confessional

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shy1

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Is it ok to go into the confessional without confessing but as a sort of guidance and to ask questions?
 
I would recommend making an appointment with the priest and asking the questions in his office or calling him on the phone.
 
no, you should really probably make an appointment for that. confession is a sacrament with a specific purpose. That time is set aside to rescue sinners.
 
I have done it, but I waited until the line was empty so as not to take time away from people waiting to confess. Also, I have only done it twice, both times were quick questions that would only require a quick response, nothing like a counceling session or moral dilemma that needed discussion.
 
Can i ask a question on confession?

Been to confession only a couple of times in last several years. Last one being a few weeks ago. Now, am nearly 50 and when i was younger i was a big sinner! Petty stuff i guess but still sinning a lot. does one need to confess things that one did when i was younger if i can remember them now many many years later?

Things like deceiving, having things cheaper than what i should have, male impulses of lust etc, anger, road rage, bad temper, using pirate software. Probably more but cant be specific. I really dont know what to do. In my last confession i tried to say all i could remember but things keep coming back to me since then!! Saying during my last confession “These and all other sins which i cannot remember” would that suffice?

I am aiming not to sin. I want to be pure of soul. Advice would be great.
 
shy1 said:
Is it ok to go into the confessional without confessing but as a sort of guidance and to ask questions?
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I would hope a priest would welcome the request for guidance. But, as suggested above, perhaps it is best to wait until the end of the line if there is a line, or make an other appointment, as you may be taking longer than others.
 
ajecphotos said:
Can i ask a question on confession?

Been to confession only a couple of times in last several years. Last one being a few weeks ago. Now, am nearly 50 and when i was younger i was a big sinner! Petty stuff i guess but still sinning a lot. does one need to confess things that one did when i was younger if i can remember them now many many years later?

Things like deceiving, having things cheaper than what i should have, male impulses of lust etc, anger, road rage, bad temper, using pirate software. Probably more but cant be specific. I really dont know what to do. In my last confession i tried to say all i could remember but things keep coming back to me since then!! Saying during my last confession “These and all other sins which i cannot remember” would that suffice?

I am aiming not to sin. I want to be pure of soul. Advice would be great.
Click to expand...
I admire your desire to be pure! I think it’s a lofty goal we all strive for. I know I do at least. Considering the length of time it’s been since you’ve committed those sins, I wouldn’t worry about the details, though do admit to what you can actively recall. ** Just let the priest know your situation.** My former confessor (I had to change parishes due to work) was a prison chaplain, and I think someone told him once it has been 40 years since his last confession!

For my own purposes, I do what you do regarding not being able to remember. Keep in mind, not remembering is not the same as lying!

However, I’m not a priest, just a thankful layman who’s been blessed. Talk with your confessor, and follow his advice. 👍

God bless you!
 
Thanks. I am aiming to go to confession this week and will mention to him about my guilt from the past.
 
shy1 said:
Is it ok to go into the confessional without confessing but as a sort of guidance and to ask questions?
Click to expand...
If it has to do with your spiritual life, sure. Just because he is in the confessional dosen’t mean he is only there for that reason. He is really there as a good shepherd to help and guide. But if others are in line waiting, then it would be well not to make it a long time.
 
You can use it for such, but what you should do is call the office and request an appointment with the priest, but ask that he meet you in the confessional. NOTE: The Seal of Confession doesn’t apply if you’re not actually making a sacramental confession. The rules of natural secrecy apply, as it does during spiritual direction.
 
Priests schedule times for confessions to hear confessions. Often times parishes have only an hour or so every week that is scheduled for confessions. If you are seeking spiritual direction from the priest, it is best make an appointment.
 
ajecphotos said:
Can i ask a question on confession?

Been to confession only a couple of times in last several years. Last one being a few weeks ago. Now, am nearly 50 and when i was younger i was a big sinner! Petty stuff i guess but still sinning a lot. does one need to confess things that one did when i was younger if i can remember them now many many years later?

Things like deceiving, having things cheaper than what i should have, male impulses of lust etc, anger, road rage, bad temper, using pirate software. Probably more but cant be specific. I really dont know what to do. In my last confession i tried to say all i could remember but things keep coming back to me since then!! Saying during my last confession “These and all other sins which i cannot remember” would that suffice?

I am aiming not to sin. I want to be pure of soul. Advice would be great.
Click to expand...
I am of the understanding that if you confess and try to remember things, that covers those you didn’t. If you had remembered them but avoided mentioning them, that would be a problem. I may be wrong.

Alan
 
marty1818 said:
Priests schedule times for confessions to hear confessions. Often times parishes have only an hour or so every week that is scheduled for confessions. If you are seeking spiritual direction from the priest, it is best make an appointment.
Click to expand...
I tend to agree. Especially right now (Lent and all - big rush on Confessions). It is usually easy to make an appointment and sit and talk and get some direction or pastoral counseling. That said…it is Lent and all, might be hard to get that appointment until after Easter. Good luck. You will be in my prayers.
 
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