My sister won't go to confession

  • Thread starter Thread starter DeniseNY
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
D

DeniseNY

Guest
She has started coming to Liturgy with me every week, but she doesn’t want to go to confession (and as a result, she knows she can’t receive the Eucharist). Like me, she had been away form the church for some time, and is nervous and embarrassed about going to confession after such a long time. I try to encourage her by telling her that I felt the same way, and she won’t be saying anything that the pastor hasn’t heard 1,000 times before.

I just don’t want to cross the line into nagging. I told her I can give her good Examination of Conscience document to help, but she’s still resisting.

I’m praying for her. Is there anything else I should do? We have a good relationship and if I get too pushy (which I sometimes do) she’ll always tell me. I’m afraid I’ll get over zealous because I want her to receive Communion.

Thanks!
 
DeniseNY said:
She has started coming to Liturgy with me every week, but she doesn’t want to go to confession (and as a result, she knows she can’t receive the Eucharist). Like me, she had been away form the church for some time, and is nervous and embarrassed about going to confession after such a long time. I try to encourage her by telling her that I felt the same way, and she won’t be saying anything that the pastor hasn’t heard 1,000 times before.

I just don’t want to cross the line into nagging. I told her I can give her good Examination of Conscience document to help, but she’s still resisting.

I’m praying for her. Is there anything else I should do? We have a good relationship and if I get too pushy (which I sometimes do) she’ll always tell me. I’m afraid I’ll get over zealous because I want her to receive Communion.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I think you should have a chat at her about it but let her do it on her own time
 
Has she met and talked to the priest? Meet with him together if she is hesitant.
 
DeniseNY said:
I’m afraid I’ll get over zealous because I want her to receive Communion.

Denise
You want her to receive Communion. The big question is does she? See the glass as half full. She is coming back to church. Step back, lighten up, and share laughs and all the good feelings that belonging to a family should engender. When she sees the warmth and the welcome, she’ll want to receive reconciliation and the Lord in the Eucharist. Please, for her sake and yours don’t push. I’m sure you’ve heard the old saw … "you can lead a horse to water, but …

Say a prayer or two, and put this one in God’s hands.

Shalom
Click to expand...
 
Give her space and be a good example. Trust that the Holy Spirit will handle the rest. It’s generally not a good idea to ‘direct’ someone else’s sacramental participation.
 
Denise, perhaps when Lent comes this year, she will be moved to go to confession before Easter. Encourage her to come to mass, and to any other services and things they offer at your parish (holy hour, stations, adoration.) As she becomes more familiar with your parish, she may feel like she wants to go. Until then, pray for her and be patient. Thank God she is back in church! 🙂
 
I’d like to cast my 2¢ worth in here, as I’ve had great issues of late trying to practice my faith. I know I seriously need to go to Confession; the problem is, I’m not sure that I’m truly sorry, or even want to make an effort at growing in my faith. For that reason, I’ve left it until I sort my feelings out.

My understanding is that going to Confession “because you have to,” without any purpose of amendment, repentance or sorrow is not the right thing to do.

While I do not know your Sister, perhaps she is facing a similar turmoil? I would suggest making arrangements to contact your Priest on this matter. If she knows what is right, and wrong, perhaps she just needs time to contemplate and accept her beliefs.
Pray on it, and let God take care of her.
 
Keep praying, but let her be. She will go when she is ready.
 
According to Detroit radio priest Fr John Riccardo, half of all Catholics have never gone to confession.

The Pope says that the confessional is not supposed to be a torture chamber. but, the last time I confessed (a month ago) the priest was so upset he lost his composure - he gave me absolution before I prayed the act of contrition. I prayed it AFTER he gave me absolution, anyway, to slow him down.
 
Keep praying to the Holy Spirit to give your sister guidance, direction, strength, fortitude & wisdom to return to all of the Sacraments. God bless.
 
I have two brothers that won’t go - one doesn’t even go to Mass anymore ever!

At some point in our lives we all become responsible for our own spiritual well-being. All we can do then is be a good example to others by talking to them IF the opportunity presents itself, and praying for their conversion and their souls.

The rest is up to God.

.
 
Irishmom2 said:
Denise, perhaps when Lent comes this year, she will be moved to go to confession before Easter. Encourage her to come to mass, and to any other services and things they offer at your parish (holy hour, stations, adoration.) As she becomes more familiar with your parish, she may feel like she wants to go. Until then, pray for her and be patient. Thank God she is back in church! 🙂
Click to expand...
Good advice!🙏
 
psalm90 said:
According to Detroit radio priest Fr John Riccardo, half of all Catholics have never gone to confession.
Click to expand...
I think there needs to be some qualifiers for that statement. I have gone to confession more times than I have actually confessed. Long lines, no priests, or a priest who refuses to hear confession and tells you to make an appointment…Are some reasons why.
 
I just wanted to say that I think it’s WONDERFUL she’s going to Liturgy with you. Blessed be God!

So many of us who have family members who are away from the Church know what a huge step that would be.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top