Not a sin in confession

[anon_aleteia]

Can I tell a priest something that is not a sin in confession simply for the seal of confession to be on that ‘secret’? Just to clarify I mean something that is a secret but not a sin that I’d like to get off my chest.

 

[BoomBoomMancini]

Why not just ask to speak to the priest in confidence? I’m sure he’ll respect your privacy if you make it clear that you want to share something confidentially.

 

[FOG]

The confessional is often confused as a counseling session. It is not. It is an administration of a sacrament.

If you have a concern to discuss, rather than a confession to make and atone for, make an appointment with your priest. Although there is no “seal” in a meeting, I’ve never met a priest who did not keep confidentiality, especially if requested.

Disclaimer – I am expressing my opinion and not looking for validaiton or argument, so I limit my (name removed by moderator)ut to a single post per thread. Send me a PM, and I will be happy to continue the discussion without monopolizing this fine venue.

 

[edward_george1]

No, that would be an inappropriate use of the sacrament. It’s not for hiding things you want to keep secret. It’s for confessing your sins.

-Fr ACEGC

 

[Cimachol]

Thank you for that clarification, Father. I was at a retreat recently at which one of the leaders was talking about how the “sacrament isn’t called the Confession of Sins; it’s just called Confession,” her meaning being that people should feel free to go just because they needed someone to talk to. It seems to me that the effect of the sacrament is the forgiveness of sin, so the “confession” of anything other than one’s sins is inappropriate.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I was at a retreat recently at which one of the leaders was talking about how the “sacrament isn’t called the Confession of Sins; it’s just called Confession,” her meaning being that people should feel free to go just because they needed someone to talk to.

Unfortunately this sort of thing is what often happens when people who aren’ t priests talk about the sacraments.

 

[zosch]

I feel like most priests would be willing to sit down with you and hear you out in confidence, outside of confession. Getting a secret off your chest isn’t what the Sacrament of Reconciliation is for, but that doesn’t mean you can’t contact a priest about having a private conversation sometime.

 

[Mary888]

Maybe what is bothering you is not something you fear you did wrong but what some wrong you think has been done to you? In that case what do you confess? Confession is for personal sins nothing else.