Looking for a traditional guide for Confession

[denitaA]

I was looking online for some traditional writings on Confession. I want something more on the proper procedure, and the necessity of Confession. The search results were confusing, I couldn’t tell if they were traditional or not. I don’t care for the term “reconciliation” it sounds more like a therapy session or something. If I can find maybe some Saints’ writings or something. Any ideas?

 

[robertericleech]

This one is pretty good: fisheaters.com/penance.html

This one’s Eastern Orthodox, but also very helpful: orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/pr_confession.aspx

The full name of the Sacrament is the ‘Sacrament of Penance and Reconcilation,’ of which the confession of your sins is one part. Reconcilation of the individual with God and the Church is the grace received once contrition, confession, and penance are performed.

 

[denitaA]

Thanks. I really would like to find something I could print, like a public domain booklet or something, or perhaps even a book I could order later on as well

 

[robertericleech]

If you look on Ebay you can find a lot of the older Catholic prayer books and missals and those frequently have a good examination of conscience in them. I use a Melkite (Eastern Catholic) book called the ‘Publican’s Prayerbook’ that has some great confession prayers in it. I’m weird, I’m Roman Catholic but I find the Eastern Rite and Orthodox prayer books more genuinely devotional than some of the Catholic ones. They’re reverent and deeply spiritual without being sentimental and syrupy…

 

[George_Stegmeir]

Go onto e-Bay and enter Roman Catholic Missal into their search. When it comes up, look for an English language Missal published prior to 1960. You should be able to find one for a low price.

 

[solomonkane]

This is the one I used when I made my first general Confession after being in the the wilderness for 21 years. I did this over 4 days for 2 hours a day; that’s about all I could handle before I went TOO loopy thinking about things. The general confession went for 45 minutes, but I felt so refreshed after it, I can’t really describe it in words.

I printed this guide out and basically read from it as my confession. I made an appointment with the priest first and informed him it was to be a general confession. he was more than happy to oblige and set aside a full hour for it, and I used nearly all of it, as previously mentioned.

willingshepherds.org/Examination.html

 

[CaptCrunch73]

This is the one I used when I made my first general Confession after being in the the wilderness for 21 years. I did this over 4 days for 2 hours a day; that’s about all I could handle before I went TOO loopy thinking about things. The general confession went for 45 minutes, but I felt so refreshed after it, I can’t really describe it in words.

I printed this guide out and basically read from it as my confession. I made an appointment with the priest first and informed him it was to be a general confession. he was more than happy to oblige and set aside a full hour for it, and I used nearly all of it, as previously mentioned.

willingshepherds.org/Examination.html

That guide is an awesome resource as well as the other resources on that site!!!

 

[JM3]

That guide is an awesome resource as well as the other resources on that site!!!

willingshepherds.org/About%20us%20and%20our%20Mission.html

On Rosary Sunday in 2005, the Willing Shepherds of Jesus Christ became a chapter of the Third Order of Penance of St. Dominic by Bishop Robert McKenna, O.P.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_McKenna

Fr. McKenna was consecrated a bishop on August 22, 1986 in Raveau, France by Mgr. Michel Guerard des Lauriers, O.P, one of the bishops consecrated by Bishop Ngo Dinh Thuc without papal mandate.

vatican.va/holy_father/leo_xiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_29061896_satis-cognitum_en.html

10…From this it is easy to see that men can fall away from the unity of the Church by schism, as well as by heresy. “We think that this difference exists between heresy and schism” (writes St. Jerome): “heresy has no perfect dogmatic teaching, whereas schism, through some Episcopal dissent, also separates from the Church” (S. Hieronymus, Comment. in Epist. ad Titum, cap. iii., v. 10-11). In which judgment St. John Chrysostom concurs: “I say and protest (he writes) that it is as wrong to divide the Church as to fall into heresy” (Hom. xi., in Epist. ad Ephes., n. 5). Wherefore as no heresy can ever be justifiable, so in like manner there can be no justification for schism. “There is nothing more grievous than the sacrilege of schism…there can be no just necessity for destroying the unity of the Church” (S. Augustinus, Contra Epistolam Parmeniani, lib. ii., cap. ii., n. 25).

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

The best guides I found for Confession with regards to how to make a good confession, why it’s necessary, etc were found on the multimedia page at Sensus Traditionis. They’re spiritual talks and homilies done by a priest from the FSSP who also taught at the seminary in Nebraska. I know you want something in writing, but honestly, they’re the best and most comprehensive guides you’re going to find (I’ve already scoured the internet when I had to make my “big” confession and was terrified of making a mistake and getting scolded for doing something wrong (as was the practice when I was a kid), especially coming from a traditional priest. He also has a couple good and thorough examinations of conscience posted on his site.

