Hello Armyross.
Keep in mind that
venial sins can be forgiven in a variety of ways outside of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (a.k.a., going to Confession). For example, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we can receive grace which absolves us of venial sins through such things as prayer, fasting and works of charity, as well as through reception of the Eucharist:
**1434:**The interior penance of the Christian can be expressed in many and various ways. Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. Alongside the radical purification brought about by Baptism or martyrdom they cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of sins: effort at reconciliation with one’s neighbor, tears of repentance, concern for the salvation of one’s neighbor, the intercession of the saints, and the practice of charity “which covers a multitude of sins.”
1436: Eucharist and Penance. Daily conversion and penance find their source and nourishment in the Eucharist, for in it is made present the sacrifice of Christ which has reconciled us with God. Through the Eucharist those who live from the life of Christ are fed and strengthened. “It is a remedy to free us from our daily faults and to preserve us from mortal sins.”
In terms of
mortal sins, the ordinary means by which they are forgiven is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. But it is also possible to be absolved of mortal sins through repentance involving what is called “perfect contrition”. According to the catechism:
1452: When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.
1492: Repentance (also called contrition) must be inspired by motives that arise from faith. If repentance arises from love of charity for God, it is called “perfect” contrition; if it is founded on other motives, it is called “imperfect.”
Simply put, imperfect contrition arises from such things as fear of hell, the heinousness of sins, etc., while perfect contrition is motivated by one’s love of God (and the sorrow of having offended him). For more information concerning the topic of contrition (and the distinction between perfect and imperfect contrition), please visit:
Catholic Encyclopedia: Contrition.
In light of all this, have recourse to prayer, fasting, works of charity and the Eucharist for the forgiveness of venial sins. If you feel that you have committed a mortal sin and a priest is not available for confession, then pray for the grace of having perfect contrition and make an
Act of Contrition (with the intention of going to confession with a priest as soon as possible). As a side note, because it can be difficult (and maybe even impossible) to gauge whether or not the contrition in our hearts is truly perfect (even if we pray for it), it is always better for those who feel they have committed mortal sins to have recourse to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (assuming, of course, that a priest is available to hear one’s confession). After all, imperfect contrition is sufficient for receiving the absolution of sins (including mortal ones) through sacramental Confession. For more on this, please visit
this link.
May God watch over you and keep you safe!
