Was this confession valid (I know there are a lot of these)

[Garyjohn2]

Sorry, I know this question comes up all the time, and that there is a search feature. The problem is, when I search, there are so many different situations it’s hard to find a question that matches mine! Anyways…

I went to confession yesterday, and the priest had me confess only mortal sins. He specifically asked if I had any other mortal sins, and then absolved me. I did not get to say “for these and all my sins I am sorry.” I did not get to say an act of contrition before being absolved. I did say the act later, and did my penance.

Are the words “I absolve you” really all that are needed? Was this confession complete? I don’t go to confession as often as I should, so I’m a little bewildered by the whole thing!

Thanks!

 

[LilyM]

Yes, all that is needed for a valid confession is that you confess all your mortal sins (regardless whether you say “for these and all my sins…”), that you are sorry for them and intend not to sin again (regardless whether you SAY an Act of Contrition in the confessional) and that the priest says “I absolve you…”

Since you have also performed whatever penance has been assigned, you can otherwise rest assured that it really is that simple. Why should God’s forgiveness be difficult?

 

[puzzleannie]

Are the words “I absolve you” really all that are needed? Was this confession complete? I don’t go to confession as often as I should, so I’m a little bewildered by the whole thing!

Thanks!

you said he absoved you, so he absolved you. what other words would he use? when time presses many priest expect you to pray an act of contrition before or after, not during, confession. you are not required to confess venial sins so if you made an honest effort to confess all mortal sins, you are good to go. In general it is much better for your spiritual life to simply make the best confession you can and folow the priest’s direction, and cease agonizing about whether this or that was valid.

 

[ibo]

Sorry, I know this question comes up all the time, and that there is a search feature. The problem is, when I search, there are so many different situations it’s hard to find a question that matches mine! Anyways…

I went to confession yesterday, and the priest had me confess only mortal sins. He specifically asked if I had any other mortal sins, and then absolved me. I did not get to say “for these and all my sins I am sorry.” I did not get to say an act of contrition before being absolved. I did say the act later, and did my penance.

Are the words “I absolve you” really all that are needed? Was this confession complete? I don’t go to confession as often as I should, so I’m a little bewildered by the whole thing!

Thanks!

Straight away: Your confession was good.
More than good, I would say…

 

[Garyjohn2]

Thanks you guys!
I appreciate you taking the time to help me out.