Did I invalidate my confession?

  • Thread starter Thread starter prodigalson2011
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
P

prodigalson2011

Guest
So I just went to confession this evening, and in the course of it, the priest asked me a personal question which was not directly related to any sins I was confessing, to which I knowingly gave a partial answer. That is, I was uncomfortable telling him so withheld some information. He said he was asking to get a feel for where I was at in my life. Did this invalidate my confession? Would this be considered a lie and/or mortal sin, requiring me to make another confession before returning to the Eucharist?
I know we’re not all canon lawyers here, but your opinions would be appreciated.
 
While sometimes questions can help a priest understanding your sin, if you felt uncomfortable with the question I don’t think you had to give him an answer. After all, confession is for confessing not necessarily counseling. You are under no obligation to give him a full answer. It sounds like to didn’t lie, just withheld something you were uncomfortable disclosing. Sometimes we have to follow our feelings. You could have also said to the priest that you are not comfortable discussing that at this time.
 
You should never feel uncomfortable with the Sacrament of Reconcilliation. You should feal at peace. It was not your fault.
 
I had a similar situation. The priest asked me a question about something that would have told him nothing of the gravity of the sin. I avoided the question somehow, maybe by an untrue answer. I mentioned the matter, including the sin, in my next confession, explaining that I did not think the question was relevant. The second priest said: “I do not think so (i.e. that it was relevant) either.”
Clearly the second priest agreed with me that my reply did not invalidate my confession.
Sometimes we sinners discombobulate them and they think they need to probe.
 
It was not your fault…was it your pastor? If not…tell him about it. If it was…go to another church.
 
Did you receive Absolution?
If so, your confession was valid and your sins were forgiven.

Like other posters said, you can tell a priest when he’s prying for irrelevant info. The Sacrament is about you and the priest is there to advocate on your behalf so you really are in control of what is said.
 
Suslar said:
Did you receive Absolution?
If so, your confession was valid and your sins were forgiven.

Like other posters said, you can tell a priest when he’s prying for irrelevant info. The Sacrament is about you and the priest is there to advocate on your behalf so you really are in control of what is said.
Click to expand...
Yes, he gave me absolution. He was actually pretty wonderful. He made me very comfortable for the most part.
It was just when he asked this one question. The information was completely neutral, but in the context of my confession I thought it might look kind of bad, so I told him “a piece of the truth.” Sorry to be so vague, but it’s hard to explain without breaking my own seal. 🙂
My main concern is whether or not I should receive communion tomorrow.
 
prodigalson2011 said:
Yes, he gave me absolution. He was actually pretty wonderful. He made me very comfortable for the most part.
It was just when he asked this one question. The information was completely neutral, but in the context of my confession I thought it might look kind of bad, so I told him “a piece of the truth.” Sorry to be so vague, but it’s hard to explain without breaking my own seal. 🙂
My main concern is whether or not I should receive communion tomorrow.
Click to expand...
You cannot break your own “seal” - you are free to share what you want with whom you want. Most people choose not to tell others about their sins since these 3rd parties may not adhere to confidentiality. Still, I understand what you are trying to say and recognize that you don’t need to say what it was to strangers on a website.

So, you received absolution, and you are forgiven! completely, totally forgiven. Besides, by participating in the Holy Mass, your venial sins are forgiven there as well. Receive Christ without fear. Fear comes from the evil one - it is not from God.

Wishing you peace!
 
Suslar said:
You cannot break your own “seal” - you are free to share what you want with whom you want. Most people choose not to tell others about their sins since these 3rd parties may not adhere to confidentiality. Still, I understand what you are trying to say and recognize that you don’t need to say what it was to strangers on a website.

So, you received absolution, and you are forgiven! completely, totally forgiven. Besides, by participating in the Holy Mass, your venial sins are forgiven there as well. Receive Christ without fear. Fear comes from the evil one - it is not from God.

Wishing you peace!
Click to expand...
Thanks so much! I guess that was kind of what I was getting at, was would such a half-truth have been a venial or mortal sin? If I’m following you rightly, then it would be venial at most.
And, yes, I know I can’t really break my own seal. I just meant it in the sense you went on to describe. 🙂 Thanks again, and God bless you!
 
prodigalson2011 said:
Yes, he gave me absolution. He was actually pretty wonderful. He made me very comfortable for the most part.
It was just when he asked this one question. The information was completely neutral, but in the context of my confession I thought it might look kind of bad, so I told him “a piece of the truth.” Sorry to be so vague, but it’s hard to explain without breaking my own seal. 🙂
My main concern is whether or not I should receive communion tomorrow.
Click to expand...
If he gave you absolution then you are absolved and can receive Communion.
 
prodigalson2011 said:
Thanks so much! I guess that was kind of what I was getting at, was would such a half-truth have been a venial or mortal sin? If I’m following you rightly, then it would be venial at most.
And, yes, I know I can’t really break my own seal. I just meant it in the sense you went on to describe. 🙂 Thanks again, and God bless you!
Click to expand...
To be a mortal sin, the subject matter must be grave (serious), you must have done the act with full consent, and you must have known it was wrong. To be asked a seemingly irrelevant question and then partially answer it doesn’t seem to meet the above criteria.

Perhaps consider that today is a day to celebrate God’s great mercy and forgiveness. Let the past be in the past and move forward in hope and grace.

Peace!
 
Suslar said:
**You cannot break your own “seal” - you are free to share what you want with whom you want. ** Most people choose not to tell others about their sins since these 3rd parties may not adhere to confidentiality. Still, I understand what you are trying to say and recognize that you don’t need to say what it was to strangers on a website.

So, you received absolution, and you are forgiven! completely, totally forgiven. Besides, by participating in the Holy Mass, your venial sins are forgiven there as well. Receive Christ without fear. Fear comes from the evil one - it is not from God.

Wishing you peace!
Click to expand...
I’m confused. These two statements are contradictory.

The Seal of Confession only applies to the priest (and any interpreter if there). It does not apply to the penitent.
 
thistle said:
I’m confused. These two statements are contradictory.

The Seal of Confession only applies to the priest (and any interpreter if there). It does not apply to the penitent.
Click to expand...
Sorry for the confusion but it seems the OP understood. The OP is not bound to a “seal” of the confessional and can therefore share whatever they wish
 
Suslar said:
Sorry for the confusion but it seems the OP understood. The OP is not bound to a “seal” of the confessional and can therefore share whatever they wish
Click to expand...
👍 I’m in day four of a bad bout of flu so my mind is not as clear as it should be.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top