I used to steal and am worried my sins haven't been absolved

[Thyme]

This is a shameful thing to admit, but I would like to mention that my ways have changed and I don’t know what to do about my old ways;

Before I returned to my faith, I used to steal. I stole many things from various shops and was addicted to downloading pirated music/software.

Recently, I went to confession. I had made a mental list of everything to say, but out of nervousness, I could only remember commonly committed sins, such as missing Mass. However, I did remember to mention that I had been downloading illegaly and this reminded me that I had stolen from shops. Out of nervousness, I couldn’t say this, but I did add, “… So, I have stolen things”, but I doubt the priest would know that I was mentioning stealing from shops on top of downloading illegally, however, Christ would. Was this a valid confession?

I don’t know what to do. I should trust that I have been absolved of sins that I have forgotten, but I’ve stolen so many things and I’m worried I could still have the mark of this on my soul. Also, what should I do with those stolen things? Throwing them away would be a waste and no-one else would want them.

Thanks.

 

[fish90]

The Church’s power to absolve validly confessed sin is extraordinary. Do not worry. If in doubt, when you go again confess them with something like " I don’t know if I properly confessed this sin of …" Ask your priest about what to do with your stolen goods.

fish90

 

[Bookcat]

If one deliberately withholds some mortal sin…that is one thing …but to make honest mistakes etc is another…

Make a list…and and make an appointment soon with a good priest…

go to confession…explain what happened…in the last confession and about the sins…(only mortal sins need be confessed…and these in number and kind …of course sometimes we can not do this fully so we have to say “around” such many times etc)

remember also that for stolen things …they have to be returned or if this is not possible which it may not very well be…ask the priest what to do by way of restitution …but talk it over with him…(I do not mean one has to personally or in a way that
“turns oneself in” or get oneself filmed by the store camera. doing so…talk with the priest)

Catechism:

2412 In virtue of commutative justice, reparation for injustice committed requires the restitution of stolen goods to their owner:

Jesus blesses Zacchaeus for his pledge: "If I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold."192 Those who, directly or indirectly, have taken possession of the goods of another, are obliged to make restitution of them, or to return the equivalent in kind or in money, if the goods have disappeared, as well as the profit or advantages their owner would have legitimately obtained from them. Likewise, all who in some manner have taken part in a theft or who have knowingly benefited from it - for example, those who ordered it, assisted in it, or received the stolen goods - are obliged to make restitution in proportion to their responsibility and to their share of what was stolen.

 

[Myqyl]

If this has you worried, I’d suggest you talk about it at your next confession. The priest will know best how to handle it. Just explain it the same as you explained it here.

By the way, did you know you can bring notes to confession? If you’re nervous and tend to forget things, write them down when you are contemplating your confession and bring your notes with you.

God bless…

 

[Catholic1954]

If you are feeling concerned about this, go back to confession and give more details. However you did tell the priest that you have stolen some things and if he need more information to give you absolution, he would have asked you.

 

[catholicjames28]

Can one donate to a charity for restitution? I have stole things from stores before and when I confessed this the priest said to donate to a charity. Another time I confessed stealing the priest didn’t tell me to do anything…

 

[EricFilmer]

Catechism:

2412 In virtue of commutative justice, reparation for injustice committed requires the restitution of stolen goods to their owner

As we can see from Bookcat’s quote from the catechism, restitution is important. This does not mean, however, that a priest has to assign restitution as a penance for a confessed sin. Practically speaking, the modern concept of prescribed penance should be something that the penitent can accomplish in a relatively short amount of time, without any undo hardships presenting an obstacle to completing the penance. Returning stolen goods to the proper owner may be an easy thing, but it could also be very complicated (for example, someone shoplifted from a store that has since closed down).

But even if a priest does not bring up restitution as penance, a penitent is always free to voluntarily do extra penance. If direct restitution is not possible (for one reason or another), I think that it suffices to make up for it through charitable giving. Keep in mind that the validity of the sacrament of reconciliation does not hinge on this unless it involved an instruction specifically given as penance.

 

[baltobetsy]

Can one donate to a charity for restitution? I have stole things from stores before and when I confessed this the priest said to donate to a charity. Another time I confessed stealing the priest didn’t tell me to do anything…

Yes, you can, but only if the priest tells you to. Usually, you should not decide on your own restitution. It’s best to ask the priest during your confession.

Betsy

 

[Thyme]

Thank you, everyone. Once again, I have received great answers from CAF members.

I’m hoping I will have the courage to go to confession tomorrow and tell the priest the sins that I forgot to say last time. He’s going to have a shock when he hears them all

 

[Myqyl]

It’s pretty hard to shock most preists I’ve known They must hear more in a day than most of us can imagine in a lifetime.

God bless and I’ll be praying for the Holy Spirit strengthen your courage

 

[Thyme]

It’s pretty hard to shock most preists I’ve known They must hear more in a day than most of us can imagine in a lifetime.

God bless and I’ll be praying for the Holy Spirit strengthen your courage

Thank you, that’s really kind of you! I think it would be a shock, because the sins I mentioned last time were venial, except missing Mass. When I mention the ones I forgot, his view of me will change lol.

 

[baltobetsy]

When I mention the ones I forgot, his view of me will change lol.

Yes, but not in the way you think. He’ll admire you for being honest. And as soon as you leave, he’ll probably forget all about it and just be glad to have absolved you of… whatever that was!

Betsy

 

[Thyme]

Thanks again for answering all my questions and for your kindness!

I didn’t make confession today as I stupidly went to bed late, but will make sure I go next Saturday.

 

[Booklover]

Thanks again for answering all my questions and for your kindness!

I didn’t make confession today as I stupidly went to bed late, but will make sure I go next Saturday.

Don’t be afraid to tell the priest anything. You won’t shock him, and remember that God’s mercy is greater than any of our sins.

Vickie