Fr. Serpa, must I answer the priest's questions in Confession?

[Tim_Cleveland]

I was just wondering if one is obligated to answer a priests questions that he may ask during confession. As a new Catholic, since Easter, I went to confession for the second time this past weekend. Father was very kind and helpful, but to my surprise, he asked me to expound on one of my sins by asking me a few questions. This did not happen in my first confession that I recall. I had not been trying to be evasive or anything, just not to take up too much time. I was also instructed that Father does not need to hear all the gory details. It kind of threw me for loop in that I almost forgot what pennance he had given me. (What would I have done if I had forgotten what my pennance was by the way?) Don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t badgering me or anything, just asked a few simple questions that I did not have any problem answering.

I can imagine that there might come a time that I would not want to answer these questions. Not only out of shame, but for other “good” reasons. For instance, the two times I have been so far to confession, I make sure not confess someone else’s sins who might have been involved. For instance, say I confessed that I had gotten drunk, and Father were to ask “Did you just go to a bar and drink too much?” I may not want to answer “No I went with two of my freinds from church” because I first off don’t want to make it sound like I was induced to sin by someone else and making an excuse. But also, maybe he knows who I hang out with and I don’t want to confess for someone else. Or say I used contraception. Would Father ask “Did your wife agree to this?” If she did, I don’t feel it is right for me to confess for her. Get what I mean?

Thanks for the help.

Tim

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi Tim,

Ordinarily yes, you ought to answer any question the priest asks regarding the clarity of what you are confessing. If what he asks is personal and has no bearing on your confession, then that is another matter. Usually, confessors don’t ask much. But sometimes it is necessary for him to understand the matter better. You never have to fear anything about the identity of others. First of all, the priest isn’t interested and secondly, he is bound by the seal of silence about anything he hears in Confession on pain of excommunication. He hears so many confessions that he isn’t likely to remember what you have said, let alone associate it with others. You are far, far more aware of your social situation than he is.

Asking about your wife’s possible participation in your sin is quite appropriate in understanding your culpability and in giving you advice as to what to do in the future. He isn’t going to judge your wife’s state of soul merely on what you might say. This is not a matter that you have to worry about. But I commend you for such sensitivity.

You are in my prayers, Tim. Welcome aboard!

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.