Extended discussions in confessional

[Cider]

So I was at confession today, before the noon mass. There were quite a few people behind me and we probably only had 15-20 minutes before mass would start by the time I got in, I didn’t check the time but that is my best guess.

This was my first confession at this church as we recently moved. I have had some serious family issues going on and it’s not that I didn’t appreciate the priests extended discussion but I’m more used to my previous confessor who was succinct in the confessional and I wasn’t really sure what to say.

My usual confessor would just give me specific spiritual direction and guidance and all I needed to do was listen and accept it. I’m not criticizing, I’m just unsure of what my appropriate response is. Should I just feel free to engage in this more conversational style discussion? I felt internal pressure to wrap it up because there were quite a few people behind me waiting and we were short on time before mass.

 

[hellokitty]

Hmmm, my priest helps me but it isnt really a discussion. He’ll take the time to counsel me, like you said, spiritual direction. I think he is mindful of the others waiting. I always feel like he has heard what I have said because although he certainly isn’t a therapist, he never sends me away without some very good direction or advice, and a bit of penance
You know what I was wondering about…a few weeks ago, he said “God is telling me to tell you not to give up.” Does God talk like that to priests? I’ve heard tv preachers say stuff like that but never a priest. Whatever the case may be, I believed him and I didn’t give up!
Jen

 

[frteatao]

Shalom

When one goes to confession he/she brings ‘everything’ to be reconciled by the grace conferred in the sacrament. If some ‘everything’ need to be brought outside the confessional room, say after mass, for evaluation and proper directions and advices, thus it is wiser to do so due to the shortness of time.
I understand you are not criticizing but you are caught up in the burden that is not properly understood by the confessor and thus ill treated. The confessor would direct you more with great care and love as a pastor if he would have time for all the details. I assure sure he did not mean to ignore your burden. What is consoling about confession is you receive the grace and mercy of God.
My prayers for you that the Lord Jesus would give you peace.

God bless.

 

[lauraabarlow]

You are blessed to have this wonderful priest. Oh how I miss my old confessor. He was a very good priest.

Hmmm, my priest helps me but it isnt really a discussion. He’ll take the time to counsel me, like you said, spiritual direction. I think he is mindful of the others waiting. I always feel like he has heard what I have said because although he certainly isn’t a therapist, he never sends me away without some very good direction or advice, and a bit of penance
You know what I was wondering about…a few weeks ago, he said “God is telling me to tell you not to give up.” Does God talk like that to priests? I’ve heard tv preachers say stuff like that but never a priest. Whatever the case may be, I believed him and I didn’t give up!
Jen

 

[Cider]

Shalom

When one goes to confession he/she brings ‘everything’ to be reconciled by the grace conferred in the sacrament. If some ‘everything’ need to be brought outside the confessional room, say after mass, for evaluation and proper directions and advices, thus it is wiser to do so due to the shortness of time.
I understand you are not criticizing but you are caught up in the burden that is not properly understood by the confessor and thus ill treated. The confessor would direct you more with great care and love as a pastor if he would have time for all the details. I assure sure he did not mean to ignore your burden. What is consoling about confession is you receive the grace and mercy of God.
My prayers for you that the Lord Jesus would give you peace.

God bless.

I think you misunderstood. My burden wasn’t ignored and I am not complaining about a lack of spiritual direction. Nor do I think I needed more time to give him details. He understood my burden quite well, which he articulated in his compassion and response to me. He just has a different style than I’m used to, and I am unsure what the appropriate response I should give is in this circumstance.

 

[acadian]

Hmmm, my priest helps me but it isnt really a discussion. He’ll take the time to counsel me, like you said, spiritual direction. I think he is mindful of the others waiting. I always feel like he has heard what I have said because although he certainly isn’t a therapist, he never sends me away without some very good direction or advice, and a bit of penance
You know what I was wondering about…a few weeks ago, he said “God is telling me to tell you not to give up.” Does God talk like that to priests? I’ve heard tv preachers say stuff like that but never a priest. Whatever the case may be, I believed him and I didn’t give up!
Jen

Like you, and the OP, I often get some spiritual direction in the context of confession, but it isn’t really conversational. I say what I have to say and then he takes it and “runs” with it, so to speak. And I sit and listen and try to remember, because usually what he is saying hits the nail on the head.

He has never told me that “God is telling me to tell you…”, but I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit speaks through him and that he must be listening. Sometimes he answers questions that I’ve had on my mind, but not asked. I figure if he’s saying it, there must be some reason - even if it’s not clear right then.

 

[quiet52]

During Reconciliation the priest acts as in persona Christi (in the person of Christ). Listen to him as if you are listening to Jesus. After he absolves you, simply thank him.

 

[aussiemel]

the priest i go to confession sometimes does that especially when i have been having a few challenges and it has always been just what was needed and other times it’s more a normal one but i usually get some spiritual direction