More than one confessor(?) Okay?

[Tannhauser]

Is it okay to have more than one confessor?

We confess of course before God, not a man… but if we prefer more than one confessor, partially because we feel slightly ashamed to let a particular confessor know our sin [lack of anonymity and all] then, is this in itself wrong?

Quick response pleaseeee!

Thank-you

 

[Tietjen]

Is it okay to have more than one confessor?

We confess of course before God, not a man… but if we prefer more than one confessor, partially because we feel slightly ashamed to let a particular confessor know our sin [lack of anonymity and all] then, is this in itself wrong?

Quick response pleaseeee!

Thank-you

Yes. You can go to a priest outside of your parish.

 

[m134e5]

Is it okay to have more than one confessor?

We confess of course before God, not a man… but if we prefer more than one confessor, partially because we feel slightly ashamed to let a particular confessor know our sin [lack of anonymity and all] then, is this in itself wrong?

Quick response pleaseeee!

Thank-you

I don’t think it is a *sin *to have more than one confessor for the reason you give, but it seems to me that it is at least a spiritual imperfection. When you always try to confess to the same priest, you give him a better idea of your spiritual health overall. This makes it easier for him to give you more relevant advice. It also teaches you humility. I do not think shame is a good reason to have multiple confessors.

A good reason to have more than one confessor would be if there is a particularly good confessor across town from you who you want to see once a month or so, but can’t get to him every time you need to go to confession. If you need to go weekly or more at times, going to the confessor of your choice may take too long to do that often- in those cases, just go wherever you can go. Be careful, however, that you do not allow good reasons to simply become excuses.

 

[GKCT]

m134e5 is correct in his/her response. Going to the same priest allows him to know you better. There is nothing wrong with that. He can give you better advice if you are repeating the same offenses over and over again, which going to different priests can’t do. I use the same priest all the time. He knows me well and will give a penance that reflects on my sins and will help me more than just the typical 3 Hail Marys. Please don’ t ever be embarrased about your sins/faults/offenses against God, he has heard more than you can ever know.

 

[Joe_5859]

Having a regular confessor can be beneficial (for the reasons m134e5 articulated), but there is no obligation to do so. I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as a “spiritual imperfection” either. It could be, but is not necessarily so. The important thing is to go to Confession.

 

[revert_jen]

m134e5 is correct in his/her response. Going to the same priest allows him to know you better. There is nothing wrong with that. He can give you better advice if you are repeating the same offenses over and over again, which going to different priests can’t do. I use the same priest all the time. He knows me well and will give a penance that reflects on my sins and will help me more than just the typical 3 Hail Marys. Please don’ t ever be embarrased about your sins/faults/offenses against God, he has heard more than you can ever know.

That is very true, but it really refers more to spiritual direction rather than the Sacrament of Penance. There is practical value in receiving spiritual direction from a priest you know, even if it is just for a minute or two during Confession. But the purpose of the Sacrament is not spiritual direction, it is reconciliation with God and with the Church. The sacrament is complete and full, and has the same mystical consequences, regardless of whether any advice is given.

There is nothing whatsoever that requires you to have spiritual direction during the Sacrament. As long as you are not choosing a confessor because of any heretical beliefs he has expressed that cause you to think he will “go easy on you,” you can go to any priest for confession. If knowing the priest and being embarrassed would cause you to delay Confession, it is better to go to someone else. I am not aware of any need for an “excuse” for going to a different priest. I certainly don’t see anything in the Catechism about it.

As Joe 5859 mentioned, the important thing is to go. If going to the same priest every time helps you in your spiritual journey, then that is a good idea. If it doesn’t, there is no need to do so.

–Jen

 

[Ignatius]

Is it okay to have more than one confessor?

We confess of course before God, not a man… but if we prefer more than one confessor, partially because we feel slightly ashamed to let a particular confessor know our sin [lack of anonymity and all] then, is this in itself wrong?

Quick response pleaseeee!

Thank-you

You may go to confession to any priest, either in your own parish or other parishes or even in another Catholic Rite. There is absolutely no restriction in this regard.

 

[Vince1022]

Is it okay to have more than one confessor?

We confess of course before God, not a man… but if we prefer more than one confessor, partially because we feel slightly ashamed to let a particular confessor know our sin [lack of anonymity and all] then, is this in itself wrong?

Quick response pleaseeee!

Thank-you

Yes, if you go to confession and intentionally withhold some sins, it’s wrong.