Effective confession

[itsjustdave1988]

Linnyo:

I haven’t been to confession for nearly 10 years and would be really uncertain of what to do and say. Also I don’t know if I could possibly remember every sin over the last 10 years. There have also been many things that I jost don’t know whether they were sins at all. Dare I ever go back?

I beat ya…it took me 25 years to go back. Just do it… it’s like being renewed by God again and again every time I go (now monthly). Think of it this way…Dare you stay away? The priest will help you through it. I still remember the awkward pause after telling my confessor it had been 25 years since my last confession. There was silence, followed by, “Welcome back.”

 

[Montie_Claunch]

I was given This I hope it helps you.

 

[m134e5]

This is probably the best instruction on how to go to confession- and examination of conscience that I have found yet.

 

[Linnyo]

This is probably the best instruction on how to go to confession- and examination of conscience that I have found yet.

I read this and it shocked me how many mortal sins I have commited, some of which I didn’t even think were sins. Who wrote it and who decided these were mortal sins?

 

[AnneBOK]

<<Three things are necessary for a sin to be mortal:

1. Serious matter (things listed in this examination);
2. Knowledge or firm belief that the act is seriously wrong prior to committing the act;
3. Full consent of the will.

All three of these conditions must be present simultaneously for a sin to be mortal. This means that if you did not know the act was seriously wrong, then you are not guilty of having committed a mortal sin. If you did not will the act, e.g., if you were forced or if it was in a dream, if you were impaired or emotionally distraught or terrified, etc., you are not guilty of the act committed.>>

Yes- I am wondering who made this list and who decided all the sins were “mortal” in nature. I noticed one in the “sex sin” list that has been discussed in these forums somewhat frequently that is said by the apologists here not to be a mortal sin

ok - another question regarding my cut and paste job above: If a mortal sin is committed and the person does not know it is mortal and confesses, is forgiven for ALL their sins then finds out it was mortal, what to do? Are we not counseled to not continue to ask forgiveness for sins that have already been forgiven?

Anne

 

[AnneBOK]

RTMirage:

Thank you. Maybe this is stupid of me but I have been terrified that I would not be allowed to participate in the Eucharist. I want more then anything to receive Christ in the Eucharist, that is what brought me to the Catholic Church.

There is nothing stupid about it or you. Your desire to receive Our Lord in Communion is a gift from God and He wants you to dine with Him and He will find a way.
Anne

 

[AnneBOK]

baltobetsy:

That is correct! Of course, now that you know these things are sins, if you do them again, you must confess, but you already knew that.

I’m so happy for you - this is a wonderful sacrament. Keep coming back!

Betsy

Betsy answered my question…thanks.
Anne

 

[AnneBOK]

Jeanette L:

Blessings to you! I know how you feel, like you just had a good scrub! :yup:

Yes! A real good scrub with a hard bristle brush followed by the healing balm of absolution

Anne

 

[LilyM]

AnneBOK:

If a mortal sin is committed and the person does not know it is mortal and confesses, is forgiven for ALL their sins then finds out it was mortal, what to do? Are we not counseled to not continue to ask forgiveness for sins that have already been forgiven?

Anne

‘Continue to ask’ means to ask more than once about the same sin. Mentioning sins again because you didn’t know they were mortal would seem to fit into that description and be overly scrupulous.

 

[valient_Lucy]

Linnyo:

I haven’t been to confession for nearly 10 years and would be really uncertain of what to do and say. Also I don’t know if I could possibly remember every sin over the last 10 years. There have also been many things that I jost don’t know whether they were sins at all. Dare I ever go back?

Absolutly. If you like, make an appointment with the priest. Or talk to him after Mass. Either way, just go! Before you go, pray. Pray for several days. Also, consider going to church before your confession, and examining your conscience before the Tabernacle.

 

[Linnyo]

valient Lucy:

Absolutly. If you like, make an appointment with the priest. Or talk to him after Mass. Either way, just go! Before you go, pray. Pray for several days. Also, consider going to church before your confession, and examining your conscience before the Tabernacle.

Despite wanting to, I am obviously completely gutless and have been too afraid and ashamed to go yet. Am I too late? When can a priest hear a confession? Can he hear confession on Good Friday?

 

[LindaJM]

Linnyo:

Despite wanting to, I am obviously completely gutless and have been too afraid and ashamed to go yet. Am I too late? When can a priest hear a confession? Can he hear confession on Good Friday?

I was where you are now, only I couldn’t remember how long ago my last confession was. I think it was just before my 8th grade confirmation and I am 39 now I just went two days ago, and I brought my young teen boys along as well so that they could also receive the sacrament. I’ve been helping them to prepare the last few weeks.

I had to go behind the screen because I did not want my priest to know it was me. And I currently have a pretty bad case of laryngitis so with any hope he won’t recognize my voice either…lol. I sit with my boys in the front pew for Mass so he sees me all the time, not to mention the fact that I teach faith formation classes at my church too ( x2)

Call to see when your priest can see you. He will help you. I assure you, you WILL feel the weight come off once you confess And I agree with going to church ahead of time to pray. It really helps.