Confession...

[roseb]

Hi, I have a quick question: If a person is doing an examination of consience and there is a sin that has been a habit but one is unsure if they comitted it since their last confession, should they confess it “just in case” or just not mention it? Also, what is the difference between venial sins and imperfections and should these be imperfections. I just don’t know sometimes if I’m being to scrupulous and making up sins, I ask because I used to avoid mentioning sins in the past but have changed that and don’t want to do it again. Also, what if someone commits a sin but is unsure if it’s mortal b/c they don’t know if it’s grave matter or not (leaning towards not), should they not receive Communion? Thanks for any replies!

 

[Spencerian]

Hi, I have a quick question: If a person is doing an examination of consience and there is a sin that has been a habit but one is unsure if they comitted it since their last confession, should they confess it “just in case” or just not mention it? Also, what is the difference between venial sins and imperfections and should these be imperfections. I just don’t know sometimes if I’m being to scrupulous and making up sins, I ask because I used to avoid mentioning sins in the past but have changed that and don’t want to do it again. Also, what if someone commits a sin but is unsure if it’s mortal b/c they don’t know if it’s grave matter or not (leaning towards not), should they not receive Communion? Thanks for any replies!

Hi, there.

You are not culpable for *mortal *sins that you are unsure of. For a sin to be mortal, one of the criteria is that you must be aware that you committed it. It is better not to confess that of which you are unsure of.

Confession is not for venial sins; you are absolved of these by participation in the Mass.

You can receive at Communion if you are not aware of any actual mortal sin. Again, you aren’t responsible for that which you do not understand. But do examine your conscience adequately before Mass–although not too strongly. Mortal sins often are clear in one’s heart.

Sins are imperfections, but not all imperfections are sin.

I’d recommend speaking with your priest (outside of confession) on what troubles you to help you understand better what is asked of us in the Sacrament of Reconcilation. Also, take a look at this article on scrupulosity to help you regarding your concerns.

 

[roseb]

Thanks for that response and the article did help. I thought of another question: If one does something (does not apologize after an argument b/c you don’t want to bring up the issue again, embarassment of the faith, avoiding people,etc.) because of shyness, is this an imperfection, venial or mortal sin? If anyone has any other advice, please post, it is very helpful.

 

[teachccd]

…Confession is not for venial sins; you are absolved of these by participation in the Mass…

Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing and can be used for venial sins. Yes, venial sins can be forgiven during the penitiential rite if forgiveness for them is sought. But, venial sins can become mortal in some cases and this “check up” in confession can help one discern if he or she is headed in the wrong direction. Also, one receives the graces of the sacrament which strengthens one in order to resist temptation and moves one to conversion… teachccd

 

[Bookcat]

Hi, I have a quick question: If a person is doing an examination of consience and there is a sin that has been a habit but one is unsure if they comitted it since their last confession, should they confess it “just in case” or just not mention it? Also, what is the difference between venial sins and imperfections and should these be imperfections. I just don’t know sometimes if I’m being to scrupulous and making up sins, I ask because I used to avoid mentioning sins in the past but have changed that and don’t want to do it again. Also, what if someone commits a sin but is unsure if it’s mortal b/c they don’t know if it’s grave matter or not (leaning towards not), should they not receive Communion? Thanks for any replies!

Anything one is not certain be a sin…if one confesses it …say it is uncertain.(or uncertain it was mortal if it was grave matter)

One is ONLY obliged to confess mortal sins (and in number and kind).

Venial sins are never needed to be confessed…though it is recommended that one still come to confession with some venial sins …

It can even be recommended that one does NOT try to say all ones venial sins…but to pick some…that one is contrite for of course…and work avoiding them or doing better…

then one can intend and be contrite for all ones sins in an ending like…"and all the sins of my life …particularly of Y an Z (anger or something one is contrite about)

and of course venial sins can be forgiven in other ways…and long before one reaches the confessional…

of course this is not to say one should not bring some to confession! it is a great gift and is it it very recommended to do so…say every week or month or what have you.

As for “doubtful mortal sins” …if one has a difficulty with scruples it can be recommended that they not directly confess them…

If one has an ordinary conscience…it can be recommended that one confess them…noting that one is not sure…(this is important)

If one is lax …then it is very recommended that one confess them…noting that one is not sure…(this is important)

Regarding Mortal and venial sins…

From the Compendium of the Catechism​

1. When does one commit a mortal sin?

1855-1861
1874

One commits a mortal sin when there are simultaneously present: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. This sin destroys charity in us, deprives us of sanctifying grace, and, if unrepented, leads us to the eternal death of hell. It can be forgiven in the ordinary way by means of the sacraments of Baptism and of Penance or Reconciliation.

1. When does one commit a venial sin?

1862-1864
1875

One commits a venial sin, which is essentially different from a mortal sin, when the matter involved is less serious or, even if it is grave, when full knowledge or complete consent are absent. Venial sin does not break the covenant with God but it weakens charity and manifests a disordered affection for created goods. It impedes the progress of a soul in the exercise of the virtues and in the practice of moral good. It merits temporal punishment which purifies.

---

Regarding Holy Communion…it is when one is conscious of mortal sin that one can not receive…

 

[roseb]

Thanks, everyone! Just one more question, I promise . If one does something without thinking, but knows it’s wrong, it just happens like a “slip of the tongue”: that is venial, right? Thanks again for all the replies.

 

[brittrossiter]

Thanks, everyone! Just one more question, I promise . If one does something without thinking, but knows it’s wrong, it just happens like a “slip of the tongue”: that is venial, right? Thanks again for all the replies.

If you truly did the act “without thinking,” then you would probably have lacked the deliberate consent needed for the act to have been a mortal sin.