Possibly drunk during confession

[stjohnberchmans]

So I had been drinking at the beginning of the day and in my inebriated state commited a mortal sin. I felt very bad about this so I wanted to go to confession as soon as possible which was 2 hours after I had been drinking. I had had 2 beers and 1 shot. By the time I got to confession it had been 2.5 hours since I was drinking.

During that time I had gotten to the church early and prayed, collecting my thoughts, and asking for God’s help. When I went into the confessional I still felt alittle weird but that might have been from my being extremely tired throughout the whole day (had a big day yesterday and a big morning). I couldn’t tell if I was still feeling the alcohol or was just feeling exhausted. So I went to confession and mass.

I haven’t stopped thinking about it. At the time I really wanted to love God better and I still do, I know my intentions were clear and I was thinking straight, I just felt alittle weird.

Any thoughts or advice? Should I go back to confession tomorrow?

 

[underacloud]

Maybe you’re not much of a drinker, but drinking 2 beers and 1 shot, you really shouldn’t be at all drunk 2.5 hours later. Most people would be OK to drink a car (not that I ensourse it), entirely coherent, and nowhere near drunk. I’d suggest if you were too drunk that the priest might have noticed? But in the end, you’re the only one who can really tell, so it will not really be possible for anyone here to confirm that your confession was valid or not.

 

[LilyM]

Maybe you’re not much of a drinker, but drinking 2 beers and 1 shot, you really shouldn’t be at all drunk 2.5 hours later. Most people would be OK to drink a car (not that I ensourse it), entirely coherent, and nowhere near drunk. I’d suggest if you were too drunk that the priest might have noticed? But in the end, you’re the only one who can really tell, so it will not really be possible for anyone here to confirm that your confession was valid or not.

But he said he had previously been inebriated. The alcohol from his previous drinking may still have been in his system, so added to the three drinks mentioned he may have been affected.

To the OP - as long as you were sufficiently sober that you can recall what was said in the confessional, and you meant all of what you said at the time and still mean it, I would say you’re fine.

 

[underacloud]

But he said he had previously been inebriated. The alcohol from his previous drinking may still have been in his system, so added to the three drinks mentioned he may have been affected.

That’s not how I read his post, but I may well be wrong.

 

[mab23]

drunk or not as long as you meant your sorrows in confession you should be good.

sometimes I wish I was drunk in confession and I wouldn’t feel so bad,

 

[LilyM]

drunk or not as long as you meant your sorrows in confession you should be good.

sometimes I wish I was drunk in confession and I wouldn’t feel so bad,

Uh, not a good idea. Most of us don’t enjoy the thought of confessing our sins. Just think of it as getting an early start on your penance.

 

[bearer]

Confessing sacramentally while under the influence really doesn’t give Christ the respect He deserves, but the fact that you were aware of and repentant for your sins leads me to believe that your confession was valid and worthwhile. I don’t see the need to go back so quickly, but you might want to mention it next time you go to confession to clear your conscience.

Chalk this one up as a lesson and avoid drinking and sinning in the future so you don’t have anything to worry about. God bless you!

 

[roveau]

When you commit a mortal sin, your first priority should be to get to the Confessional at the earliest possible moment, no matter what. So you did exactly the right thing…

I’m pretty sure you won’t repeat that a scenario again