My priest said tonight that Confession not neccessary for 'Good Catholics'

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My priest did a ‘pastoral teaching’ sermon, instead of a homily on the readings, at the Vigil Mass. He is pastor for two smaller parishes that are 2 miles apart in two small towns in the mountains. One of the parishes is more conservative. They have the 8 AM Mass. The other parish is not as conservative and has the Vigil and 10 AM Mass. The two parishes are not totally friendly with one another, but seem to harbor some longstanding grudges.

He explained that priests are allowed to do occasional pastoral teaching sermons. He said that at the parish council meeting of the other parish (the more conservative one) there was a lively discussion about confession, the need for it, etc. So he decided to do a pastoral teaching on it, based on the Catechism. He said that he checked with the head of the Parish council at this parish and she said it would be fine to do the same for her parish (the more liberal one)

I ususually attend either the Vigil Mass or the 8 AM one. Anyways, he basically cited the Catechism and said that confession wasn’t neccessary even once a year, and that it would be near impossible for a good Catholic to find themself in a state of Mortal sin. He said that we are excused from mortal sin usually because often it is factors beyond our control that lead to it, such as our passions, or other mitigating factors. He provided citations for his statements. He did conceed that we were welcome to use the sacrament if we were comforted or benefited from it.

He also said that our main way of being forgiven was through the Eurcharist. Also, he said that we could directly ask God for forgiveness. He also said that God would forgive us without our having to ask. He provided a Bible citation for that, based on a paralytic who was forgiven by Jesus without asking. He emphasized how loving and forgiving God is.

Anyways, as I walked out, I jokingly asked if it was okay to still go if we felt it was helpful to us. He said, “didn’t I mention that?” Well, he didn’t exactly encourage it. Basically, anyone who is lukewarm will feel even more let off the hook after this sermon. this.
 
Thats not right at all, I would right a letter to the Bishop to get his say in the stroy. Make sure you tell the Priest if you do, out of repesct.

God Bless
Mike
LONG LIVE THE POPE!!!
 
Man, sometimes you just don’t know where to begin.

I sympathize. I’ve been going round and round with my priest because they won’t prepare kids for First Confession till two years after First Communion. I’m writing the Bishop now.

I would spend a little time on the Catholic Answer website. I’m sure there’s all kinds of stuff in the magisterial documents that contradict your priest.

I’d also challenge him point blank to deny that there is always real grace that results from the Sacrament of Penance, and that it is part of our weaponry against sin. Though I doubt that will change his mind much.

Good luck, and peace.
John
 
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WhiteDove:
My priest did a ‘pastoral teaching’ sermon, instead of a homily on the readings, at the Vigil Mass.

He explained that priests are allowed to do occasional pastoral teaching sermons. He said that at the parish council meeting of the other parish (the more conservative one) there was a lively discussion about confession, the need for it, etc. So he decided to do a pastoral teaching on it, based on the Catechism. He said that he checked with the head of the Parish council at this parish and she said it would be fine to do the same for her parish (the more liberal one)

I ususually attend either the Vigil Mass or the 8 AM one. Anyways, he basically cited the Catechism and said that confession wasn’t neccessary even once a year, and that it would be near impossible for a good Catholic to find themself in a state of Mortal sin.

He said that we are excused from mortal sin usually because often it is factors beyond our control that lead to it, such as our passions, or other mitigating factors. He provided citations for his statements. He did conceed that we were welcome to use the sacrament if we were comforted or benefited from it.
He also said that our main way of being forgiven was through the Eurcharist. Also, he said that we could directly ask God for forgiveness. He also said that God would forgive us without our having to ask. He provided a Bible citation for that, based on a paralytic who was forgiven by Jesus without asking. He emphasized how loving and forgiving God is.
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Of course Priests can teach in their homily and they do not need anyones permission especially the parish council. Someone or both are forgetting who has the responsibility for the parishes. Let me say it’s not the parish council.

