I'm homebound and my Priest comes to give me Communion and won't hear my confession

[dshix]

A just reason yes, but he needs to give her a good explanation as to why he refuses. Sounds like it has happened enough times to make her want to go to another parish if it was possible. The CCC says Confession of venial sins is strongly recomended. I was always taught and I always taught my CCD children to go once a month. God Bless, Memaw

That’s true, but we don’t know that the priest in question did not give her an explanation. We need more information to judge the situation.

This is a home bound person. Bottom line here is a Catholic wanting to go to confession. If a priest comes to the house of a homebound parishioner to bring communion and the person requests confession prior to the reception of communion; the request should be granted. I am a EMHC, I have brought communion to longtime homebound parishioners who have told me on occasion they wish to have their confession heard before receiving.
I have brought their request back to the priest who has then complied with the parishioner’s wishes. Even if it is only venial sins to be confessed, why not grant their request & hear their confession. If this is what will bring peace of mind & soul to a parishioner, why not do so.

Once again, we can’t make a solid judgement without more information. For all we know, this was a one-time occasion and the priest had some other engagement that he was obligated to meet.

 

[ccmcmg]

I do not follow rules and regulations of a church when God is always available to confess to or whatever problem we may have.
Who is more important in your life, a priest or god?

This is for Ventura, and not directed at anyone else. My apologies for commenting on this ‘side comment’ and not directly answering the OP, but I feel this important in defending our Faith.

God is the most important in my life; however, the priest is a conduit of God, especially during Confession. ‘in persona Christi’.

The OP, and many of those in this thread, and in this **Catholic **forum, DO follow the rules and regulations of the Church. If you’d like to debate the topic of Reconcilation, or other Catholic teachings, please do so in another thread. This was a specific Catholic question, and has received specific Catholic answers. Please have the respect that is due.

I look forward to your own thread on this issue if you wish truly to have a debate.

 

[Celtic_Maiden]

The sacrament of Reconciliation IS taking one’s sins directly to God. And dare I say, it is shameful to call Him a god with a small g. He is the One, the Only, God.

I think Ventura knows no better they don’t seem to be Catholic , this is why they answered the way they did, plus might not even be Christian, as what Christian would spell God with a small g. There is something not quite right, this advice must be totally ignored.

 

[jeshuaelshaddai]

In regards to a priest, we who call upon the name of Jesus Christ have a High Priest in heaven.

Hbr 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession;
Hbr 7:23-25 The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hbr 8:1 Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
Hbr 8:2 a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.
Hbr 10:11-23 Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, “THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,” He then says, “AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.” Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin. Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

In regards to confession of sins, it is through Jesus Christ your sins are forgiven.

1Jo 1:5-10 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
Col 2:13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,

-What does St. John say in 1 John 2
1Jo 2:1-2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

-What does Luke write about what St. Peter says about forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ in Acts 10:43
Act 10:43 “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

Now my friends since we have confessed our sins to Him that is our High Priest Jesus Christ and since we believe Him who is faithful; who then on earth has He given authority to also forgive sins. It is written:
Mat 6:15-16 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Luk 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Eph 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Col 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Conclusion
Since my friends we have a High Priest in heaven that forgives our sins then let us confess our sins to that High Priest Jesus Christ and after let us repent of our sins. Scripture does not say we are forgiven of mortal or venial sins; it says that we are forgiven of all our sins and of all unrighteousness to those that believe in Jesus Christ.

Repentance must follow confession and this can only be done through Jesus Christ, for it is written:
**Hbr 10:26-27 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. **

Your sins are forgiven in Jesus Christ and I forgive you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

 

[dshix]

@jeshuaelshaddai:
This thread is not the place to debate Catholic teaching. If you want to do that, please make a new thread.

The purpose of this thread is to give a Catholic answer to the OP who is asking a question in a Catholic context.

Make a new thread, please.

 

[jeshuaelshaddai]

@jeshuaelshaddai:
This thread is not the place to debate Catholic teaching. If you want to do that, please make a new thread. The purpose of this thread is to give a Catholic answer to the OP who is asking a question in a Catholic context.

I apologize if I was out of context but the OP said, “And I don’t want to go against God’s teachings if this is wrong.” I was simply posting what God says in His word and what God’s teaching is in regards to the context. I would hope that you view the Bible and God’s teachings as the final authority, thus it would not be out of context.

I would also hope that you would not speak on behalf of the OP since it is not you who is seeking to do what is right but it is the OP that is seeking to do what is right according to God’s teaching.

