Prepared statement from priest in Confession

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suemar

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I just went to Confession today, but the priest didn’t address any of my sins. He jut gave what seemed like a prepared statement about rejoicing in God’s forgiveness. I suppose I really needed a little more (name removed by moderator)ut from him. This same priest was always most helpful a few years ago, but then he left the parish to pursue an advanced degree. Since he’s been back, he spends a lot less time really listening. I can understand his abruptness if the lines are long, but there were just a few of us waiting today. I never spend a long time in confession and try to go once or twice a month. Is it too much to expect a little advice or at least a comment about our sins? Does any one else have this problem?
 
Different priests do things differently. It also isn’t a big suprise that a priest might decide to change his approach part way through his priesthood.

Some almost never comment on the sins confessed at all. That doesn’t mean they haven’t heard them. It means they have chosen not to comment on the sins. Some give the same penance at every confession or the same penance to all penitents on a given day. After all, it is virtue that is original, not sin. (Well, yes, there is such a thing as “original sin”, but I mean that sin itself is banal, and vice unremarkable.)

If you think you’re literally getting “the short shrift”, though, talk to your confessor directly, either in the confessional or outside of it. I don’t mean that you should complain to him. I just mean to ask him about the reason for what seems a great change to you.
 
Confession = confessing and having contrition for our sins + receiving absolution + completing an imposed penance, with the promise to better ourselves.

We have to be clear that we remember that John Paul II told us in 2000 that the Sacrament of Confession is a theological act not a psychological practice. See Document

***"4. The priest, as a minister of the sacrament, acts in persona Christi, at the summit of the supernatural economy. In sacramental confession the penitent accomplishes a “theological” act, that is, dictated by faith, with sorrow that stems from the supernatural causes of love and fear of God, with regard to the recovery of his friendship with him and so ordered to eternal salvation.

At the same time, as is suggested by the formula of sacramental confession, with the words: “May God grant you pardon and peace”, the penitent aspires to interior peace, and also legitimately desires psychological peace. However, the sacrament of Reconciliation should not be confused with a psychotherapeutic technique. Psychological practices cannot substitute for the sacrament of Penance, nor, even less, be imposed in its place.***"

We go in the sure and certain hope of God’s mercy. We go for absolution and penance.
If the Priest needs to ask for some clarification he will.
If he sees the need to counsel you he will.
If none of this occurs then don’t feel cheated because in the Confessional, as St Paul says, “You have received the grace of God. Do not let it go for nothing.”
 
suemar said:
I just went to Confession today, but the priest didn’t address any of my sins. He jut gave what seemed like a prepared statement about rejoicing in God’s forgiveness. I suppose I really needed a little more (name removed by moderator)ut from him. This same priest was always most helpful a few years ago, but then he left the parish to pursue an advanced degree. Since he’s been back, he spends a lot less time really listening. I can understand his abruptness if the lines are long, but there were just a few of us waiting today. I never spend a long time in confession and try to go once or twice a month. Is it too much to expect a little advice or at least a comment about our sins? Does any one else have this problem?
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Don’t be too passive in confession. Sometimes YOU have to ask questions- if there’s something more you want to know, ask the priest to tell you (or if you’re still beating yourself up over something, ask the priest how you can forgive yourself, etc.). Hearing confessions is a routine thing for most priests- I imagine it is easy for a priest to hear someone’s sins, and not feel like they have anything to say about them.

I know…it’s frustrating when priests seem to be reciting something they’ve memorized as their advice, when you’d like something more personal (after all, confession is a personal encounter with God’s love and mercy and with a good attitude and a good confessor, you can really feel that sometimes- but the bad confessors have no less authority from Jesus to forgive. Pray for your confessor- that he may be able to help you live a holier life (that is part of his vocation).
 
We have a priest whose only words in confession are, “I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” No greeting, no comments and no goodbye. He will give a short penance. At first I thought that I was cheated but then I realized that that is how easy forgiveness is. Now when I go to him I ask him for advice and I found out that he can talk up a storm. Yes, priests can be different but thank God that they are there…teachccd 🙂
 
Advice isn’t part of the sacrament, so if you don’t get any, it dosen’t mean the sacrament is invalid.
 
As above, my approach would be to ask the priest directly about whatever issue is on your mind. His time is very limited so I would ask him in the most economical way possible - which means that you will have to take time to think about how you will ask him.

If it’s a complex matter then I would phone and arrange for an appointment to speak with the priest.

Priests will vary in the confessional. I have come across a priest who was giving so much advice that I was having difficulties getting through my confession (pretty rare case though).

All the Best.

Rove
 
If you feel you need additional direction or counsel, you should make an appointment with the priest for spiritual advising.
 
It has also occurred to me in my own life that it is possible to become attached to the counsel. So if a confessor doesn’t give you what you hope, that becomes part of your penance in a way, if you accept it willingly.

But I’d ask him. It is better to know that he means it as a penance or that he means you to go without what you may want, but don’t need, in favor of what he, the physician of your soul, feels that you do need. He may hold that opinion, but he may not. Either way, I’m guessing he’s happy to explain his methods, if asked with an openness to accept his judgement (or else find another confessor, rather than try to change him). You may just be getting what he happens to have to give. Priests get exhausted sometimes, too.
 
Thank you all for your responses! I will try try harder to be more grateful for the mercy & absolution I receive during the Sacrament of Reconciliation no matter who the priest is. In the future if do feel the need for advice from the priest I’ll ask him for it!
 
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