“he basically cited the Catechism and said that confession wasn’t neccessary even once a year” That is technically correct if one not aware of any Mortal sins. “that it would be near impossible for a good Catholic to find themself in a state of Mortal sin.” A very dangerous assumption.

“He said that we are excused from mortal sin usually because often it is factors beyond our control that lead to it, such as our passions, or other mitigating factors.” Certain acts are mortal sins objectively, however due to circumstances the guilt associated can be lessened. NOT necessarly totally eliminated. It is not “guilty” or “not guilty” it is the degree of guilt or responsibility that is determined in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, it is the function of the priest to act as judge in the matter.
 
I would never write a letter to the Bishop. I think he’s pretty ‘progressive’ himself, and has enough worries on his plate, without my complaints. I figure I’ll just keep using confession when I feel like it for my own spiritual growth. I don’t use it for Mortal sin anyways, since I lead a pretty mundane life. But, it seems like people don’t need anymore excuses to be more lax and lazy spiritually. I think confession helps you grow in holiness, which is definately needed in us all.
 
i just read padre pio and he was given at one time a vision of his soul from Jesus and he was horrified at the state of it (his soul) Strive for holines and use this sacrament often!
 
White Dove,

I do not think that this priest has done his homework properly on Confession. The obligation to go at least once a year remains.

In my own parish, we now have Reconciliation at two separate times on the Saturday, (1) directly after the conclusion of the 8.00 AM Mass and (2) 4.30 p.m. The morning session usually gets a good roll up. Also the priests make themselves available on demand, and believe me there is a steady stream of people who avail themselves of this availablity for Reconciliation.

From some aspects what he has said is correct, but not in all aspects. First of all, it is true that we do seek and find forgiveness for our venial sins during the Mass and therefore technically we do not have to go to Reconciliation and confess.

However, there is a danger in believing that one never has to go to Confession because that is when we become oblivious of our sins. It is for this reason that we need to think about going perhaps once a month or when something serious that is bothering us comes up. The Sacrament of Reconciliation really does bring peace to one’s soul.

Maggie
 
In this link

dioceseoflincoln.org/purple/pope/#3

it says that Pope John Paul II regularly goes to confession. Perhaps the priest should have said “So, in summary, if you are a better person than the Pope, then you’re probably off the hook as far as Confession goes.”
 
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WhiteDove:
I would never write a letter to the Bishop. I think he’s pretty ‘progressive’ himself, and has enough worries on his plate, without my complaints. I figure I’ll just keep using confession when I feel like it for my own spiritual growth. I don’t use it for Mortal sin anyways, since I lead a pretty mundane life. But, it seems like people don’t need anymore excuses to be more lax and lazy spiritually. I think confession helps you grow in holiness, which is definately needed in us all.
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Don’t count yourself out as an instrument for strengthening Christ’s Church. Do you consider this harmful to souls, to the Body of Christ? What is your responsibility (there’s something about this in Redemptionis Sacramentum)?

Peace
John
 
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WhiteDove:
My priest did a ‘pastoral teaching’ sermon, instead of a homily on the readings, at the Vigil Mass. He is pastor for two smaller parishes that are 2 miles apart in two small towns in the mountains. One of the parishes is more conservative. They have the 8 AM Mass. The other parish is not as conservative and has the Vigil and 10 AM Mass. The two parishes are not totally friendly with one another, but seem to harbor some longstanding grudges.

He explained that priests are allowed to do occasional pastoral teaching sermons. He said that at the parish council meeting of the other parish (the more conservative one) there was a lively discussion about confession, the need for it, etc. So he decided to do a pastoral teaching on it, based on the Catechism. He said that he checked with the head of the Parish council at this parish and she said it would be fine to do the same for her parish (the more liberal one)

I ususually attend either the Vigil Mass or the 8 AM one. Anyways, he basically cited the Catechism and said that confession wasn’t neccessary even once a year, and that it would be near impossible for a good Catholic to find themself in a state of Mortal sin. He said that we are excused from mortal sin usually because often it is factors beyond our control that lead to it, such as our passions, or other mitigating factors. He provided citations for his statements. He did conceed that we were welcome to use the sacrament if we were comforted or benefited from it.

