings you peace and joy! 🙂
 
Agree! Confession isn’t always a great feeling. I’ve had impatient priests and irritated priests. Confession always involves a large degree of humility. Offer it to God, do what the priest said (he is God’s mouthpiece) and be at peace! All of heaven has rejoiced at your homecoming. Happy Easter!
 
Thank you Tad! Our parish has confessions on Saturday afternoon.
 
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Irishmom,

I am not offended at all. I appreciate all the advice and kind words. I just thought that having been lapsed for a bit, that the priest would be more empathetic. I just define that as be “welcomed”. I realize that the priest knows what is best so I will abide by that and have faith. I am happy that I went.
 
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He’s a bad Confessor.

Find another priest, but always, turn to God first

The priest doesn’t exclude God for forgiveness of your sins. God knows your heart and will forgive you, regardless of the quality of the confessor you’ve gone to.

Jim
 
Limoncello,

Thank you for responding!

Scott
 
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absolution is not conditioned on saying your penance.
 
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It sounds to me like your confession was licit, if this was true you were absolved. I’m sorry you felt so discouraged. The priest was right about the examination of conscience. We are not always on cloud 9 after confession, but at least we can take comfort in God’s forgiveness.
 
Hi Jscott,
First, it’s great that you went back to Confession and want to make a fresh start with the Church. Always remember that, regardless of how a particular priest might behave.

Second, I agree with the person who said that confessions are rare on Holy Saturday and that the priests are extremely busy. The priest may have been tired or frazzled and that affected his response in the confessional. Priests are generally happy when someone who is away for a few years tries to return. However, if you have been away for several years, the priest probably also expects a fairly long list of sins and if you didn’t mention very many, then the concern about your examination of conscience is legitimate.

Please follow his advice and go back to confession within a short time, when you feel ready and have made a more detailed examination of conscience. You may also want to try a different priest just in case this priest is one of the few who can be a bit brusque in confession.

Welcome back and happy Easter.
 
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