I am a cradle-Catholic, and have been going to confession since First Communion, which I had during my second-grade year. Granted, I did not go often (not even once a year) until Confirmation in 10th grade, and then until after I graduated high school, quit going to Mass regularly during college, and found myself re-awakened in my faith a little more than a year ago. I did confess at the Parish I was going to be attending regularly (even daily Mass), and I spilled EVERYTHING. When I left the confessional, almost in tears, the impact of the graces I received during that less-than-10-minute session was infathomable. I started going to confession at least once every two months.
I told that story to tell this one…the graces you receive from confession cannot be matched by any other Sacrament. Hands down. Other sacraments will have an equally strong impact, but nothing like you will experience after having been forgiven of all your sins. By Jesus himself.
I still try to go to confession regularly, but, being a youth minister, there are things that I feel apprehensive about saying (even behind the curtain) to the Priest at my Church. I do go to confession at other Parishes, and it is every bit as valid as if I went at my home Parish. I think it’s encouraged that you say confession at your home Parish, but I do not believe it’s an obligation. Confession - and absolution - to and from any Priest is just as valid as the Priest at your home Parish.
To put it short: Go to confession. Go often. Go wherever you want. Your absolution and sincere regret for your sins are what matter when going to confession.
On an additional note…I heard a Priest say that one of the graces given to Priests by God is that once a confession is heard, and absolution is given, God removes the sins from the Priest’s memory. The sins have been absolved, and have been passed to God. God will address any further penance once your soul reaches Purgatory. The priest’s duty (the role of Christ Jesus personally forigiving of sins to us on Earth) has been fulfilled, and the Priest actually cannot recall the substance of the confession.
Come to think of it, it’s time for me to go to confession, and I think I’ll go this week.
Please do not feel hesitant about confessing your sins. If a Priest does recognize your voice, he will not “hold it against you” for doing whatever it may have been that you confessed. If he does recognize that you are routinely confessing the same sin, the Priest would offer help, to assist you in reforming your actions to lead a better life as a Catholic Christian.
This brings me to another point: It does not matter which Priest you confess you, because if you confess, and you are not truly sorry for your sins, and have no intent on turning away from a repeated sinful action, God will act. He knows whether you are truly regretful of your thoughts, actions, and/or lack of action. He knows if you are worthy of absolution. And, I believe, that since He knows this, regardless of which Priest you confess to, the Priest - acting as a representative of Christ - will pass God’s message to you. I wouldn’t be surprised if I confess a sin which I have repeated to a Priest which I have never confessed to asked me, “Have you turned away from this? Do you truly commit yourself to avoid committing this sin again?” This is the basis of confession, and true regret and sincere reconciliation with God is the root of this Sacrament.