LOOOONG confession

[Ginger_Sling]

Hey, guys!

I haven’t been to confession in a long while. My list of mortal and venial sins is LONG (mostly venial, and things I didn’t even realise were sinful in the first place) and I’m worried about getting hit by a bus and proceeding directly to hell before tomorrrow afternoon. I feel terrible for having sinned so bleedin’ much.

The catechism says to hold nothing back. I’m wondering - since it’s also a sin to “edit for time”/withhold sins - if I should make a special appointment with the priest since it might take a while.

What do you think?

And is there a time limit in the confessional? I don’t want to make the other sinners wait in line for too long, you know?

Maybe if I talk really fast?

Thanks in advance and God bless!

 

[AlanFromWichita]

I think you should just go. No need for special appointment. If you prefer face to face, or special appointment like especially if you want specific advice, it wouldnt’ hurt to do that. As far as a valid confession, it isn’t necessary. One of the things you confess is that it’s been a few years, you have done an examination of conscience, and have a number of sins.

Then name, “for example, x number of times in the last year I did this or that” and maybe a couple others, then ask if he advises reading you the whole list? Then let him lead for a while. I don’t think it’s so much the priest has to hear all the sins exactly, but that you have offered them all in your weakness for God’s mercy. Oh, and the way I’d start is with the ones that bother me the most. Maybe something like “bless me father for I have sinned. It has been over two years since my last confessions. I have a number of sins to confess, and the two that are bothering me the most are X and Y.” That way, you are saying there are more, but you’re kind of giving the priest some range.

I don’t know what I’m talking about. I just say stuff for whatever it’s worth to you. I hope it helps.

I don’t know if it’s technically the right way, but my wife has interactive discussion with the priest fairly frequently during confession.

They are there to bring you God’s mercy. You should be ready with the basic procedure and your examination. That’s all you need, except to trust you will likely feel a great deal of peace after you go through with it, whether in office, face-to-face, or blind.

 

[Lux_et_veritas]

Ginger,

Only mortal sins need be confessed. Venial are optional. If you know with certainty they are mortal then confess them. If in doubt, ask the priest.

Let the priest know it has been a long time and how long. You will make his day so don’t feel bad. Priests treasure someone coming home this way.

If you are not shy about face-to-face, and if you feel you need dialogue, then do make an appointment. I did this after not going for two years when reality come crashing down. I couldn’t believe that I told it all to the priest right to his face, and now I keep returning to this same confessor.

You are right that you are to hold nothing back - if it is mortal. Pray to the Holy Spirit to help you remember. If you don’t remember it at the time of confession, don’t fret. Rather, bring it up next time.

After my first trip in 2 years, I thought I was free and clear, but then the flood gates opened. All kinds of things from my past come flooding in. These kinds of things are absolved, but we are obligated to confess them next time we go. I think I had to empty my closet 3-4 more times before I could move on, into my venial sins. If you have one particular venial sin you need help with, then confess it and request help.

I too was afraid I might die. But, keep in mind that Jesus knows your intent to get to confession. Even if you were to die, you have contrition and intent to get there and I believe He is merciful enough to see this.

If you can just name the sins without detail or dialogue, just go during normal time.