Past Suicide Attempts and Confession

[Adrian_Liam]

Hi, I have posted before, I have stated before although baptised and confirmed Catholic, I had been a lapsed Catholic well athiest from my teens till my late 20s, then participated in an Alpha course at a Chariasmatic Anglican Church, before re-affirming my batisimal vows by immirsion at that church and particiapting there. Then as a mature student later that year, went to university, fell back into sin and proceded because of the chariasmatic theme went to a non denominational chariasmatic church. Was a regular there from around 2013 till around the recent Christmas got baptized in the name of Jesus etc.

Anyway thanks to this website and my research I realised I was away from the Church God established, I went to the Ash Wednesday Mass and have been to a couple since, I was at a mass on Friday 5th March, that followed with an Adoration. There were confessions I confessed some but not all of my past sins, involvments in other churches, Sex outside of marriage, drink and drugs. However I have in the past been involved in homosexual relationships due to bi cursiosity when younger, and have often masturbated and I am not sure as to whether saying in confession about sex outside of marriage made me fully absolved to all the other stuff, plus I never mentioned about past self harming etc and I have recived the eucherist without knowing. I had full intentioned and repentent of my past, I suffer from severe levels of anxiety and depression and currently on medication now.

I want to try my hardest to move forwards in life as I feel God calling out to me, I want to walk in Jesus’s foot steps and move forwards. I have been worried whether some of these sins can not be forgiven. Also do you have wait for the confessions on specific days or can they be done on others. I am worried due to other factors such as forgetting things, and forgetting to admit things etc.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

My friend, you really ought to be discussing this with a priest rather than with strangers on the internet. I think that you made a sincere general confession and were absolved. You did the right thing. That is not something to be worried about.

I have been worried whether some of these sins can not be forgiven. Also do you have wait for the confessions on specific days or can they be done on others. I am worried due to other factors such as forgetting things, and forgetting to admit things etc.

God will forgive us any sins that we are repentant for. You can ask to speak to a priest and/or confess on any day. The anxiety that you have about past sins is called scrupulosity. Ask your confessor for counseling about this.

Find the best physician you can and the best confessor that you can, keep praying and going to Mass, and you will be fine.

 

[Adrian_Liam]

Thank you I am very sincere in my repentance. I think there are a few things that I have found confusing on my return. I feel as though I am learning as a convert to the Catholic church more than anything.

Thank you for your help.

 

[Franciscan_Way]

The advice given by PaulfromIowa is spot on.
Additionally, most parishes offer confessions by appointmen as well as the regular times. I made an appointment once due to being in a state of mortal sin and feeling like waiting 3 days until the next scheduled time was taking a risk with my soul. (We never know when our time here will cease) Most priests will never say “No” to a confession.
Take comfort in knowing that the only sin that God will not forgive is the sin that is not confessed. Forgetting to confess a past sin is not the same thing as deliberately withholding sins in the confessional out of fear, embarrassment, etc. or receiving communion before confessing a mortal sin. (Both are examples sin of sacrilege)
After having been away from the sacrament of Reconciliation for many years, I would remember something afterward and I must admit at times withheld sins. It’s downright humbling to admit EVERY sinful thing
I’ve done! When I remember a sin of my past I will go to confession. (I find frequent confession to be helpful; a priest once recommended every two weeks or ASAP if in a state of mortal sin) It’s amazing what comes to the surface over time! But it’s so awesome to receive God’s forgiveness and mercy through the sacrament of Reconciliation!
May God bless you immensely in your desire to walk a righteous path with Him!

 

[RedBasket]

Bless you Adrian. I may feel some of what you may be feeling. Im newly baptized, and feel so vulnerable. Maybe that’s some if your anxiety in returning to the church. Baby steps my friend. I love confession and the Eucharist. Jesus mother Holy Mary is so kind, and she loves her son. Pray she always leads you to her Son. Also, what helps me is daily Mass if you have it in your area. Ive been praying for a job, but this time between jobs has been very profitable, as it has allowed me time for daily Mass. Blessings. And compassion.

 

[Christy_Beth]

Adrian,

Bless you for returning to the Church. You do need to talk to your priest to confess all of your sins. Perhaps even let him give counsel on your feelings of your past. Rest assured that all your sins are forgivable. Trust in God’s divine mercy, love and compassion.