Question about confession.

[curious2009]

Hello all, I am truly hoping you can help me answer this question, because it is keeping me from going to confession right now.

Can a priest make you “confess” your wrong doings to the person you have wronged?

Say you stole from someone- I know that you may be obligated to make amends and repay the stolen item or money if it is within your capabilities but can the priest tell you to confess your wrong doings?

What if you commited adultery or lied to your spouse? Can the priest instruct you to come clean about these things, or just refrain from them in the future?

I sincerely want to go to confession, am greatly sorry for my sins and have no intention of ever commiting them again. It was a terrible lapse in judgement when things got tough. But I am scared because if I was ordered to “come clean” I could lose my children and destroy other peoples lives in the process.

I would like to make my confession this Sunday as I know there are no confessions on Holy Saturday. But first I need this question answered I am glad I found this website and am hoping you can help me. Thank you.

 

[Phemie]

Hello all, I am truly hoping you can help me answer this question, because it is keeping me from going to confession right now.

Can a priest make you “confess” your wrong doings to the person you have wronged?

No.
He can suggest it (like he would suggest that someone who confessed to murder turn himself over to the police) but he can’t force you.

 

[Newbie2]

Exactomundo.

In fact, I believe that a priest would be remiss if he didn’t suggest that in some manner or another that one who had committed a sin where reparations are in order, that the person make an attempt to repair the damage his or sin has caused.

But he will not “make” you do so.

 

[baltobetsy]

As I understand it, the priest cannot make you do anything that would reveal your sin to others. In the case of restitution for stealing, for example, it is often suggested to pay anonymously for what has been stolen or even to make a charitable contribution instead, depending on the circumstances.

In any case, you can certainly respond if the priest should advise doing something that would result in the harm you describe. Surely the priest would be willing to talk things over before making a final determination about what you need to do.

The confessional is a SAFE place, not a dangerous one. The priest is there to bring you home, not to place obstacles in your path.

About Confessions on Holy Saturday, we have them all over the place in my diocese. Maybe you could check around the neighboring parishes. It’s worth a try.

Happy Easter!

Betsy

 

[nodito]

I remember being worried about the same thing in college. I was terrified the priest was going to make me confess something to my teacher, and that it’d affect my grade or make her think less of me.

I’ve since learned that priests cannot require you to do anything to reveal your sins to another person. Neither can he himself tell anyone about your sins. What a wonderful sacrament it is, that we can confess our sins to God with no fear of retribution!

God bless!

 

[emhansen6019]

A question similar to this just came up the other evening when my Bible study had supper with our priest. Our priest told us that in addition to the sacramental seal, he can also not give you a penance that reveals the nature of your sin.