Should i confess a forgotten sin?

[pwlj_christ87]

hello all i am just reading the catechism now and a long ago sin has come into my mind, one that i had committed at least 4-5 years ago… i have been to confession often andm *** often since then and assume i am in a state of grace, well know that i am, but doi need to confess this or has it been washed clean too?

 

[BobCatholic]

Present all your wounds to the Great Physician so he can treat them.

Even if you forgot to take your medicine.

(this is my way of saying YES, confess it)

 

[Bookcat]

There is an obligation-- to confess forgotten mortal sins (which is different from "hiding mortal sins)

Usually in the next confession --but one many not remember so soon --so when one remembers.

A bit more from:

Fr. John Hardon: catholicreference.net/index.cfm?id=33610

Jimmy Akin: jimmyakin.com/2006/09/a_reader_writes_1.html

(scruples are another story)

(and well if one never remembers that creates an impossibility…so no worries)

(As to those who are scrupulous or struggle to one degree or another with with scruples – a “regular confessor” can guide them – they can be even “in a different boat” than others. They can start to want to confess all sorts of unneeded things and unneeded details and need a regular confessor to direct them–often they are they have been told to not confess any “past sin” that is remembered unless both of the following is true 1. One is certain it was mortal and 2. Certain it was not confessed rightly. And their confessor might for example tell them not to look for past sins (being it stirs up their scruples) etc etc . And for anyone --one is not obliged to confess “doubtful sins” (like doubtful it was mortal)

 

[Chantal25]

I went back to confess for what i forgot and it was a great feeling of peace. Some were mortal sins that i didn’t know were. I used a pamphlet to help me to have a good conscience exam and i wrote everything that came to me. I don’t know about others, but i notice that i will experience later in life what i did to others, which help me to fully realize the consequences of my action. I pray to be remind of everything.

All the best to you!

 

[Glacies]

The Baltimore Catechism No. 3 (Lesson 19) attests in case we inculpably forget to confess a mortal sin this does not render our Confession invalid, while we have to confess the sin should we later remember it. Such a person is allowed receive Holy Communion before the next Confession. The 1983 Code of Canon Law in turn contains an obligation of confessing all grave sins not already remitted and which are known to the penitent, and confessing venial sins is encouraged (Can. 998).

Q. 793. Is our Confession worthy if, without our fault, we forget to confess a mortal sin?

A. If without our fault we forget to confess a mortal sin, our Confession is worthy, and the sin is forgiven; but it must be told in Confession if it again comes to our mind.

Q. 794. May a person who has forgotten to tell a mortal sin in confession go to Holy Communion before going again to confession?

A. A person who has forgotten to tell a mortal sin in confession may go to communion before again going to confession, because the forgotten sin was forgiven with those confessed, and the confession was good and worthy.

Can. 988 §1. A member of the Christian faithful is obliged to confess in kind and number all grave sins committed after baptism and not yet remitted directly through the keys of the Church nor acknowledged in individual confession, of which the person has knowledge after diligent examination of conscience.

§2. It is recommended to the Christian faithful that they also confess venial sins.