Do priests know or care who is confessing?

[Tommy999]

Theoretical question about confession from a Protestant:
If the confessing person sees the same priest frequently for confession because it’s a small parish (let’s say) and the person confesses the same or similar sin often even though he sincerely repents of it each time, and the priest knows who the person is, could the priest potentially say something like, “You really ought to seek counseling for behavior xyz because you keep confessing the same sin over and over again each week” or would he be apt to just act like it’s the first time he’s heard it and absolve him of it and move on, provided the person was contrite and repentant?

Or perhaps does it depend on the judgment of the priest and the leading of the Holy Spirit at the time? I have never confessed before and was trying to picture that scenario in my mind. I get the impression that some people are bothered by familiarity with the priest while others aren’t and I suppose that is natural depending on the nature of the sin being confessed. Even the late.Judge Scalia didn’t feel comfortable confessing to his son the priest, or so I’ve heard.

 

[crenfro]

A priest once told me that I was the only person he ever knew that he knew solely through confession. Don’t know if that’s good or not. That was a very long time ago however, and different priest.

 

[Kima]

If the confessing person sees the same priest frequently for confession because it’s a small parish (let’s say) and the person confesses the same or similar sin often even though he sincerely repents of it each time, and the priest knows who the person is, could the priest potentially say something like, “You really ought to seek counseling for behavior xyz because you keep confessing the same sin over and over again each week” or would he be apt to just act like it’s the first time he’s heard it and absolve him of it and move on, provided the person was contrite and repentant?

A priest should only withhold absolution if he thinks someone isn´t being sincere, or if he or she gives an impression of intending to commit the sin again.

As Canon Law 980 states: If the confessor has no doubt about the disposition of the penitent, and the penitent seeks absolution, absolution is to be neither refused nor deferred.
(http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_P3G.HTM)

I´ve went to Confession a lot of times with the same priest and the same sins, it´s been absolution just as the first time. I believe he thinks that the fact that I still go to Confession - even though it´s been x amount of times for the same sin - I´m going because I´m trying to do something about it and seeking forgiveness.

 

[dochawk]

It was black because I was in my den.

I’m starting a fund to buy nightlights for hibernating bears. With a modern battery, it will last all winter :crazy_face:

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Thanks, but science has proven we sleep better in the dark.

 

[dochawk]

Indeed, the core of my sinister plan.

This way, you’ll get up later, and we’ll beat you to the berries!

:crazy_face:

 

[DarkLight]

A priest could make helpful suggestions to overcome a repeated sin. They would not refuse absolution unless they had reason to believe that the person was not truly penitent.

Personally I’m one who appreciates a priest who knows me. It’s helped in a few cases to not have to explain in depth some specific situations about my life.

 

[babochka]

Theoretical question about confession from a Protestant:
If the confessing person sees the same priest frequently for confession because it’s a small parish (let’s say) and the person confesses the same or similar sin often even though he sincerely repents of it each time, and the priest knows who the person is, could the priest potentially say something like, “You really ought to seek counseling for behavior xyz because you keep confessing the same sin over and over again each week” or would he be apt to just act like it’s the first time he’s heard it and absolve him of it and move on, provided the person was contrite and repentant?

My priest knows me very well, inside and outside of the confessional. He has been hearing my confessions for about 10 years. Most of what I have brought to confession, he has seen from other perspectives and he often knows many of the details of my life. Sometimes this is because I have discussed these details with him outside of confession and sometimes it is because he has observed them.

He has, on occasion, mentioned that I really have a problem with this or that thing that I am struggling with. Because of our interactions outside of confession, he could very well have known that I have a problem with something without having heard it in confession. He doesn’t leave his knowledge of who I am and what I struggle with day to day when the confession begins.

He has suggested counseling occasionally, to help with some family conflict.

The fact that he knows me and my family really helps with the advice that he gives me. A few weeks ago, for example, he suggested that the recent death of my father was impacting me more that I was acknowledging to myself. Looking at the sins I had confessed through that lens helped me to find more constructive (less sinful) ways of dealing with particular life situations.

 

[InThePew]

If the confessing person sees the same priest frequently for confession because it’s a small parish (let’s say) and the person confesses the same or similar sin often even though he sincerely repents of it each time, and the priest knows who the person is, could the priest potentially say something like, “You really ought to seek counseling for behavior xyz because you keep confessing the same sin over and over again each week” or would he be apt to just act like it’s the first time he’s heard it and absolve him of it and move on, provided the person was contrite and repentant?

I typically tell those struggling with a particular sin to come to confession as often as it happens as many times as it happens even if that means they’re there every week. Them just showing up to confess is proof enough for me of their contrition and repentance. Yes, some people are bothered by familiarity and others aren’t but this can vary especially when it comes to repetitive sin. If a person chooses to go behind the screen I will respect that choice even if I think I recognise their voice. As for acting like it’s the first time, once a sin has been absolved it’s as if it never existed so a priest isn’t supposed to mention something which has been previously confessed unless the penitent themselves brings it up. At the same time though, this can create a sort of Emperor’s New Clothes feel to the whole experience so there’s a place for careful and prudent judgement and the leading of the Holy Spirit.