Is this material for confession?

[Contra_Mundum_1]

My approach to confession is that I go in, say what my sins are in a concise and clear way and only go into detail if the priest asks me about something.

But now I am in a situation that is ripe for confession (which I am hoping to do before Easter) but has a bit more to it, probably better suited for spiritual direction and even counceling.

I have been suffering from depression lately and one of the things this has effected is my mass attendance. I simply can’t get myself to mass. There are times I feel physically ill when I’m getting ready to go, or get bad anxiety attacks. If I understand things correctly I am not in mortal sin for missing mass because of my current emotional state, but this is still something to confess.

Should I explain the situation to the priest or not? Any idea how to say it without turning confession into a discussion of my problems and drifting off focus?

Thank you.

 

[PrayRosary]

Take this to confession and just tell him what you told us here. He ll tell you what to do. God bless.

 

[subject97]

you could always schedule a confession with your priest instead of just going in the line with everyone else. When I do this, it makes it easier for me to gain spiritual guidance and not have to worry about going quickly so that the other people can get absolution.

 

[yellow8yellowM]

In “Introduction to the Devout Life” by St. Francis de Sales, he says to mention the fact, motive, and continuance of our sins. The motive is the part a lot of people leave out, but it can and often is spiritually beneficial. Why you missed Mass is very important.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

Thank you very much for your (name removed by moderator)ut everyone.

Unfortunately it would be very difficult to arrange to meet a priest for confession. It is a massive parish with only two priests. I also can’t leave the children during the week. I think I will have to go to regular confession before sunday mass. I have to find a way to explain my circumstances without drifting into the detailed description of events and so end up in pseudo therapy session.

 

[Edmundus1581]

It seems like you’ve received good advice and sorted it out. I just want to add that you don’t need to feel at all reluctant to explain the situation in the confessional and receive spiritual direction. That is part of what confession is for. In practice, most of us don’t need spiritual direction most times we confess, but that doesn’t mean we should try to avoid it.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

It seems like you’ve received good advice and sorted it out. I just want to add that you don’t need to feel at all reluctant to explain the situation in the confessional and receive spiritual direction. That is part of what confession is for. In practice, most of us don’t need spiritual direction most times we confess, but that doesn’t mean we should try to avoid it.

Thank you for your comment. I think I am just careful to avoid self justification in confession. I guess my current situation makes things a bit different so it wouldn’t be the case of me coming up with excuses for having missed mass. It has been helpful to get insight on this.

 

[TeachMeToLove]

That’s really too bad you can’t schedule a more private time for Confession! If you think going to regular the Confession time would allow you to talk about the problem adequately go for that. Otherwise, what about going to a different parish for Confession? If there are other Catholic churches in your area you could try setting up an appointment with the priest there- say, “My parish is so large I’m not really able to talk to our pastor, but I really wanted to talk to a priest. Can we set up a time?” If there are other priests around I’m sure you will be able to get ahold of one to meet with.

Good luck, take care, and God bless!

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

Good luck, take care, and God bless!

Thank you for your advice and kind words. I might try that.

I made it to mass yesterday and it was wonderful. No anxiety, nothing. I hope that I will be able to do the same next sunday as well. I can’t even imagine not going to mass. I think that my life would fall apart. The last few weeks when I didn’t go really scared me.

 

[TeachMeToLove]

Thank you for your advice and kind words. I might try that.

I made it to mass yesterday and it was wonderful. No anxiety, nothing. I hope that I will be able to do the same next sunday as well. I can’t even imagine not going to mass. I think that my life would fall apart. The last few weeks when I didn’t go really scared me.

That’s great to hear!! I know what you mean about not being able to imagine missing Mass. It’s great to hear you love the Mass so much. It’s everything! I hope you are able to keep making it to Mass just fine! I’ll say some prayers for you.