Going to Reconciliation

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AnnRob11

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Hey y’all. I’m a neophyte. I have yet to go to confession since I was baptised this year. I have said and done somethings that I’m not proud of and was thinking about going to Reconciliation for the first time. Is it too soon that I go only 2.5 months after I was baptised? And how many times should we be going to confession?

I know it’s mandatory to go once during the Lenten season, but I’ve talked to others who go monthly and they tell me how much better they feel afterwards and the beauty in the sacrament.
 
AnnRob11 said:
Hey y’all. I’m a neophyte. I have yet to go to confession since I was baptised this year. I have said and done somethings that I’m not proud of and was thinking about going to Reconciliation for the first time. Is it too soon that I go only 2.5 months after I was baptised? And how many times should we be going to confession?

I know it’s mandatory to go once during the Lenten season, but I’ve talked to others who go monthly and they tell me how much better they feel afterwards and the beauty in the sacrament.
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Annual confession is only mandatory for mortal sin. It is recommended for venial sins.

Catechism
1457 According to the Church’s command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year."56 Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession.57 Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.58

1458 Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.59 Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful: …
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I’ve heard that St. Mother Theresa & St. Pope John Paul II went to Confession daily. It used to be a common minimum practice of going to Confession before each time you receive Holy Communion. You are correct on the minimum requirement of annually for those aware of Mortal Sin. How frequent or infrequently you receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation is really a personal choice for you to make. You will receive Grace to overcome sin each time you go. Doesn’t hurt to pray about it and ask God how often He wants you to receive this Sacrament.
 
Frequent confession is very much encouraged by the Church, and going monthly is what’s often recommended. You will find your own rhythm, but 2.5 months is most certainly not too soon. It’s not about how you feel afterwards but rather about receiving graces to help you avoid sin in the future, help you resist temptation and grow in holiness.
 
I go at least once a week.
Don’t receive the eucharist if you are in a state of mortal sin that is sacrilege.
 
AnnRob11 said:
I know it’s mandatory to go once during the Lenten season
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In addition to the information you’ve been given above that it’s not mandatory to go once a year unless you have mortal sin to confess, the Church actually teaches that in those cases, you should confess as soon as reasonably possible. There is no timeframe required, whether on a certain frequency or once a year during Lent (or any other season). There may be valid, fruitful reasons to go more often, but you should discern that in cooperation with a priest to whom you confess/ plan to confess on a regular basis.

Edit to add: No, it’s never too soon if you feel the urge. 😁 (unless your priest has advised otherwise)
 
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How often should you take a bath and clean your body? Confession cleans your soul.
 
It’s normal to go every 1-2 months. Some Catholics only go once or twice a year but usually it’s because they either don’t like going or were poorly catechized.

Some people adhere to the old traditional practice of going about once a week.
 
  1. Don’t sin.
  2. That’s not possible, so…
  3. Get a good examination of conscience and ponder it.
  4. In receiving absolution, your sins are destroyed; the priest does penance for your sins - in emulation of Christ.
  5. God forgets sin but allows us to remember so that we may avoid future sin.
  6. As mentioned, it is not about feelings or emotion, although they may be involved. It is a legal, juridical act of the Church.
  7. Nevertheless, some report feeling as though their feet were not touching the floor when they left the confessional.
  8. Beware! The devil lurks just outside. He knows your weakness and he absolutely hates souls in a state of grace.
 
poche said:
That would be discussed with one’s confessor.
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I agree, that’s why I said it “raises the question” instead of definitively saying that the person would be scrupulous.

If someone finds themselves wanting to go to confession 3-4 times a week, there’s a decent chance they either don’t understand what mortal sin is or they might be scrupulous.
 
Vico said:
Annual confession is only mandatory for mortal sin.
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True, but one cannot receive the Eucharist if they are conscious of having committed a mortal sin without making confession.
 
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