Is it scrupulosity or true

[newone]

First off please forgive me for my lack of knowledge but I’ am not always sure where else to go. Having a priest in my back pocket would be nice but simply not going to happen. I actually have two questions so ill split it up in that way.

1, I went to confession and all was well but the priest never asked me to make an act of contrition. He might have took a part where I said I was sorry for the things i have done as it but he never asked me for the formal “o my God…” act of contrition. he said the words of absolution and everything else. I realized after I left and I said an act of contrition on my own and did my penance. Was this valid?

2, I don’t know if I am the only one with this problem but as I feel like I screw up as soon as I am absolved. I can go about a day without feeling I need to go to confession again in order to receive the Eucharist. I don’t necessarily make any physical sense of the word sin but even with some words or images that are not intended to invoke sinful thought I usually can’t help my mind from wandering for a second or so. I know I shouldn’t but it seems almost automatic and I do my best to fight it away fast. I just hate feeling like that way because it happens so much. is it mortal sin how do i know. is it wrong for me to just ask for forgiveness on m own or do i need to go confess again first… I think ill be at the confessional a lot.
also is sin forgiven even if your contrition inst perfect. I mean I always want to feel bad for them and I believe I do for the most part but I’ am not exactly sure what I should feel or how to tell if its perfect and right. I believe in my heart of hearts that I want perfect contrition and maybe I do I just don’t know how to to tell. also does true contrition count only if its for all sins committed or for maybe some but not exactly all. why would we confess something we didnt feel bad about? I feel like if something is not good and I do it then I feel bad about it and thus want to confess it…

ok sorry for going on and on just so many uncertantites and I just want to do things right without having to stress over it.

thank you very much for all who seriously consider and answer my questions. please only reply if you have a serious and informative answer. if something inst clear ill try to clear it up for you.

Thank you

God bless

 

[1ke]

You need to discuss this with your priest. Make an appointment. You need spiritual guidance, and you may tend toward scrupulosity. This isn’t something that can be handled here on the forum.

The fact that you are concerned **all **the time that you are sinning does indicate you need some spiritual counseling.

 

[Joe_5859]

I would reiterate 1ke’s suggestion that you make an appointment to talk all this out with your priest. It seems you are tending towards scrupulosity. That being said, I will try to answer some of your questions that I am able to.

1, I went to confession and all was well but the priest never asked me to make an act of contrition. He might have took a part where I said I was sorry for the things i have done as it but he never asked me for the formal “o my God…” act of contrition. he said the words of absolution and everything else. I realized after I left and I said an act of contrition on my own and did my penance. Was this valid?

The validity of the sacrament does not depend upon the act of contrition. So, yes, it was valid.

See the question asked in the “Ask an Apologist” forum:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=38986

2, I don’t know if I am the only one with this problem but as I feel like I screw up as soon as I am absolved. I can go about a day without feeling I need to go to confession again in order to receive the Eucharist. I don’t necessarily make any physical sense of the word sin but even with some words or images that are not intended to invoke sinful thought I usually can’t help my mind from wandering for a second or so. I know I shouldn’t but it seems almost automatic and I do my best to fight it away fast. I just hate feeling like that way because it happens so much. is it mortal sin how do i know. is it wrong for me to just ask for forgiveness on m own or do i need to go confess again first… I think ill be at the confessional a lot.
also is sin forgiven even if your contrition inst perfect. I mean I always want to feel bad for them and I believe I do for the most part but I’ am not exactly sure what I should feel or how to tell if its perfect and right. I believe in my heart of hearts that I want perfect contrition and maybe I do I just don’t know how to to tell. also does true contrition count only if its for all sins committed or for maybe some but not exactly all. why would we confess something we didnt feel bad about? I feel like if something is not good and I do it then I feel bad about it and thus want to confess it…

Some important things to keep in mind about Confession and sin:

You are only obligated to confess mortal sins in the Sacrament of Confession. While it is encouraged to confess venial sins as well, you are not required to do so. (See CCC 1456 & 1458).

Also, unconfessed mortal sins are the only thing that can keep us from receiving the Eucharist. Our venial sins are actually forgiven when we receive the Eucharist! (See CCC 1393-1395.)

There are three requirements for a sin to be mortal (CCC 1857-1860):

1. 
   *]The sin must be grave matter (breaking one of the ten commandments)
   *]The sin must be committed with full knowledge (you know it’s a sin)
   *]The sin must be committed with complete consent (you chose freely without being coerced or subject to addiction)
   
   If the matter is not serious or if you are not sure whether it’s even a sin, the chances are pretty good that you are not guilty of mortal sin.
   
   Remember, sin is always a choice. If our mind wanders, or unwelcome thoughts pop into our head, that is not a choice and thus is not a sin. This happens to all of us now and again. What is important is how we handle it.
   
   Finally, perfect contrition is not required for a valid Confession. Imperfect contrition is sufficient. Perfect contrition is only required for forgiveness outside the Sacrament of Confession. See CCC 1453.
   
   I hope this is helpful! Don’t despair!