When should I start going to confession?

[Learn2bCatholic]

Hi all. As my name says I am learning to be Catholic, I have no Catholic background, as some of you may have read in my other post I am going to be starting RCIA next month. My question is my partner and I have been living together for 4 years now and are going to be getting married in the church if everything goes as planned I was married before but have already talked to the Father and he says the annulment will be no problem we just have to wait on my fiances Baptism Certificate to get here from Mexico so we can get started. I don’t feel like I can go to confession right now because of my living situation because I don’t think you should confess something you know you are going to do again. Am I right? Also does anyone know if we will have to wait until I finish RCIA before we can marry or since I am going to be in RCIA will it be acceptable for us to go ahead and be married. The Father asked me if I had any questions but I was so happy when he told me the annulment would be no problem I forgot all my questions. LOL You guys may understand how I felt when he told me I was so happy that I can become Catholic and get closer to God by living the way I should according to his word and not my will.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

Were you baptized, if not (catechumen) confession is open after baptism. Baptized (candidates) are typically in two groups those who made first communion and thus have on going confessions or have not made first communion and thus typically have first confession immediately before first communion

hope that helps

 

[quiet52]

I am assuming you are already baptized.

The RCIA process isn’t just about learning about the faith. It’s learning how to embrace it and live it, and doing so in all ways possible before you are received into the Church, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist. Part of the process is demonstrating that you understand the faith and want to live it. Not having sex outside of a valid marriage is part of embracing the faith.

Obviously you realize that you and your fiance should not be having sex outside of marriage. In fact, he is still considered to be married, until the Tribunal formally approves his petition for nullity.

As for the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession):

(1) allow yourself to be fully catechized about the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) before you go to Confession. Usually, if you’re being received into the Church at Easter, you would confess your sins during Lent – but perhaps your pastor or the RCIA catechist can work with you before then. One component in the sacrament is your firm purpose of amendment – a resolve to try not to repeat the sins you’re confessing. You must confess at least all mortal sins (catechesis will help you discern which are mortal and which are venial).

(2) encourage your fiancee to embrace his Catholic faith more seriously, so the two of you will be on the same page as to abstaining from sexual relationships. Encourage him to go to Confession – now. Work it out so that the two of you will live chastely. Please care about his salvation, not just yours.

(3) talk with your priest in depth about the situation – as to whether you should live apart until you two are married, etc. Many pastors require this. The period of marriage preparation in most dioceses is 4-6 months minimum. Some may require a longer period of time. But it’s not just about “time.” Like the RCIA process, it’s about preparing hearts, minds and wills for a sacrament – for a way of life in Jesus.

In your original post, you wrote, “You guys may understand how I felt when he told me I was so happy that I can become Catholic and get closer to God by living the way I should according to his word and not my will.” May you and your fiance help each other “get closer to God” by the way you live, according to His will.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi all. As my name says I am learning to be Catholic, I have no Catholic background, as some of you may have read in my other post I am going to be starting RCIA next month. My question is my partner and I have been living together for 4 years now and are going to be getting married in the church if everything goes as planned I was married before but have already talked to the Father and he says the annulment will be no problem we just have to wait on my fiances Baptism Certificate to get here from Mexico so we can get started. I don’t feel like I can go to confession right now because of my living situation because I don’t think you should confess something you know you are going to do again. Am I right? Also does anyone know if we will have to wait until I finish RCIA before we can marry or since I am going to be in RCIA will it be acceptable for us to go ahead and be married. The Father asked me if I had any questions but I was so happy when he told me the annulment would be no problem I forgot all my questions. LOL You guys may understand how I felt when he told me I was so happy that I can become Catholic and get closer to God by living the way I should according to his word and not my will.

“I don’t feel like I can go to confession right now because of my living situation because I don’t think you should confess something you know you are going to do again. Am I right?”

You are correct

Before RCIA starts you should stop living together as part of the preparation for Marriage.

 

[Mike_Dye]

“I don’t feel like I can go to confession right now because of my living situation because I don’t think you should confess something you know you are going to do again. Am I right?”

You are correct

Before RCIA starts you should stop living together as part of the preparation for Marriage.

This information is completely correct and you should follow it if you are serious about becoming Catholic.