Was my confession valid if the priest didn't open with the sign of the cross?

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bridgesro

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I went to confession this morning, and when I got back to my car I wondered about two things that the priest omitted. I just want to make sure my confession was valid. I just joined the church last month, so I’m not sure which parts of the sacrament are optional and which are required.

One was the act of contrition, but after reading other topics on the forum, it sounds like this doesn’t invalidate the confession (and I said the act of contrition in my car after the confession).

The second, which I haven’t seen in another topic yet, is that the priest didn’t open with the sign of the cross like he usually does. I did the sign of the cross silently to myself before I confessed my sins, but I don’t know if the priest also has to say it for the confession to be valid.

Do either of these things invalidate my confession? Thanks!
 
I remember how concerned I was when I came into the Church. I wanted to make sure every i was dotted and t’s crossed. Don’t beat yourself up. Ask questions but don’t beat yourself up. Welcome home.
 
It’s valid if you’ve been forgiven. I think sometimes we get too caught up in the order of things, and it makes us miss God’s mercy. Think of the pharisees and how caught up they were in their own laws, and their 300+ commandments (I forget how many). They would try to point at Christ when he didn’t go about their rules, and they missed the point. Our deacon recognized even the church can sometimes feel as if it has too many rules, and how part of the Vatican II was to take several steps back on the rules so we have a greater focus on Christ and his mercy. And by the fruits of the church that came out of Vatican II, the effects can be surely seen.
 
I am a life-long Catholic and a huge advocate for going to Confession regularly and often…and I get weirded out when the priest omits the opening Sign of the Cross, too. It feels terribly awkward to me. But your confession is valid. Be at peace!! 🙂
 
By the way, the priest might have been left wondering why you didn’t open with the sign of the cross. I have had confessors who wait patiently for me to collect my thoughts, and when I am ready a make and pray the sign of the cross and then get down to business with “Bless me Father for I have sinned…”
 
Thanks for the replies everyone! This helps set my mind at ease 🙂
Neofight said:
By the way, the priest might have been left wondering why you didn’t open with the sign of the cross. I have had confessors who wait patiently for me to collect my thoughts, and when I am ready a make and pray the sign of the cross and then get down to business with “Bless me Father for I have sinned…”
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Yeah, I said the sign of the cross silently to myself, but I wasn’t exactly sure what to do. I’ll remember that for next time!
 
If I go face to face the priest almost always starts with the sign of the cross. Other times behind the screen, it’s just silent. I usually make the sign of the cross as I say Bless me father for I have sinned…sometimes it’s awkward if he starts with it and I do it again when I say Bless me… but it’s a habit for me. I wonder if others do the same?
 
There is a theological Latin term to signify the notion I express in this answer.

It is my understanding that if the priest intends on forgiving your sins by means of the sacrament, then the sacrament is performed. The matter of the sacrament is your sins and the number you guess that which were committed - along with your intention to express sorrow in the confession and a resolution not to commit them again.

Also, that you do not deliberately leave out grave sins, if anyone deliberately hides there grave sins from the priest in the sacrament, and that a sacrilege is committed.

Again the matter of the sacrament rests on your part, the form resides on the priest’s words of absolution - primarily resting on the intention of forgiving your sins rather then holding them bound (cf. Jn 20:23). If he intents to forgive them, the power of the keys is performed.
 
PrayPsalm51 said:
If I go face to face the priest almost always starts with the sign of the cross. Other times behind the screen, it’s just silent. I usually make the sign of the cross as I say Bless me father for I have sinned…sometimes it’s awkward if he starts with it and I do it again when I say Bless me… but it’s a habit for me. I wonder if others do the same?
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The same thing has happened to me.

Yes, your confession was valid. The absolution is what is necessary for it’s validity.
 
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