Was not absolved in confession

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Tasha

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Several years ago I went to confession. It was not until some time afterwards that I realized the priest did not absolve me from my sins. I am still confused by this. Were my sins then forgiven at later confessions? Or were those sins retained forever? What could have happened that he wouldn’t absolve me? Or more importantly, what could I have done or not done to have him deny me?
 
Tasha said:
Several years ago I went to confession. It was not until some time afterwards that I realized the priest did not absolve me from my sins. I am still confused by this. Were my sins then forgiven at later confessions? Or were those sins retained forever? What could have happened that he wouldn’t absolve me? Or more importantly, what could I have done or not done to have him deny me?
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I don’t understand. At the time you made your Confession you did not realise you had not been absolved. The priest had to tell you he was not doing that and why. Something like that I would never forget.
 
I don’t remember specifically what he said, although it couldn’t have been very disturbing if I didn’t realize it in the confessional. I wish I could remember the specifics but it was several years ago. I don’t know what I should do. To say it’s bothering me would be a huge understatement.
 
I think he told me to come back another time, but under what circumstances (or changes in circumstances) I’m not sure.
 
There is no way that we can advise you here…
Explain this to your confessor the next time you go and be guided by what he tells you.

Peace
James
 
You’re right, even though I’m afraid to be rejected again. Thanks for responding.
 
Tasha said:
You’re right, even though I’m afraid to be rejected again. Thanks for responding.
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Please do not be afraid. If there was legitimate concern at the time, the impediment may have been removed by now. If there is still some concern, it’s far better to know and address it than to fail to turn to God and instead hide your face from Him in fear.

May God give you the courage you need.

Peace
James
 
Put aside any fears Tasha.

Your only fear should be in not speaking about this with a priest as soon as possible.

Contact your local priest and discuss this with him and then, if needed, request that he hear your confession.
 
JRKH said:
There is no way that we can advise you here…
Explain this to your confessor the next time you go and be guided by what he tells you.

Peace
James
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Please do go back to confession soon and explain this history to your confessor. Then try to begin to go to confession more regularly - every month or so. You will begin to be more comfortable with the sacrament and won’t have so many things build up between confessions.
 
Tasha said:
I don’t remember specifically what he said, although it couldn’t have been very disturbing if I didn’t realize it in the confessional. I wish I could remember the specifics but it was several years ago. I don’t know what I should do. To say it’s bothering me would be a huge understatement.
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You could make a general Confession of all the sins of your past life.
 
If it’s getting to you, you could, as someone else said, make a general confession. It might be good to make an appointment for this, since it might (probably will) be long.

Make sure at the end of every confession that the priest absolves you.
 
I have been to confession many times since and always been absolved. It wasn’t with the original priest but I’m going to mention it again next confession. I will confess that particular sin again too and make sure I get absolved. Perhaps the priest didn’t feel I was contrite. I don’t think it was my sin that stopped him, but maybe his doubts on my repentance. Thanks for responding to a very personal matter, it wasn’t easy for me to ask about it. God bless.
 
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