Trying to hear voices from confession- a mortal sin?

[faithful.follower]

So I came out of confession and knelt down to pray. As I was praying I thought to myself, “Wow, it’s great how you can’t hear any noise from the confessional out here and yet it’s not that far away.” (I know, a ridiculous thought) So as I was praying, my stupid self tried to listen for noise from the confessional. I don’t think my intent was to listen for sins, but now I’m freaking out over this. Is this a sin/mortal sin?

 

[TK421]

No.

If you could actually make out what people were saying and were deliberately listening, then that would be violating people’s privacy and be sinful. The parish also needs to do something about it.

 

[Lee1]

You are saying that you couldn’t hear anything so there’s no sin, relax.

 

[Sarcelle]

If your intent was to eavesdrop and than yes it could be sin.

But then you said that was not your intent so you should be good.

You might want to mention it to the priest though that the confessional may not be as private as he thought.

 

[semper_catholicus]

I can’t say anything about wether you committed a mortal sin (you probably did not, but it’s not my call.) one thing I can say, though, is that if you did in fact hear anything, you are bound by the seal of confession not to repeat it.

 

[edward_george1]

If you have to ask, it’s not a mortal sin. It sounds like you had a stray thought and indulged your curiosity, then caught yourself. I don’t think this is a sin at all.

Given this and your posting history, it’s pretty evident you are dealing with scrupulosity. Remember that intrusive thoughts can never be sins. It’s not like you hooked up a recording device or put your ear to the confessional.

See your priest for help with scrupulosity.

-Fr ACEGC