The Lord bless you and keep you

 

[dshix]

I apologize if I was out of context but the OP said, “And I don’t want to go against God’s teachings if this is wrong.” I was simply posting what God says in His word and what God’s teaching is in regards to the context. I would hope that you view the Bible and God’s teachings as the final authority, thus it would not be out of context.

I would also hope that you would not speak on behalf of the OP since it is not you who is seeking to do what is right but it is the OP that is seeking to do what is right according to God’s teaching.

The Lord bless you and keep you

I understand (and greatly appreciate!) your good intentions, but I do think you are wrong as regards confession. Jesus Christ, while on earth, instituted the Sacraments Himself, and we, as Christians, are obligated to do as He intended.

Also, if you read the context, you will see that the OP was asking if it was “against God’s teachings” to receive communion without receiving Confession. The correct answer is, “no, it is not a sin unless you are in a state of mortal sin.”

 

[Memaw]

Yes, indeed, I recognise that. It was the statement that the Church recommends confession every month that I was querying,

Nobody has the right to say that the Church imposes a duty that it does not in fact. Which is why I asked the other poster for a reference to support his/her claim.

I did NOT say the Church imposes, I said recommends!. God Bless, Memaw

 

[Memaw]

Again, this is a homebound parishioner who has been having communion brought to them, not any of the aforementioned cases. This is a Catholic, who must be in good standing or the priest would not be bringing them communion to begin with. Confession of sins whether they be venial or mortal, brings graces that render peace of mind & soul to those who receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

AMEN, God Bless. Memaw

 

[randirhoades]

You do not need to go to confession before receiving unless you are in a state of mortal sin. If you are not in a state of mortal sin, and your priest has a reason that he cannot give you confession at a particular time, he is justified in telling you to just receive.

If you are in a state of mortal sin, simply tell your priest that you NEED to go to confession and CANNOT receive. He will understand, and do what is necessary.

Not just “generally”. If a Catholic is in a state of mortal sin, he MUST NOT receive, on pain on incurring another mortal sin through disrespect to the sacrament.

By the OP, it appears that the priest is coming to the home of this person and offering him/her communion in a Pyx. In these circumstances it is very likely that the Priest is taking time out of his very busy workday (Sunday is generally very busy for priests) to offer her communion. He probably doesn’t have time to hear her confession, and is trying to help her and get back to his other responsibilities. It is likely that he senses scrupulosity or some other reason that the OP may be asking for communion unnecessarily./QUOTE]

It’s a small Parish and not many Catholics. He visits All homebound which are many in this small community and his Secretary calls me FIRST to see if I want to see Fr. I always say yes and it’s Once a month. Fr. chooses to do this. I have never asked for I never know when he comes. Plus, I’ve never asked, period. (Saying this softly and gently.) Yet, I believe a Priest should make time for his Parishioners regardless. What if I were dying and needed Last Rites? Plus, I’m not taking him away from any responsibility because the day he chooses to visit the Shut Ins are his responsibility and like I previously stated Fr.'s Secretary calls beforehand.

I just wanted a question answered and no assumptions said that may be offensive. Okay, I’m not angry. Therefore God Bless You.

 

[ccmcmg]

Dshix: that the OP may be asking for communion unnecessarily.

I *think *dshix meant asking for ‘Confession’, not Communion, unnecessarily. You are within your rights to ask for both Communion, & Confession. Ask Father why not; ask the secretary to make a few more minutes for you in his schedule for Confession.

May God bless and keep you all these days,

 

[randirhoades]

I don’t think you need to concern yourself if your sins are venial in nature for it is these type of sins which most of the faithful are committing. St. Maria Faustina also had these same concerns but the Lord Jesus gently corrected her by saying that when one unites with Him in Holy Communion it is a greater act that when one goes to Confession (here I am referring to those who only commit venial sins). Once she had decided not to go to Communion because of some transgression she had committed and she thought it was very grievous. The Lord Jesus appeared to her and asked her why she had not gone to Communion for it had grieved Him more that she had not received Him than what this transgression was. He told her that her transgression was not a deterrent in receiving Him. In fact He was teaching her to come without hesitation for His Mercy is always wide open in Holy Communion. It seems to me we need to be taught that more often. I also see many Orthodox not coming to Holy Communion because they had not gone to Confession or even when they had not fasted. I am talking here more of the faithful and in my experiences in Church the faithful are normally only committing venial sins. I am sure we need to be taught more that God accepts us every time we come to receive His Son when we are faithful parishioners. He desires this union with us and venial sins are never a deterrent to such a union.