Going to Confession in the traditional form isn’t that difficult. Personally, I find it easier because there aren’t a lot of different responses you may have to make or may not, etc. It’s pretty streamlined.

As for saints talking about confession, I’m sure there are many. I make my confessions based on how St. Francis de Sales teaches in his book, “Introduction to the Devout Life” and what I’ve been learning from Heribert Jone’s book, Moral Theology with regards to sins and the sacrament of penance.

The term “Reconciliation” is misleading, I find. I go to confession weekly, despite not committing any mortal sins, thus I do not need to be “Reconciled”. Only those who have broken their friendship with God (those who sin mortally) need to be reconciled.

I don’t know if this is any help to you, but it’s the actual form of absolution in the old form.

DE SACRAMENTO PÆNITENTIÆ
ABSOLUTIONIS FORMA COMMUNIS

Cum Sacerdos pænitentem absolvere velit, injuncta ei prius, et ab eo acceptata, salutari pænitentia, primo dicit:

M isereatur tui omnipotens Deus, et dimissis peccatis tuis, perducat te ad vitam æternam. Amen.

Deinde, dextera versus pænitentem elevata, dicit:

I ndulgentiam, absolutionem, et remissionem peccatorum tuorum tribuat tibi omnipotens et misericors Dominus. Amen.

D ominus noster Jesus Christus te absolvat: et ego auctoritate ipsìus te absolvo ab omni vinculo excommunicationis, (suspensionis), et interdicti, in quantum possum, et tu indiges. Deinde ego te absolvo a peccatis tuis, in nomine Patris, et Filii, + et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

Si pænitens sit laicus, omittitur verbum suspensionis. Episcopus autem in absolvendis fidelibus ter signum crucis facit.

P assio Domini nostri Jesu Christi, merita beatæ Mariæ Virginis, et omnium Sanctorum, quidquid boni feceris, et mali sustinueris, sint tibi in remissionem peccatorum, augmentum gratiæ, et præmium vitæ æternæ. Amen.

Justa de causa omitti potest Misereatur, etc., et satis est dicere: Dominus noster Jesus Christus, etc., ut supra, usque ad illud: Passio Domini nostri, etc.

Urgente vero aliqua gravi necessitate in periculo mortis, Sacerdos breviter dicere poterit:

E go te absolvo ab omnibus censuris, et peccatis, in nomine Patris, et Filii, + et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

THE ROMAN RITUAL

TITLE III - CHAPTER 3

THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE

COMMON FORM OF ABSOLUTION

1. Before absolving a penitent, the priest gives a salutary penance. When the penitent has accepted the penance, the priest begins:

May almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you your sins, and lead you to life everlasting. Amen.

1. Then he holds his right hand elevated toward the penitent and says:

May the almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon, absolution, and remission of your sins. Amen.

May our Lord Jesus Christ absolve you, and by his authority I do absolve you from every bond of excommunication, suspension, and interdict, to the extent of my power and your need. Finally, I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son +, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

1. If the penitent is a lay person, the word suspensionis is omitted. A bishop makes the sign of the cross three times.

May the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merits of the blessed Virgin Mary and of all the saints, whatever good you have done and whatever evil you have endured achieve for you the forgiveness of your sins, the increase of grace, and the reward of everlasting life. Amen.

1. For a just cause the Misereatur and Indulgentiam may be omitted, and it is sufficient to say Dominus noster etc., as above, up to Passio Domini nostri, etc.

For some grave necessity, in danger of death, the priest may use the short formula:

I absolve you from all censures and sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

traditio.com/office/absoluti.htm

 

[robertericleech]

That guide is an awesome resource as well as the other resources on that site!!!

Looks like an excellent site. They mentioned a ‘Dominican Mission’ prayer book but I didn’t see a link that showed it. Anyone know where I could see that? Thanks!

 

[thistle]

I was looking online for some traditional writings on Confession. I want something more on the proper procedure, and the necessity of Confession. The search results were confusing, I couldn’t tell if they were traditional or not. I don’t care for the term “reconciliation” it sounds more like a therapy session or something. If I can find maybe some Saints’ writings or something. Any ideas?

Why does the word “reconciliation” bother you. It is exactly the correct word. Once you have been given absolution you are reconciled to God and to his Church.

 

[denitaA]

The best guides I found for Confession with regards to how to make a good confession, why it’s necessary, etc were found on the multimedia page at Sensus Traditionis. They’re spiritual talks and homilies done by a priest from the FSSP who also taught at the seminary in Nebraska. I know you want something in writing, but honestly, they’re the best and most comprehensive guides you’re going to find (I’ve already scoured the internet when I had to make my “big” confession and was terrified of making a mistake and getting scolded for doing something wrong (as was the practice when I was a kid), especially coming from a traditional priest. He also has a couple good and thorough examinations of conscience posted on his site.

