Scared of going to confession

[idontknow322]

The only time I went to confession was 4 years ago which was during my first communion. I’m scared to go now. I feel like my priest will be angry when I say I haven’t been to confession for 4 years. Any advice? Thanks

 

[Oneofthewomen]

I had not been to confession in nearly 20 years and was also a bit worried!
My fears were put to rest almost instantly-
if anything, the priest was thrilled to see me!
He welcomed me with open arms, listened attentively, and guided me through the whole process. It was a wonderful experience, and helped me to really embrace the sacrament.

So, don’t worry, just go!!

 

[Albany]

Hey,

I know how you feel. I promised myself I’d go back to confession before Easter but I have not.

I’ve noy been for about two years but up until then I went quite regularly but my priest changed parishes and I can’t seem to go to another one. Its me with the problem though not the priest.

My advise is don’t be like me 'cause I regrete not going for so long and now its a hundred times harder to go back.
Just do it and you’ll feel relieved. I know because I didn’t go from between my early teens to early twenties but felt such relief when I finally did go.

Also remember the priest knows how difficult it is to confess and he will totally not judge you.

Also although new for you the priest is in that situation all the time I’ll bet, so maybe just say to him when you start that you have not been for four years and you’re feeling nervous then let him take the lead.

Oh and also remember although the priest is there its about you and Jesus and not him.

It must be so easy for priests 'cause they don’t have to go to confession.

Ok I’ve actually talked myself into it too. On Saturday I’m going to confession.

Wish you all the best with it.

Albany
XX

 

[agnes_therese]

It must be so easy for priests 'cause they don’t have to go to confession.

Oh, yes they do.

 

[agnes_therese]

The only time I went to confession was 4 years ago which was during my first communion. I’m scared to go now. I feel like my priest will be angry when I say I haven’t been to confession for 4 years. Any advice? Thanks

Just go as soon as you can, because the longer you wait, the harder it will be. And remember, compared to some what they hear, 4 years is NOTHING! He’ll just be glad you’ve come back to the sacrament.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Hey,

It must be so easy for priests 'cause they don’t have to go to confession.

Albany
XX

This is not true. Even the Holy Father goes to confession.
There were some reports a while back that Blessed John Paul II confessed daily!

Confession is good for the human soul!!!

 

[Albany]

Hey guys,

I’m sure they don’t. They can go to other priests if they want to but as they are priests they can confess to themselves.

But its not really the point Idontknow322 was interested in.

More people seem to post about confession than any other topic and I’m as scared to go as the next person but I think it’s probably the sacrament that brings us closest to God and dissolves our pride and self-importance.

As I said I’m going to go back to confession.

Idontknow322 I agree with what everyone said we just have to do it.

A
xx

 

[anp1215]

Hey guys,

I’m sure they don’t. They can go to other priests if they want to but as they are priests they can confess to themselves.

But its not really the point Idontknow322 was interested in.

More people seem to post about confession than any other topic and I’m as scared to go as the next person but I think it’s probably the sacrament that brings us closest to God and dissolves our pride and self-importance.

As I said I’m going to go back to confession.

Idontknow322 I agree with what everyone said we just have to do it.

A
xx

Priests can’t confess to themselves.

 

[Stumblesalot]

The only time I went to confession was 4 years ago which was during my first communion. I’m scared to go now. I feel like my priest will be angry when I say I haven’t been to confession for 4 years. Any advice? Thanks

Hi,

Please, please, please; don’t be afraid to go to confession. The priest WILL NOT be judgemental or angry, he will be very happy that you have returned to the sacraments. I always try to remember that our salvation has nothing to do with our own will power etc. but is through the graces we recieve from God through the sacraments. You will feel so much better for going to confession and communion. My advice would be; don’t think about it, just take a deep breath and do it. Also, ask Our Lord Jesus and Holy Mother Mary to be with you so as to make a good confession (they will hold your hand when you are nervous). You are in my prayers.

God bless

 

[Albany]

Hi Idontknow322,

Here is some web links that might help you -

askacatholic.com/_webpostings/answers/2012_01JAN/2012JanImAfraidToGoToConfession.cfm

catholic.org/prayers/confession.php

angelfire.com/hi3/catholichomeschool/css.html

americancatholic.org/newsletters/cu/ac0890.asp

A
xx

P.s. Hey Anp I’m sure priest can do self confessions. I’ll look up were I read it and post if I find it.

 

[RCradleCatholic]

The hardest words to say are: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was…”

Once you get beyond that, you’ll do fine. You’ll have prayers behind you from us and others who specifically pray for those who have not been to Confession in quite a long time!

Don’t forget–you’re unloading to Jesus, not a man. Tell the truth. Remain vigilant to do your Penance. Try to get to Mass as soon as possible afterward. Receiving the Holy Eucharist will strengthen you!

