What does sanctification mean/do?

[Rozellelily]

Hi all,

Even though I’m Baptised Catholic and an adult and have been to Catholic Church (not enough) and know the “structure” of how a Mass goes there’s many things that I really don’t understand what they mean such a sanctification.
Also about the concept that Jesus comes and “lives” in people’s souls etc.
He doesn’t live in my soul and to be completely honest I find that concept a bit scary because if you “let” him live in your soul what if you then do something that He states is a sin…what happens then…?
To me it sounds like your freedom would be gone.
Also,I don’t understand the “technicalities” of it all-eg:who exactly would be living in your soul-God,Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
And because they are really one spirit/one then is it necessary to “do a separate process” to invite each individually to live in your soul or only need to make one request/do one process?

I don’t even really feel sorry for things that are termed sins (ie:have no repentance) and I have never been to confession.
I’m intimidated to go as I don’t know how much “detail” is expected to give and also whether confessionals are anonymous anymore.

 

[Vico]

To me it sounds like your freedom would be gone.
…
I don’t know how much “detail” is expected to give and also whether confessionals are anonymous anymore.

From sanctifying grace we receive help to overcome temptation to sin, prior to and in addition to our will to avoid sin. We have that from the sacraments received with proper disposition.

You generally have the option to use a screen or not in a confession area. Confess the kind and number of sins, after a good examination of conscience. All known mortal sins since baptism that are unconfessed. If the number is not known then a more general amount can be given. If mortal sins are unintentional forgotten, then they are absolved too, if absolution is given. There must at least be remorse (even just fear of Hell) and the intention not to commit the sins again (and to avoid the near occassion of sin).

Modern Catholic Dictionary, Indwelling:

Presence of the Holy Spirit in a person who is in the state of grace. He is present not only by means of the created gifts of grace, which he dispenses, but by his uncreated divine nature. This personal indwelling does not produce a substantial but only an accidental union with the souls of the just. As the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is an operation of God outside himself and as all activity of God outside the Trinity is common to the three persons, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit implies the indwelling of the three divine persons. This indwelling as a manifestation of the love of God, the personal love of the Father and the Son, is appropriated to the Holy Spirit. St. Paul speaks of the third person: “Know you not that you are the temples of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you” (I Corinthians 3:16). But he also says: “You are the temple of the living God” (I Corinthians 6:16), and Christ declares: “If any one loves me, he will keep my word. And my father will love him; and we will come to him and will make our abode with him” (John 14:23).

The immediate effect of the divine indwelling is sanctifying grace, which is the created result of the uncreated grace of God’s presence. Its effect on the person is an experience that spiritual writers compare to a foretaste of the beatific vision; the mind is able to understand something of the mystery of God and the will is enamored of his goodness beyond anything possible by the light of reason or the natural affective powers of humans.

 

[Katherine438]

Confessionals are always anonymous. You have a choice to kneel behind a curtain where the priest can’t really see you or to sit and talk to him face to face … but the seal of the confessional is absolute … a priest can never repeat what you have said in confession … he would be excommunicated from the church if he did.

 

[Elf01]

You have a choice to kneel behind a curtain where the priest can’t really see you

While I don’t want to scare the OP off I disagree. At least where I am there is no curtain

I think that the Priest can see you in the confessional and even if not there is a good chance he will know your voice if he knows you well.

The only way to be sure you are anonymous is to go to a Priest who does not know you and whom you will likely never see again.

The part about the seal is great though.

 

[Rozellelily]

Thanks.
Does anyone know the situation with the curtain in Australian Catholic Churches or maybe it differs Church to church?

How specific is it required to get?
Eg:can you just say something like “sexual sin” or “impure thoughts” without having to go into the details of exactly what or do they expect you to name exactly what?

Also what if you don’t feel guilty or really grasp why something is said to be a sin-can you still go to confession or will it not take effect because God would deem you as insincere?

 

[Reuben_J]

It has to be specific enough to be understood into which kind of sin it is. Sexual sin probably is too general as is impure thought. Maybe add another adjective to each. I had sex with someone not my spouse or sexual impure thought about someone who is not my spouse. This is just a guide. The idea is not to hide your sin behind some ambiguity. OTOH we should not be too explicit. That’s why mention the number and in kind, eg. Two times have I told lies.

You have to confess all that are deemed sins by the Church whether you believe in them or not.

God bless.