Scrupulosity and Confession

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The answer is the same for all questions pertaining to anything scrupulous.

Ask the confessor and obey whatever he says. Unconditionally. Without question. Whatsoever.

This is the only answer.
 
If you discuss scrupulosity with a priest, and if he judges that it sounds like you are scrupulous, he most likely will advise you to only confess **undoubtedly **mortal sins, and recommend that you only go to confession every so many days/weeks, or if you know you’ve sinned mortally. Part of the reason for this is that it’s easier to change our actions than it is to change our thoughts.

The scrupulous person, who has thus been advised by their confessor, acts in good conscience when they obey him. If they act in good conscience, then they will be fine.

Whenever the scrupulous person does go to confession, they can continue to ask their confessor for advice. As time goes on, and as advice is heeded, their scrupulosity may subsist, and they may have far clearer distinctions between venial and mortal sins in their mind.
 
I will re-post an older post of mine.

A person struggles with scruples - what ought they do?

A person with scrupulosity --ought to have a* “regular confessor” who can direct them --and even give them some general principles* to follow -to apply (principles for them due to their particular scruples -they are usually not for those with a normal conscience).

Thus with their direction they can “dismiss scruples” (in the older language despise them) - “act against them”.

Scruples are to be dismissed ~ not argued with.

To borrow and image from a Carthusian from centuries ago: Scruples *are like a barking dog or a hissing goose -one does not stop to argue with a barking dog or a hissing goose does one? * No one keeps walking.

Such ‘obedience’ to a regular confessor who knows of ones scruples (except in what is manifest sin - such as if he told them it was ok to murder someone or something certain like that) is key. Such is the age old practice.

Also counseling - could be helpful depending on the case -but one would want to look for a counselor who can assist one in following the Churches Teachings - not go contrary to them (I have heard CA staff mention catholictherapists.com/)

Here was a recent post from Jimmy Akin of CA that I saw in the Register and saved for those who struggle with such.

ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/6-tools-for-the-scrupulous

Discuss with your confessor how you ought to confess due to scruples. For example he might tell you: First examine for any mortal sins. Or he might say “examine for # minutes for any mortal sins you are certain of”. Then one may take another 3-5 minutes to examine for venial sins one wishes to confess directly (say pick around 1-3) (remember venial sins do not need to be confessed though it is good to confess on a regular basis) and then end. Including any other sins or doubtful matters in general under “and all my sins” at the end…
 
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