Is it OK to ask some specific questions after Absolution?

[JamalChristophr]

Some say you can do a little spiritual direction during confession. I think priests have said after your confession, proper. I’ve never been well catechized on confession except for the bare essentials. Am I simply to confess my sins without commentary, or there is some flexibility here? Does what we can do during confession depend a lot on what the priest is willing to go with as far as variation from confession in the strictest and most essential sense? Like is it permissible to spend an extra 3 minutes talking to the priest after Absolution?

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

I did a couple times.
The priest was very gracious.
However I wouldn’t do it if there were a long line after me

 

[fredystairs]

I have. It generally was a specific question, sometimes related to what I confessed but other times it was not.

Blessings

 

[PaulfromIowa]

The propriety would depend on whether there are other people waiting to confess.

 

[Blessedwithfive]

Often times my family is the only ones who show up for Confession and we do ask questions. (we don’t go that often…once every 3-4 months) When the Bishop comes for Confessions he tends to quiz the kids down about what they are up to (like where they are in school, what they like to do…) that has nothing to do with their Confessions. I always think he must be bored waiting for people to show up…

During Lent if it is busy I wouldn’t ask too many questions.

If you really have some concerns, have you thought to invite Father over for dinner? We do and the conversations are always so interesting. I also email if I have a specific concern…they are always answered quickly.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

I’ve had priests offer simple spiritual direction without my prompting. My favorite was the priest who suggested a “win one for the Gipper” approach to perseverance. Fortunately, I understood that reference.

 

[pianistclare]

Nope. Our priests often say the confessional is not the place for counseling.
Make an appointment…

 

[JamalChristophr]

Who is this Gipper person? Never mind. I’ll ask in a separate thread.

 

[CatholicSpirit]

It can be the best thing for you, so long as you find a confessor that adheres to his holy boundary of strict confidentiality. You will know whether or not God brought you to him for direction in your heart. Learn from someone you trust.

For many, trust can only be gained by demonstrating good will towards you with results that equal the desired actions upon opening up. Few I have met have that capability, but some do, build on what cannot be destroyed and will grow.

 

[pianistclare]

What? All priests are bound to secrecy.

 

[PJM]

Confession CAN be a sort of Confession and Q & A DEPENDING on the time constraints and the CONFESSOR. But it is common to ask questions that relate to Confession, the nature of a sin, or even a Faith question.

Let PRUDENCE be your guide:grinning:

Thanks for asking

Patrick