Confessor question

[desiringhim]

I am a new convert to the faith and have a question about confession. The priest at our registered parish is what I would describe as on the liberal side regarding certain issues – he has informed me that he recommends we only go to confession 3-4 times per year (unless we are in mortal sin). He said that he thinks people who go more than that are just “confessing the same sins over and over.” I got the idea he thinks it’s not as important or “celebratory” if we do it often.

I disagree, and would like to go on a much more regular basis. However, I guess I’m hesitant to go to him since I know his views and how he thinks it’s overdoing it. He also rarely offers confession times – if we’re lucky he has confession twice a month, and I’ve gone to confession only to find he has canceled it. There is another parish in our town which is much more “conservative” or “orthodox” and the priest is very supportive of regular confession. He holds confession every week.

Would it be OK to go to him to confess or am I obligated to go to the priest at the parish where I am registered?

 

[passus]

You can go to Confession at whatever parish you choose. You have no obligation to go to Confession at your home parish.

 

[GRATEFULONEjim]

Unfortunately your priest hasn’t been paying attention to the Vatican. I read recently The Holy Father was trying to revive the sacrament of confession. Your priest is wrong by telling you to only go 3 or 4 times a year. Especially if you have committed a mortal sin. You can not receive the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin. The sacrament of confession is such a beautiful thing. Don’t let ANYONE deprive you of that.
Keep the Faith,
G1j

 

[teachccd]

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of conversion and healing. It allows the soul to receive the peace of Christ and to restore itself throughout our rough journey in life. I cannot understand why a priest would discourage people from the Sacrament when so few utilize it to begin with. Go as often as you need and remember that a Sacrament is an encounter with Christ and who would resist that opportunity? There are those who are scrupulous and never feel forgiven. That is another issue and must be dealt with accordingly. Peace be with you…teachccd

 

[Mrs_Sally]

You may go to confession to any priest, it does not have to be in the parish where you are registered. In fact many people do go to other parishes simply because the scheduled times are more convenient and other similar reasons. If there is another parish close to you with a more regular schedule there is no problem with you receiving the sacrament of penance there.

I also encourage you to pray for your parish priest and for vocations in general.

 

[Debra_C]

A far as I know you are free to go to any priest willing to hear your confession. I confessed while on pilgrimage to Israel during Lent last year. Many people like to drive across town or even to a parish in the city here to ensure the priest won’t know who they are. I know still others who have gone to the same priest for 30 years or more, despite the fact he has been reassigned to other parishes in the mean time. They just drive to his new parish rather than change to a new confessor.

 

[desiringhim]

Thank you very much for the responses.

And indeed I will be praying for my priest and for vocations.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

The number one priority in Confession is that you feel comfortable enough with the priest to confess all serious sins. You ar free to choose any [authorized] priest who meets that criteria.

By authorized I mean a priest who has faculties from the bishop to hear confessions in that diocese. One may assume any priest one encounters in a parish confessional is authorized.