The Sacrament of Reconcilliation and refraining from "embarassing" sins

[Maria]

I am so grateful for the Sacrament of Reconcilliation!

I fell away from the Church for a somewhat long period…questioning everything including the need to go to Confession. I questioned…why can’t I just confess my sins to God directly? I had not gone in ten years.

Well, over that period I fell into sin. I would try to confess my sins to God…repenting and feeling genuinely sorry for them but would be tempted and fell into some of the same sins.

I was scared to go to Confession and kept putting it off but wanted to return to the Church. Reaching a low point in my life…I made myself go.

I couldn’t believe when there was no “behind the screen” option when I went and I had to actually say some of those sins which I was very sorry for out loud and look the elderly priest in the eyes. I was so embarrassed and ashamed!

He was very kind and when he absolved me…I felt like a new person and was very happy afterwards, having a fresh start. I have been tempted since but I remember going to confession and how I have been forgiven…a new person. I also definately don’t want to ever have to say those sins out loud to a priest the next time I go or ever again for that matter. I shudder just thinking about it.

I also wondered whether returning to the same priest (or couple priests) and face to face confessions rather than behind the screen is helpful to people? It seems like it could be a motivation to avoid falling into the same sins.

 

[acadian]

Well, there SHOULD be a behind the screen option - always.

But, yes, I find going to the same priest and going face-to-face helpful.

And I remember that wonderful feeling of being made new after being away for a long time. Great, isn’t it?

 

[Joannm]

Yes, going face to face to the same priest can be a way to keep from avoiding that sin again, but the reason for avoiding sin should not be to keep from being embarassed but becuase you do not want to offend the Lord. That being said, if you are involved in a habitual sin, going to the same priest for confession can be quite helpful because his advice, know this sin is a problem area, can help in overcoming that sin more than just going to a new priest each time.

 

[Maria]

Well, there SHOULD be a behind the screen option - always.

But, yes, I find going to the same priest and going face-to-face helpful.

And I remember that wonderful feeling of being made new after being away for a long time. Great, isn’t it?

I was wondering about that…I thought there was supposed to be a screen option. The confession wasn’t even in a confessional because it was crowded. It was in held in the cry room. I had planned to use the screen option but I did find face-to-face helpful.

It sure is a great feeling. Penance truly is such a wonderful Sacrament. One I have missed.

 

[Maria]

Yes, going face to face to the same priest can be a way to keep from avoiding that sin again, but the reason for avoiding sin should not be to keep from being embarassed but becuase you do not want to offend the Lord. That being said, if you are involved in a habitual sin, going to the same priest for confession can be quite helpful because his advice, know this sin is a problem area, can help in overcoming that sin more than just going to a new priest each time.

You are right.

However, when I felt tempted afterward…remembering my confession and actually saying the name of the sin out loud to the priest and asking forgiveness for it really helped me.

I think before, I rationalized sinning to myself…I didn’t realize just how foul and offensive my sins were. I was sorry for them …but feeling the shame and disgust drew the point home a little more, I guess.