Now go!

With much love, and prayers,

-RC

 

[SonCatcher]

Ok I’ve actually talked myself into it too. On Saturday I’m going to confession.

 

[Albany]

Sorry Anp1215 I can’t find it. But I’m sure priests can do that I wouldn’t see why not. They can give absolution and forgive sins.

A
XX

 

[Oneofthewomen]

P.s. Hey Anp I’m sure priest can do self confessions. I’ll look up were I read it and post if I find it.

From the Code of Canon Law,

Can. 276 §1. In leading their lives, clerics are bound in a special way to pursue holiness since, having been consecrated to God by a new title in the reception of orders, they are dispensers of the mysteries of God in the service of His people.

§2. In order to be able to pursue this perfection:

1/ they are first of all to fulfill faithfully and tirelessly the duties of the pastoral ministry;

2/ they are to nourish their spiritual life from the two-fold table of sacred scripture and the Eucharist; therefore, priests are earnestly invited to offer the eucharistic sacrifice daily and deacons to participate in its offering daily;

3/ priests and deacons aspiring to the presbyterate are obliged to carry out the liturgy of the hours daily according to the proper and approved liturgical books; permanent deacons, however, are to carry out the same to the extent defined by the conference of bishops;

4/ they are equally bound to make time for spiritual retreats according to the prescripts of particular law;

5/ they are urged to engage in mental prayer regularly, to approach the sacrament of penance frequently, to honor the Virgin Mother of God with particular veneration, and to use other common and particular means of sanctification.

Albany, you are not going to find anything that says a priest may confess to himself. It is not allowed. All of us, from Pope Benedict XVI to me, a lowly, humble servant of Christ, need the mercy of God.

To the OP, as has been said, do not fear, the priest is there to help you.
I have many friends who are priests and have talked with them about confession.
Even the priests admit that they still sometimes find themselves embraced by the “unreasonable fear” that is usually associated with confession.
It is just part of our human nature.

And, FWIW, a piece of advice. Call the parish office and ask to speak to a priest about a pastoral/sacramental matter. Tell him that it has been a while since your last confession, and you want to be respectful of his time and of others during regular confession times, so could you set up an appointment.

 

[Albany]

Hi Oneofthewomen,

Thanks for posting however it says they have to approach the sacrament of penance regularly. Just like in the Catechism of the Catholic Church states - confession, which consists of telling ones sins to a priest.

But nothing states a priest must say to another priest. A priest already has the power to forgive sins through Jesus so they don’t have to confess to each other.

I’m no expert on anything I just remember hearing this somewhere.

Albany
XX

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

It must be so easy for priests 'cause they don’t have to go to confession.

XX

Yes they do. FSSP priests are normally required to go every week according to my priest.

Anyway, I went after being away for 10 years. I literally said, “Bless me Father. I have sinned. It’s been 10 years since my last confession. I think I’m going to have an anxiety attack.”

I never got yelled at for being away for so long. Priests who care about frequent confession are normally not the types to yell at someone for being away for so long, and are more than happy to hear their confession.

Priests who don’t care about frequent confession, are normally not the types to care if you haven’t been to confession in a long time, so they have no reason to yell at you.

 

[Albany]

Hey Oneofthewomen,

I sent the question about priests confessing to ask an apologist forum cause we could argue about it all day and get no where :dts:

The important thing is WE should try and go to confession regularly.

A
XX

 

[onjac]

Hi Oneofthewomen,

Thanks for posting however it says they have to approach the sacrament of penance regularly. Just like in the Catechism of the Catholic Church states - confession, which consists of telling ones sins to a priest.

But nothing states a priest must say to another priest. A priest already has the power to forgive sins through Jesus so they don’t have to confess to each other.

I’m no expert on anything I just remember hearing this somewhere.

Albany
XX

No. Priests have the power to absolve other people’s sins through confession but not the power to absolve their own sins through confession. The same goes for priests who have divine healing power. They explicitly say that they can’t use this power for themselves but they can use it for other people.

They have to go to another priest for confession. It is not an option.

 

[Christinanz]

I understand you being nervous about going to confession, truly I do. I have felt that way in the past, too. You know though…after going and receiving absolution…that feeling that comes upon me…wow! Nothing like it. There is no greater feeling in the world to know that God has forgiven me and wraps his arms around me in his loving embrace.
When you go your priest will guide you through. He will be so happy that you’ve some back. Please don;t be afraid, you will not regret it. It’s a gift that God had given us all,

 

[RCradleCatholic]

okay, so i’m the newbie here, admittedly. (i’m not replying to Son, but to whom they replied to, pardon. I’m still getting used to the format here. However, I offer this:

why wait 'til saturday?!

go to Confession ASAP!