When to go to Confession?

[Guardian]

Hello,

I know you must be sorry for your sins in order for the sacrament of confession to be valid and licit, correct?

If so, then what constitutes being “sorry?” Must I wait till I am “emotionally” sorry or can I go when I seek forgiveness but do not “feel” sorry??

 

[mercygate]

Hello,

I know you must be sorry for your sins in order for the sacrament of confession to be valid and licit, correct?

If so, then what constitutes being “sorry?” Must I wait till I am “emotionally” sorry or can I go when I seek forgiveness but do not “feel” sorry??

“Sorry” is an act of will. Whatever it takes. A lot of our sins are “fun” and often they have become so habituated that we think doing without them will be painful, so repentance takes a LOT of grace. Going to confession with the sense that you KNOW this is wrong, and that you are choosing to turn from it with good faith and commitment (firm purpose of amendment) is what you need. “Feelings” are notoriously fickle.

God love you.

 

[m134e5]

If so, then what constitutes being “sorry?” Must I wait till I am “emotionally” sorry or can I go when I seek forgiveness but do not “feel” sorry??

Contrition is not a feeling. Contrition is a choice. You don’t have to feel sorry to go to confession. This may be something you should discuss with your confessor.