confession

[saint_sunshine]

I always thought that whatever you said in the confessional was covered by the seal of confession but when I wanted to talk to my priest about something important that I wanted to relay and ask for help that I wanted to be kept confidential he said that wasn’t covered which meant I could not discuss it with him because it had to be that or we couldn’t talk. Another priest which I talked to some years ago and is now a bishop led me to believe it was a place that I could discuss important issues with him and it would be safe since this could be hurtful to some in the church and I didn’t want it to be. Would you please explain? How do these saints come up with spiritual advisors which is still something that a person wants to discuss in their life and get advice about especially when all life is pretty much lived in a spiritual manner when we try to live in Christ. As I say can I get some real information about this. saint sunshine

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

It may not be a seal from a sacramental confession, but what is told to a priest in confidence, should be kept confidential. How else can a person go to a priest for advice on private personal issues. I know that when people approach me in confidentiality, I to keep it confidential, period.
Deacon Ed B

 

[Joannm]

My spiritual director told me that anyting I tell him he will keep under the seal of confession. I think that is his own rule however.

 

[saint_sunshine]

but when a priest acts like he won’t by reminding that it is not under thw seal of confession and doesn’t say anything else that makes me very leary especially since he has not retracted his statement and reassured me. The other thing that this may bring up is how can we now be sure that he can just say well this wasn’t a real sin so I don’t hae to worry. I don’t understand how saints can have spiritual advisors. now. This has become a huge problem for me. mary ann

 

[puzzleannie]

OP is confusing, don’t know if you are referring to an important matter brought up as part of your sacramental confession, or another matter you wanted to discuss with your priest outside of confession.

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

Sunshine, my advise to you is if you do not feel comfortable with talking to him, go to another priest. Tell him what you have to say is in strictest confidence and see what he says. He should say it will be held in confidence.
Deacon Ed B

 

[John_Lilburne]

Perhaps the priest was making the point that he was in the confessional to hear confessions. He did not have the time discuss other confidential matters or provide other advice. So he was not prepared to agree to confidentiality, or take on the more general role of spiritual director, at that time.

 

[michaeldaniels]

I agree…Im confused too…but then again, that isn’t hard for that to happen to me

OP is confusing, don’t know if you are referring to an important matter brought up as part of your sacramental confession, or another matter you wanted to discuss with your priest outside of confession.

 

[quiet52]

When a priest hears us say something during the sacrament of Reconciliation, the seal of confession requires that he cannot bring up anything mentioned to us afterwards. However, if we discuss something while receiving spiritual direction or counsel outside of the sacrament, it may be helpful for him to refer to such discussions in subsequent sessions with us.