He also said that our main way of being forgiven was through the Eurcharist. Also, he said that we could directly ask God for forgiveness. He also said that God would forgive us without our having to ask. He provided a Bible citation for that, based on a paralytic who was forgiven by Jesus without asking. He emphasized how loving and forgiving God is.

Anyways, as I walked out, I jokingly asked if it was okay to still go if we felt it was helpful to us. He said, “didn’t I mention that?” Well, he didn’t exactly encourage it. Basically, anyone who is lukewarm will feel even more let off the hook after this sermon. this.
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Hi Whitedove
I hope I can help you, whenever you have a question you should always check with the written word of God. Just because a person is a priest or a minister doesn’t mean there are right. Here are a couple of scriptures to help you out.

Jam 5:16 Therefore, make it your habit to confess your sins to one another and to pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

1Jo 1:9 If we make it our habit to confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us those sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The key word here is ‘‘HABIT’’. To make something a habit means to do it repeatedly, to do it often.
I don’t know why anyone would tell you that you don’t have to confess, especialy a so called teacher of the word. I pray that this helps you.
Dave
 
I think my problem is that I now feel a little foolish going to this priest for confession, since he obviously isn’t into it. It’s ironic, because he can be a very good confessor. But, I live in an isolated area and it would be totally inconvenient for me to go elsewhere. So, it sort of puts me in an awkward spot.
 
I think my problem is that I now feel a little foolish going to this priest for confession, since he obviously isn’t into it.
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Why is that? I understand that the validity of the sacraments is maintained even if the priest doesn’t believe in it.
 
I know that, but it’s hard enough to go to confession and this is just one more roadblock. Maybe I should write him a note with my concerns.
 
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WhiteDove:
I know that, but it’s hard enough to go to confession and this is just one more roadblock. Maybe I should write him a note with my concerns.
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Whitedove
YOU can go directly to God and confess your sins. You don’t need to go to a priest.
Dave
 
Well, that’s what he said. But, I find it more spiritually helpful to confess them aloud to a priest.
 
Hi WhiteDove!

I must be a really bad Catholic because I go to Confession once a week!!! Your priest might have a heyday with someone like me who gets so much out of my penances! Haha!!

😃
 
Listen folks…take it easy…
1st) The Act of Contrition (Provided one is truly sorry) deals with venial sins.

2nd) Mass always contains a rite of penitence that also handles all venial sins as we confess them before God, and the Eucharist also cleanses us. (See the CCC on the Eucharist for a better understanding).

3rd) Mortal sin is the main reason to go to confession, since they need the absolution of a priest through aural confession. How can a priest know whether to forgive or retain a sin unless he has heard it? (See John 20:21-23)

This is all better explained in the CCC section on Reconciliation. It’s under the sacraments. Maybe we all need to reread that, huh?

So…in the strictest sense, confession isn’t something that a good Catholic will need often in that they aren’t out commiting mortal sins…however- frequent reception of the sacraments is a great conduit of grace, so I personally need all of it I can get. Even a confession of venial sins brings greater grace and humilty and deepens our relationship with Jesus. (Besides…otherwise you might have to go to someone like Yaqubos or oudave for spiritual counsel and wouldn’t that be lovely?)
http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/smiley16_surprise.gif
 
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WhiteDove:
My priest did a ‘pastoral teaching’ sermon, instead of a homily on the readings, at the Vigil Mass. He is pastor for two smaller parishes that are 2 miles apart in two small towns in the mountains. One of the parishes is more conservative. They have the 8 AM Mass. The other parish is not as conservative and has the Vigil and 10 AM Mass. The two parishes are not totally friendly with one another, but seem to harbor some longstanding grudges.

