Scrupulosity with Confession

[PerfectTiming]

I’m not usually scrupulous but when it comes to Confession I go into overdrive.
There have been so many times when I’ve been getting ready to leave the house to go to Confession and decided there’s some reason why I can’t go because it would be invalid.
I worry that my examination of conscience wasn’t good enough, I worry that I’m not repentant enough, I worry that I’ll forget something, I worry that it’s been too soon since my last confession even though I have committed a mortal sin, I worry that my resolve to stay away from sin isn’t strong enough.
I even have a fear that I’ll say my sins and the priest will tell me I can’t be forgiven and I’m doomed to hell, which I know is ridiculous.
I desperately want to go to Confession but I get so worked up and then missing the weeks Confession times just stresses me out even more.
I don’t know how I can just stop worrying about Confession so much.

 

[Spirithound]

I’m not usually scrupulous but when it comes to Confession I go into overdrive.
There have been so many times when I’ve been getting ready to leave the house to go to Confession and decided there’s some reason why I can’t go because it would be invalid…

I worry that my examination of conscience wasn’t good enough: I would recommend asking your priest if he could recommend one. Then stick to using that one.
…that I’m not repentant enough: Any little bit of repentance is enough in the Sacrament
…that I’ll forget something: If you forget it, it is forgiven anyways
…that it’s been too soon since my last confession: While frequent confession is a good thing, talk to your confessor first about having a regularly-schedule confession, and then about what to do if you’ve committed a mortal sin.
…that my resolve to stay away from sin isn’t strong enough: I have a feeling that it is
I even have a fear that I’ll say my sins and the priest will tell me I can’t be forgiven and I’m doomed to hell, which I know is ridiculous: Please don’t ever think that you’re ridiculous. Equally, please know that God will always welcome you to the Sacrament of Reconciliation
I don’t know how I can just stop worrying about Confession so much. It is helpful for people with anxiety to have only one confessor. This way, you can get used to the situation. Please talk to your priest about this.

 

[Bookcat]

It is important for you to have a “regular confessor” …to help you past your confessional scruples…

Scruples are to be treated like a barking dog or a hissing goose…one does not stop to argue with a barking dog or a hissing goose…one keeps walking…

 

[Joan1969]

I’m not usually scrupulous but when it comes to Confession I go into overdrive.
There have been so many times when I’ve been getting ready to leave the house to go to Confession and decided there’s some reason why I can’t go because it would be invalid.
I worry that my examination of conscience wasn’t good enough, I worry that I’m not repentant enough, I worry that I’ll forget something, I worry that it’s been too soon since my last confession even though I have committed a mortal sin, I worry that my resolve to stay away from sin isn’t strong enough.
I even have a fear that I’ll say my sins and the priest will tell me I can’t be forgiven and I’m doomed to hell, which I know is ridiculous.
I desperately want to go to Confession but I get so worked up and then missing the weeks Confession times just stresses me out even more.
I don’t know how I can just stop worrying about Confession so much.

Hi Perfect,

Read up on obsessive compulsive disorder on the internet, or get a book from the store or a library. A good resource should address the fact that this problem can have “religious” variations.

That advice is in addition to the other advice that the above posters gave. I believe that good secular help can compliment the spiritual help you also need.

God Bless,
Joan

 

[Anna_Gregorach]

Whenever we feel anguish , stress or get a bit overworried its usually a trick of the evil one who tries to make you doubt Our Lord´s love and mercy.

If you feel like you are not truly repented, or your confession has not been good enuff (even if it has), you are doubting the Lord´s mercy…have you forgotten He sees your heart, mind and soul and knows them better than even yourself?. So just put yourself into Our Lord´s hands through Our Lady.

If you feel like you are not repentant enuff, still, confess it, and tell the priest about your sin and how you dont feel repentant about it, it will show a trait of sincerity and humility from you. And pray, pray to Our Lord of Mercy to give you a true sense of repentance for all your sins, just keep praying for it, He knows your needs, and sooner or later that sense or feeling shall come to your heart. Just have enuff hunility to acknoledge it and ask for it. Hope this helps. Cheers

Godbless

 

[onmyknees]

Yes, stay with one confessor and tell him that you are scrupulous and that you don’t know how to stop worrying about your confessions. He should then tell you what to do. The only way to be cured from this is to obey your confessor and do what he says. You probably will want to disagree with him. Don’t do it. Obey.

It works! I had the same problem obsessing and worrying constantly about confession and my sins. This is not helping you to grow in holiness. It holds you back.