Confession

[eamonnroma]

I have long thought that regular confession is not really necessary. The Church in the Catechism teaches that venial sins are forgiven when receiving the Holy Eucharist, and that only mortal sins must be confessed. So I have always been of the opinion that it is only really necessary to approach the Sacrament when requested by the Church ie, once a year around Easter time, and when in mortal sin.

Of late, my prayer has led me to more frequent confession. It has slowly become a weekly practice for me. I now find that I have the need to confess more often. This has become a great blessing for me, and I thank God for this wonderful blessing.

I just wanted to share this with you, and ask you to pray for me.****

 

[Bookcat]

Wonderful. Yes venial sins can be forgiven in many ways --but yes confession is of great grace and life.

Here is a nice summary from the Catechism:

1456 Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Penance: "All mortal sins of which penitents after a diligent self-examination are conscious must be recounted by them in confession, even if they are most secret and have been committed against the last two precepts of the Decalogue; for these sins sometimes wound the soul more grievously and are more dangerous than those which are committed openly."54

1458 Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.59 Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful:

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#VII

 

[Elizabeth779]

I agree that frequent confession is good for us, and I think I’ll start going more often.

You are in my prayers.