Habits of going to Confession

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Kima

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Hi.

As some of you might know, I have been suffering from scruples. However, I can gladly declare that it has become a lot better. I’m experiencing so much more joy related to faith and I’m involved in a lot of Catholic settings or whatever I should call it.

For now, I’m wondering how often I should seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation while I have only venial sins to confess? For me it seems like I’m mostly either too obsessed with sins and wrongdoings or I’m only caring about the potential serious sins.

Due to my habits of receiving the Sacrament, I’m used to going about two times a-month. Sort of recently, I’ve decided to go only once a-month as it seems like it’s spiritually keeping me «on my toes», but still not too oftenly considering my scrupulous tendencies.

To me it seems sort of strange to go to Confession for venial matters only. I feel like post-proaning it for that reason, but at the same time I feel like going regularly is a good thing that could potentially help ones spiritual life.

What are your thoughts about this? I’m sure this is a personal and individual matter, but I would like to hear some of your opinions on this.

Thanks in advance.
 
I would ask the priest who knows you best/who you confess to. Frequent confession is good, but sometimes people that struggle with scrupulosity are advised to go less often. Only your Confessor can tell you how often to go in this case
 
I think that going to confession every three to four weeks is a good thing, regardless of if your sins are only venial sins. Practice makes perfect.
 
We all have eyes for the negative. Some of us focus on sin and some of us are obsessed with it. If your goal is heaven, why think about sin, death and hell constantly? Ultimately I think there is a better attitude.

What about the virtues? Sin excludes you from heaven while practice of the virtues holds the promise of heaven. Is it not, therefore, far better to “repent” of your current focus and turn toward the heavenly Kingdom?

Think of it like driving a car: if you look only at the ditch, you will arrive there. If you look away from the ditch and toward your destination, you will arrive there.
 
Personally, I think once a month is probably about right. In my mind, that seems like a happy middle ground between laxity and scrupulosity.
 
That you are on an internet forum asking how often you should go to confession is NOT a good indication your scruples are better. This is exactly the type of questions you should not be asking of strangers on the internet. You should only be asking your confessor.
 
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If you have scruples you need to be working with a regular confessor. Speak to your priest about setting up regular confession times and work with him ONLY on your scruples. He will advise you on how often you should go to confession.

Many of the answers you will get on here may only feed your scrupulosity which is why many who suffer with scrupulosity come to these forums in the first place.
 
I keep track of sins on a note app on my phone, so I don’t forget. Typically I go to confession one to two times a month. If I commit a mortal sin, I go as soon as I reasonably can.

I keep track of venial sins and confess them all. I had one priest who told me that I didn’t need to do this, but there isn’t anything wrong with doing so.

I don’t know if you have read the ten commandments for the scrupulous, but many priests recommend it. Very easy to find on the internet, and if have not seen it, I am sure you will find it helpful.

Pax
 
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