This is great!! Thank you. Now I’m going to tend to my neck and back which I broke many years ago. And I’m in severe pain. Why I’m disabled. God Bless you. §

 

[dshix]

I *think *dshix meant asking for ‘Confession’, not Communion, unnecessarily. You are within your rights to ask for both Communion, & Confession. Ask Father why not; ask the secretary to make a few more minutes for you in his schedule for Confession.

May God bless and keep you all these days,

Yes, that was a mistype.

randirhoads, next time your priest comes to give you communion, if you wish to ask to confession, and he refuses your offer, ask him specifically why. I don’t think this is a big problem and I think it can be resolved by simply communicating with him.

 

[detoutcoeur]

It’s a small Parish and not many Catholics. He visits All homebound which are many in this small community and his Secretary calls me FIRST to see if I want to see Fr. I always say yes and it’s Once a month. Fr. chooses to do this. I have never asked for I never know when he comes. Plus, I’ve never asked, period. (Saying this softly and gently.) Yet, I believe a Priest should make time for his Parishioners regardless. What if I were dying and needed Last Rites? Plus, I’m not taking him away from any responsibility because the day he chooses to visit the Shut Ins are his responsibility and like I previously stated Fr.'s Secretary calls beforehand.

I just wanted a question answered and no assumptions said that may be offensive. Okay, I’m not angry. Therefore God Bless You.

I’m so sorry that you haven’t been able to have confession.

When are weekly confessions held at your church? (Here, it’s Saturdays, an hour before the Vigil Mass.) Perhaps someone who’s going for confession and/or Mass could give you a ride once in a while. Father or his secretary should have some suggestions of people you could contact. I hope this helps; you’re in my prayers.

 

[tawny]

I did NOT say the Church imposes, I said recommends!. God Bless, Memaw

Amen.

The RCIA Director in my parish who is a Priest does indeed recommend to the students at least monthly reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

 

[Bookcat]

Amen.

The RCIA Director in my parish who is a Priest does indeed recommend to the students at least monthly reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

I did NOT say the Church imposes, I said recommends!. God Bless, Memaw

Yes and he later corrected what he mis-wrote. (see up above )

As to the “monthly confession”

The Church recommends “regular confession”…that may be weekly or bi-weekly or monthly…(as just common examples). Priests or lay person or Bishops or Popes yes might recommend various intervals. But yes the Church recommends “regular” confession of venial sins.

CCC

1458 Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. 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.

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#VI

 

[Memaw]

Yes and he later corrected what he mis-wrote. (see up above )

As to the “monthly confession”

The Church recommends “regular confession”…that may be weekly or bi-weekly or monthly…(as just common examples). Priests or lay person or Bishops or Popes yes might recommend various intervals. But yes the Church recommends “regular” confession of venial sins.

CCC

1458 Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. 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.

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#VI

Don’t you think your making a mountain out of a molehill? I think most Catholics know what it means. If the church is talking about our “everyday faults” then maybe once a month isn’t often enough. Good greif!, God Bless, Memaw

 

[Bookcat]

Don’t you think your making a mountain out of a molehill? I think most Catholics know what it means. If the church is talking about our “everyday faults” then maybe once a month isn’t often enough. Good greif!, God Bless, Memaw

No I am not. Just seeking to note that there is no “once a month” recommendation. The Church does not “recommend monthly confession” per se.

But rather yes it is recommended to confess venial sins regularly.

Common recommendations from Spiritual writers or Priests or me or others can be such as monthly, "weekly…every two weeks etc.

(regarding everyday venial sins it is important for some readers to note that we need not wait til confession to be forgiven such…they can forgiven in so many ways…such as prayer, acts of love etc…so let us quickly repent daily -praying especially the Our Father --“forgive us our trespasses” -seeking such forgiveness daily and during the day…)

 

[Memaw]

No I am not. Just seeking to note that there is no “once a month” recommendation. The Church does not “recommend monthly confession” per se.

But rather yes it is recommended to confess venial sins regularly.

Common recommendations from Spiritual writers or Priests or me or others can be such as monthly, "weekly…every two weeks etc.

(regarding everyday venial sins it is important for some readers to note that we need not wait til confession to be forgiven such…they can forgiven in so many ways…such as prayer, acts of love etc…so let us quickly repent daily -praying especially the Our Father --“forgive us our trespasses” -seeking such forgiveness daily and during the day…)

Like it or not, monthly confession has been taught for many years as the recommendation, even if it isn’t written in stone. Get it?? God Bless, Memaw

 

[Bookcat]

Like it or not, monthly confession has been taught for many years as the recommendation, even if it isn’t written in stone. Get it?? God Bless, Memaw

Sure – as has weekly confession and bi-weekly confession.