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Luke_K
Guest
Is it a requirement to say how long it’s been since your last confession? I haven’t seen this as a requirement for a valid confession anywhere, so I assume its a pious tradition or something like that.
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beth40n2
Guest
It is not a requirement. If you go to the same confessor all the time like I do, he knows when your last confession was. If I go to another priest, which I may do once or twice a year, then I do say how long since my last confession.
When the priest says “I absolve you of all your sins”, he means exactly that, no matter what you have said. If you have not withheld any sin that you can remember then it is a good confession.
When the priest says “I absolve you of all your sins”, he means exactly that, no matter what you have said. If you have not withheld any sin that you can remember then it is a good confession.
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SuscipeMeDomine
Guest
I think it’s helpful for the priest to have some idea of how often you go to confession.
If you say it’s been ten years since your last confession and all you have to confess is that you said “darn it” when you hit your thumb with a hammer, he might encourage you to dig a little deeper. On the other hand, if it’s been two days since your last confession and you have a long list of sins, he might want to talk with you about scrupulosity.
If you say it’s been ten years since your last confession and all you have to confess is that you said “darn it” when you hit your thumb with a hammer, he might encourage you to dig a little deeper. On the other hand, if it’s been two days since your last confession and you have a long list of sins, he might want to talk with you about scrupulosity.
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baltobetsy
Guest
The length of time since you last confession may however, be one of your sins. If it’s been more than a year and you have committed other mortal sins during that time, you have failed to keep the precept to confess once a year.
Also, knowing how long it has been is helpful to the confessor. He can begin to determine if you are scrupulous or lax or somewhere in the happy medium with that information.
Also, knowing how long it has been is helpful to the confessor. He can begin to determine if you are scrupulous or lax or somewhere in the happy medium with that information.
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Barbkw
Guest
IMO, it’s an indication that I’m not using the Sacrament as a way to become closer to Christ and to receive His forgiveness.
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RedSoxWife
Guest
I agree. When I went to confession a week ago I stated that it had been two months since my last good confession (it’s usually about four weeks…). So we had a talk about how I need to get to confession more often. I think it can help the priest give good advice.I think it’s helpful for the priest to have some idea of how often you go to confession.
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Samuel63
Guest
Most guidelines for confession are in the form of a list. The list makes it clear how to complete the Sacrament of Penance.
These lists generally have as one item, " tell the priest how long it has been since your last confession."
This is for a good reason. It lets the priest know sort of “where you are” in the faith. The priest needs to understand your position in the journey to holiness.
Some people are returning from years of absence.
Some are growing but fumbling around due to one or more obstacles.
Some are progressing well but need a “course correction.”
A few, very few, are running on all cylinders and doing great.
If the priest can categorize where you are in the faith, he can give much better advice.
This is making the assumption the priest is solid in the faith and eager to help with spiritual direction. Unfortunately, you may have to search a while to find a great priest. Welcome to the spiritual battle.
These lists generally have as one item, " tell the priest how long it has been since your last confession."
This is for a good reason. It lets the priest know sort of “where you are” in the faith. The priest needs to understand your position in the journey to holiness.
Some people are returning from years of absence.
Some are growing but fumbling around due to one or more obstacles.
Some are progressing well but need a “course correction.”
A few, very few, are running on all cylinders and doing great.
If the priest can categorize where you are in the faith, he can give much better advice.
This is making the assumption the priest is solid in the faith and eager to help with spiritual direction. Unfortunately, you may have to search a while to find a great priest. Welcome to the spiritual battle.
J
Joannm
Guest
I only go to one confessor and he knows the last time. On the rare occasion that I haven’t been in awhile or went to someone else I let him know.
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puzzleannie
Guest
it is not an absolute requirement for validity but certainly information the priest needs to properly counsel you, and silly to withhold.Is it a requirement to say how long it’s been since your last confession? I haven’t seen this as a requirement for a valid confession anywhere, so I assume its a pious tradition or something like that.
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