Confession worry

[Mattjolley]

So I went along to my nearest church on saturday evening before their mass, (i say nearest because i normally go to one thats in my town centre) and wanted to go to confession since its advertised for that timeslot.

So I found the priest and he took me into the room behind the altar, and asked me what i wanted to confess.(yeah this church doesnt do anonymous confessions unlike the one in town, i just had no other choice!) then he gave me some advice before giving me my penance and my pardon. however, he never asked me to make an act of contrition, but since the penance and absolution were given, it counts right?

Matt

 

[JDHallKY]

I’m pretty sure it’s sacramentally valid since you confessed your sins and received absolution. However, I wouldn’t mind getting a more authoritative answer from someone, because this exact thing happened to me a while back.

 

[LilyM]

I’m pretty sure it’s sacramentally valid since you confessed your sins and received absolution. However, I wouldn’t mind getting a more authoritative answer from someone, because this exact thing happened to me a while back.

No, the sacrament of confession does not require the recitation of an Act of Contrition by the penitent for it to be valid - at least not in the confessional, although you should say it outside afterwards if this is the case. Only that the penitent confess their sins and BE contrite, and that the priest recite the formula of absolution - ‘I absolve you of your sins …’.

And for the record, a formal penance isn’t required either. Which is lucky - I didn’t get one at my last confession.

 

[jmcrae]

Some priests expect you to say your Act of Contrition before you come into the Confessional.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

So I went along to my nearest church on saturday evening before their mass, (i say nearest because i normally go to one thats in my town centre) and wanted to go to confession since its advertised for that timeslot.

So I found the priest and he took me into the room behind the altar, and asked me what i wanted to confess.(yeah this church doesnt do anonymous confessions unlike the one in town, i just had no other choice!) then he gave me some advice before giving me my penance and my pardon. however, he never asked me to make an act of contrition, but since the penance and absolution were given, it counts right?

Matt

Unnecessary sloppyness on his part in the celebartion of the Sacrament, not to mention the clear violation of canon law on where and the availability of a screen. But yes, say an Act of Contrition and avoid that parish if possible.

 

[LilyM]

Unnecessary sloppyness on his part in the celebartion of the Sacrament, not to mention the clear violation of canon law on where and the availability of a screen. But yes, say an Act of Contrition and avoid that parish if possible.

Sloppiness? Omitting an Act of Contrition which isn’t required for a valid sacrament? It’s perfectly understandable and not sloppy at all - particularly since the OP approached for confession just before Mass and the priest was doubtless constrained for time.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Sloppiness? Omitting an Act of Contrition which isn’t required for a valid sacrament? It’s perfectly understandable and not sloppy at all - particularly since the OP approached for confession just before Mass and the priest was doubtless constrained for time.

Yes, sloppy.! Canon law specifies where and in general how the Sacrament must be celebrated. The Rite of each Sacrament specifies this in more detail. The Rite should be followed. If I remember correctly the OP went during the posted time for Confessions and had to find the priest. This shouldn’t be he should be in the confessional, behind the screen waiting.

 

[LilyM]

Yes, sloppy.! Canon law specifies where and in general how the Sacrament must be celebrated. The Rite of each Sacrament specifies this in more detail. The Rite should be followed. If I remember correctly the OP went during the posted time for Confessions and had to find the priest. This shouldn’t be he should be in the confessional, behind the screen waiting.

Ahh, my bad, didn’t read the OP carefully enough In that case absolutely you’re right.