He explained that priests are allowed to do occasional pastoral teaching sermons. He said that at the parish council meeting of the other parish (the more conservative one) there was a lively discussion about confession, the need for it, etc. So he decided to do a pastoral teaching on it, based on the Catechism. He said that he checked with the head of the Parish council at this parish and she said it would be fine to do the same for her parish (the more liberal one)

I ususually attend either the Vigil Mass or the 8 AM one. Anyways, he basically cited the Catechism and said that confession wasn’t neccessary even once a year, and that it would be near impossible for a good Catholic to find themself in a state of Mortal sin. He said that we are excused from mortal sin usually because often it is factors beyond our control that lead to it, such as our passions, or other mitigating factors. He provided citations for his statements. He did conceed that we were welcome to use the sacrament if we were comforted or benefited from it.

He also said that our main way of being forgiven was through the Eurcharist. Also, he said that we could directly ask God for forgiveness. He also said that God would forgive us without our having to ask. He provided a Bible citation for that, based on a paralytic who was forgiven by Jesus without asking. He emphasized how loving and forgiving God is.

Anyways, as I walked out, I jokingly asked if it was okay to still go if we felt it was helpful to us. He said, “didn’t I mention that?” Well, he didn’t exactly encourage it. Basically, anyone who is lukewarm will feel even more let off the hook after this sermon. this.
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What catechism was he using? The Holland "catholic" Catechism or the NEW Catechism of the Catholic Church?? He is not readind the new one, that's for sure.
 
Church Militant:
Listen folks…take it easy…
1st) The Act of Contrition (Provided one is truly sorry) deals with venial sins.

2nd) Mass always contains a rite of penitence that also handles all venial sins as we confess them before God, and the Eucharist also cleanses us. (See the CCC on the Eucharist for a better understanding).

3rd) Mortal sin is the main reason to go to confession, since they need the absolution of a priest through aural confession. How can a priest know whether to forgive or retain a sin unless he has heard it? (See John 20:21-23)

This is all better explained in the CCC section on Reconciliation. It’s under the sacraments. Maybe we all need to reread that, huh?

So…in the strictest sense, confession isn’t something that a good Catholic will need often in that they aren’t out commiting mortal sins…however- frequent reception of the sacraments is a great conduit of grace, so I personally need all of it I can get. Even a confession of venial sins brings greater grace and humilty and deepens our relationship with Jesus. (Besides…otherwise you might have to go to someone like Yaqubos or oudave for spiritual counsel and wouldn’t that be lovely?)

http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/smiley16_surprise.gif
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:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: And I must emphasise:rotfl: You rock Church Millitant:D
 
I recall 3 different priests giving that same sermon, the first at my senior retreat in high school in the 60s, the second at a parent meeting for first communion for one of my kids in the 70s, and the third in a series of articles in the diocesan newspaper of a “progressive” diocese in the 90s. All 3 priests have since been publicly exposed as being guilty of grave and scandalous wrong-doing, one involving long term affairs with women (including fathering children), one of financial misdealings, gambling and embezzlement, and the third of sexual misconduct with teenage boys (he has been defrocked and now runs a gay mens resort on th East coast).

While certainly the priest in question in your parish is speaking “pastorally” in his mind, and is no doubt himself a worthy, good person, in general, in my opinion, the need to insist that “good people” cannot commit mortal sins is a need to justify one’s own conduct and absolve oneself from mortal sin. That applies whether the speaker is a priest or your average “good Catholic”. The “I am a good person and God loves me, so I know I am going to heaven” theory is the most spiritually damaging and pastorally cruel teaching current in our Church today, and will be responsible for the suffering and damnation of many souls.

The role of the priest is to preach, teach and sanctify. To preach and teach falsehood, and to deny the need for sanctification is abdication and perversion of his role. At no time did Jesus preach that good people cannot sin, quite the opposite.
 
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