I am 67 years old.
Grew up in Bronx, New York City.
Catholic Parochial Grammer School (St. Adalbert’s, Polish) 1941 to 1950.
Archdiocesan All-Girls Catholic High School (Cathedral HS a/k/a Archbishop Hughes Memorial HS) 1950 to 1954.
We were NEVER taught that all venial sins must be confessed. Were taught to make a sincere act of contrition whenever necessary.
Were taught not to ignore the venial sins, this would lead to hardening of conscience and temptation to fall into mortal sin.
Not everybody went to Communion every Sunday, and we did not march out by pews (except for children in class). Everybody stood up together and respectfully walked to the communion rail to receive.
HOWEVER, we were also absolutely taught that one could not receive in a state of mortal sin. The object of religious instruction was to instill a conscience in us, and we were told to guard the state of our conscience. Therefore, it was recommended that we receive the Sacrament of Penance, and make a more formal examination of conscience and receive absolution “of these and all our sins” in the Sacrament. Once a month was recommended.
Sometime in the 60’s, I remember hearing sermons about how the Eucharist should be more frequently received, and that confession every week was not necessary. We all started to go more often, so that the marching out by pews became necessary. I think this is not a good way to go to Communion. It puts peer pressure on people to ignore their consciences. They don’t want to be different, so they go anyway. It trivializes the whole purpose of the Mass.