Going to a different priest than usual for confession?

[returned2faith]

I just wanted to thank you all for all of your thoughts and responses.

In the end, I went to my normal priest - but time ran out before Mass! So, I then went to a different priest at a location near my work. The confession/sacrament was wonderful, as it always is - although difficult. However, when I went back to my regular priest, I went ahead and told him the whole thing. He, of course, totally understood, and said I did not need to re-confess what I had confessed to the other priest, other than to whatever extent I may need to do so in order to put context into the present confession. I went ahead and just told him everything, as I knew I would feel better, and feel more accountable, doing so. So, in the end, I guess I ended up doing it twice!

Overall, it is a bit of a quandary. On the one hand, I do really think that having a regular confessor is best - as it really holds me accountable. However, it IS a bit awkward going to my parish priest - knowing he will then see and interact with me. He certainly assured me that he really is always just thrilled and impressed that people are doing what they need to do and giving a good confession… and I know that’s true… but I also know he is human, and that it must present some awkwardness. Still, overall, for me anyway - I will probably make it a habit to go to him - especially for anything big. (hopefully I’ll not have too many big things - but if I do, I think I should go to the same priest for those) - and go to others when it just isn’t all that convenient - since it is important to get in, and not wait.

Thank you all again for your thoughts and helpful words.

 

[porthos11]

I just wanted to thank you all for all of your thoughts and responses.

In the end, I went to my normal priest - but time ran out before Mass! So, I then went to a different priest at a location near my work. The confession/sacrament was wonderful, as it always is - although difficult. However, when I went back to my regular priest, I went ahead and told him the whole thing. He, of course, totally understood, and said I did not need to re-confess what I had confessed to the other priest, other than to whatever extent I may need to do so in order to put context into the present confession. I went ahead and just told him everything, as I knew I would feel better, and feel more accountable, doing so. So, in the end, I guess I ended up doing it twice!

Overall, it is a bit of a quandary. On the one hand, I do really think that having a regular confessor is best - as it really holds me accountable. However, it IS a bit awkward going to my parish priest - knowing he will then see and interact with me. He certainly assured me that he really is always just thrilled and impressed that people are doing what they need to do and giving a good confession… and I know that’s true… but I also know he is human, and that it must present some awkwardness. Still, overall, for me anyway - I will probably make it a habit to go to him - especially for anything big. (hopefully I’ll not have too many big things - but if I do, I think I should go to the same priest for those) - and go to others when it just isn’t all that convenient - since it is important to get in, and not wait.

Thank you all again for your thoughts and helpful words.

I would say don’t worry about it and do what makes you most comfortable. The key thing is to get absolved.

Church law is clear: the faithful are free to confess to any Catholic priest with faculties, even of those of a different rite. I myself (a Latin) have confessed to our local Maronite priest on a few occasions.

Only if one suffers from scrupulosity does a single, trusted confessor become a must.