Going to Confession in the traditional form isn’t that difficult. Personally, I find it easier because there aren’t a lot of different responses you may have to make or may not, etc. It’s pretty streamlined.

As for saints talking about confession, I’m sure there are many. I make my confessions based on how St. Francis de Sales teaches in his book, “Introduction to the Devout Life” and what I’ve been learning from Heribert Jone’s book, Moral Theology with regards to sins and the sacrament of penance.

The term “Reconciliation” is misleading, I find. I go to confession weekly, despite not committing any mortal sins, thus I do not need to be “Reconciled”. Only those who have broken their friendship with God (those who sin mortally) need to be reconciled.

I don’t know if this is any help to you, but it’s the actual form of absolution in the old form.

traditio.com/office/absoluti.htm

Thanks!:tiphat: I visit that sight sometimes; should have thought of that before. Really appreciate your help.

 

[denitaA]

Why does the word “reconciliation” bother you. It is exactly the correct word. Once you have been given absolution you are reconciled to God and to his Church.

Well, to be honest, it makes me think of face-to-face confession, psychiatric therapy, which is why I asked about the proper way to confess. I don’t want to treat Confession like psychotherapy. I have a spiritual director to give me advice, and am looking for a good Catholic therapist, but I know that that’s notwhat Confession is for, at least I’ve been told that.

 

[thistle]

Well, to be honest, it makes me think of face-to-face confession, psychiatric therapy, which is why I asked about the proper way to confess. I don’t want to treat Confession like psychotherapy. I have a spiritual director to give me advice, and am looking for a good Catholic therapist, but I know that that’s notwhat Confession is for, at least I’ve been told that.

It called the Sacrament of Reconciliation because the purpose of confession is to be reconciled to Christ and the Church.
You sincerely confess your mortal sins to the priest, receive absolution, and are reconciled to Christ and the Church.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

It called the Sacrament of Reconciliation because the purpose of confession is to be reconciled to Christ and the Church.
You sincerely confess your mortal sins to the priest, receive absolution, and are reconciled to Christ and the Church.

So it leaves us out who don’t confess mortal sins, but rather venial sins and use the graces received to help root out sin. I find that since the change in name, the mentality behind going to Confession has changed.

 

[Rejoice_Always]

I don’t care for the term “reconciliation” it sounds more like a therapy session or something.

Whatever you do, don’t read the Catechism of the Catholic Church (too new to be traditional anyway), which calls it the sacrament of reconciliation, as well as the sacrament of conversion, sacrament of penance, sacrament of forgiveness.

Oh, it also uses the term sacrament of confession.

[BIBLEDRB]Mark 2:17[/BIBLEDRB]

 

[asia53]

I have several Examination of Conscience booklets. By far, the one featured in the link below is my favorite. I keep one in my purse, one at my desk, and it’s very reasonably priced. I bought it from the Sisters of Reparation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, who were at my parish for Divine Mercy Sunday, they highly recommended it.

An Examination of Conscience

 

[thistle]

So it leaves us out who don’t confess mortal sins, but rather venial sins and use the graces received to help root out sin. I find that since the change in name,** the mentality behind going to Confession has changed**.

Can you explain what you mean? Confession of mortal sins is required. Confession of venial sins is recommended but not required.
What do you mean by “the mentality behind going to Confession has changed”? Nothing has changed.

 

[denitaA]

I have several Examination of Conscience booklets. By far, the one featured in the link below is my favorite. I keep one in my purse, one at my desk, and it’s very reasonably priced. I bought it from the Sisters of Reparation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, who were at my parish for Divine Mercy Sunday, they highly recommended it.

An Examination of Conscience

Thanks:thumbsup: I get the Leaflet Missal catalog by mail, too. I check it out, and the site, too

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

Can you explain what you mean? Confession of mortal sins is required. Confession of venial sins is recommended but not required.
What do you mean by “the mentality behind going to Confession has changed”? Nothing has changed.

Before Vatican II people used to go to Confession regularly, even if they weren’t in the state of mortal sin. It was common practice for families to go to Confession on Saturday night in preparation for Mass on Sunday. Priests preached on the importance of this wonderful sacrament and the graces received from it. People valued the sacrament.

Now people rarely go to Confession. Confession has turned into something one only has to do once a year, so going twice a year during Lent and Advent is going above and beyond what’s required.

We’re required to become saints, and in order to do that we need as much grace as possible. We get the most graces from worthy reception of Communion and regular and frequent reception of absolution. Doing the bare minimum requirements won’t make anyone a saint.