Preparing for my first Reconciliation / a question about sexual immorality

[philothea6]

Hi,

Two years ago I converted to the Roman Catholic faith and I’m currently preparing for my first confession on March 28. I have chosen to do this by appointment and face-to-face with my priest. Although I have put most of my notes together based on the Ten Commandments (using help from a Confession app), I have a question about sexual immorality.

I’m guilty of having cybersex with people (also known as online sex) and “impurity with myself.” However, I have never been physically intimate with another person, or otherwise had “real sex” with anyone. My question is am I still considered a virgin, in spite of these other acts of sexual immorality? Is there a particular way I should word this in my confession? And yes, I realize these acts are still sins and must be confessed; I’m just curious what this means for a so-called virgin to have committed them.

Thank you for your time!

 

[CaptainPrudeman]

It means nothing more than someone who isn’t a virgin doing them. Also, I don’t even think the term “virgin” really has that much significance in the church. Don’t worry about that part of things and just concentrate on recieving God’s grace through the sacrament.

 

[Maximilian75]

No. virginity or lack thereof has no relevance in situations such as these.

 

[Saxum]

Confession is a wonderful, beautiful encounter with God. You’ll feel love and peace afterwards. Don’t worry about what you’ll say because the Holy Ghost will provide the words. Just be very honest and sincere - don’t try to hide or obscure your sins because God already knows them and wants to forgive you through the ministry of his priest. I’ll pray for you.

I also recommend people to make a good habit of going to confession at least once per month. I go once per week. Confession provides grace to overcome sins. There is no sinful habit that cannot be broken by regular confession.

 

[Hereiam]

No worries…No sin, except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is unforgivable…and just by virtue of you approaching the sacrament eliminates any question of that unforgivable sin.

Acknowledge your sin, express contrition, and do your penance and through the mercy of God, your relationship with him will be restored.

You might want to add to your confession that you failed to meet the precepts of the Church by not receiving the sacrament at least annually.

Pax et bonum!