Why Confession if Communion takes away sins?

[iluvburpees]

Never even looks at you!?

…in my parish there are two priest, one is retired. The retired one is Irish and most of the time I can’t understand what he is saying! What then should I do if my confession is with him and I can’t understand him?

Well, you should probably tell him sometime before you go and let him know that. You want to not only make sure you can understand him, but also vice versa.

BTW, is this a novus ordo church or traditional?

 

[Zundrah]

iluvburpees;5572505]
Well, you should probably tell him sometime before you go and let him know that. You want to not only make sure you can understand him, but also vice versa.

Yeah, i should tell him.

BTW, is this a novus ordo church or traditional?

It is a Roman Catholic Church, but that is all I know because I have only been going to this church for 8 weeks now. It is the only Catholic Church I have ever been to!

 

[Zundrah]

Zundrah,

Some Catholic Churches have open confessionals. I my church you sit facing the priest and there is no wall between you and the priest. He usually doesn’t touch me, but he will make the sign of the cross as he prays for me. Its a beautiful, touching experience every time that I go. Its truly an act of love…

At communion, my priest does the same to me. He does the sign of the cross and then touches my head. It is a very soothing time, and I always feel so good during and after it.

 

[benedicter]

I’ve never been to confession (yet), can you please tell me what heppens? I might add that of course I am coming from a methodist church, so, formerly we don’t believe that a “Priest” can forgive your sins…

That is wonderful that you are thinking about Reconciliation. The Priest doesn’t forgive your sins - Jesus does. The Priest is God’s anointed instrument who acts for the Church. When he absolves you the Sacrament is completed and in that action it is CERTAIN without a doubt that your sins have been completely forgiven through Christ’s perfect sacrifice - His Cross and Resurrection.

Read the Gospels - Jesus says ‘who’s sins you forgive are forgiven and who’s sins you retain are retained’ (Matthew I think).

The wonder of it is the certainty.

 

[benedicter]

We need to go to Confession before the Eucharist for serious sins because we are taking condemnation onto ourselves if we don’t. The Eucharist is the New Covenant. Relate this to the Mosaic Covenant with the Blessings and Curses. The curses were for Covenant breakers. If was seriously sin and take the Eucharist we are acting falsely within the New Covenant - Covenantally on God’s terms we are making a serious error.

 

[carmel_Maria]

Both Sacraments forgive sins. Orignally, before private confessions became available, Communion was the the means for forgivness of private sins. The public sins of murder ,apostacy, and idolotry were absolved by the Bishop.

 

[iluvburpees]

It is a Roman Catholic Church, but that is all I know because I have only been going to this church for 8 weeks now. It is the only Catholic Church I have ever been to!

Make sure it is traditional before you go. The Novus Ordo Priests may not be validly ordained, so the only ones you can really be sure about is the SSPX.

I know I will be inflamed for this comment, but I wanted to give you the best spiritual advice I could. Do you have any SSPX chapels near you?

 

[Ben_F]

Another good thread.

 

[carmel_Maria]

In his book, “A New Look at the Sacraments”, Fr. Wm. J. Bausch gives a lot of insight into
sin and pennance.

 

[MrCardinal]

…but if you have commited no sins, then what should you say to him then?

Seriously? 1 John 1:8: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

“'And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’” -Mark 12:30

Have you kept that one every instant of your life?

The Bible says if you have hatred in your heart or even call someone a fool, you are liable to judgment. The Bible says lust is the same as adultery.

 

[davidv]

Make sure it is traditional before you go. The Novus Ordo Priests may not be validly ordained, so the only ones you can really be sure about is the SSPX.

This is off topic, but also patently false.

I know I will be inflamed for this comment, but I wanted to give you the best spiritual advice I could. Do you have any SSPX chapels near you?

 

[carmel_Maria]

How true, and communion can cleanse us of these sins.

 

[ML561]

Going to confession can be difficult, especially for the first time–my first confession took an hour! (I was 21 years old when received into the Church. ) But I came out feeling as though a thousand pounds had been lifted off me. I still don’t come to confession as often as I need to–sometimes because I feel embarrassed at habits which lead me to sin and which are hard to break. But the more often I go, the more strength I receive to avoid sin.
Just an observation which may not be for everyone, but I thought I would address this: I have struggled with a mental illness and sought therapy with numerous counselors over the years. None of them really helped. I finally gave up seeing them as it appeared to be a waste of both our times. Nothing but confession truly helps clear my mind, makes me see where I have gone wrong, and the advice of the priest, plus the wonderful words of absolution, are great blessings.That is not to say that professional counselors can’t help–it is just that in my case going to them was unhelpful. Plus, professional counselors often are reluctant to talk about faith, sin, and all of that. Priests don’t just hand out penances. They often give excellent advice on what to do about sins and other life problems–(and it’s free! Some people are scared of the confessional booth. No need to be–almost every parish that I know of offers the opportunity to confess face to face.Sometimes when I feel a situation is serious I make an appointment with the priest to meet in his office. And ALWAYS, the priest will say “Thank God you are here.” Please make use of this wonderful Sacrament. And be assured, nothing you can say will be shocking. You will not be yelled at. Well, I guess I got off the topic somewhat, sorry about that. Just wanted to say as Pope John Paul II said, “Be Not Afraid.” Grace and Peace be with you.

 

[carmel_Maria]

Thank you for the truly inspiring testimonial. You are in my prayers, please remember me too.

 

[viper78912]

Why must we go to confession if receiving Jesus takes away our sins? Please help.

Isaiah53.5 –“By His Stripes, we are healed.”
In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, The Father forgives the son unconditionally (Luke15:11-32).
John6:37- “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I Will by no means cast out.”
“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I Will Build my church….I Will Give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16.18-19).
The Catholic New American Bible explains, ‘That the keys are those to the kingdom of heaven show an intimate connection between, but not an identification of the church and the kingdom of heaven’

 

[indijanka]

I do encourage everybody to go to the Confession. Many people consider it “duty” but I think it’s a great gift. It’s such a feeling when you are so clean! We should go at least once a year to the Confession, but my experience is that I need it at least once a month or more often. Of course, it isn’t easy to tell your inner thoughts or sins to a strange person,but it helps. And it’s even more difficult to tell it to a friend - priest. But for me, it makes sense when I go regularly and to the same person, preferably to someone who knows me well. He then can see mi in many situations and is able to give good advice.
I can’t imagine to go to the Communion without Confession. One of the worst things for me is when I can’t go to the Confession (I have three little kids so sometimes it’s difficult) and I don’t feel I am allowed to go to the Communion. Horrible feeling! It’s the best penance.
And I don’t believe there is anybody who doesn’t need the Confession.
When I compare our Confession with the Protestant (Lutheran) one, I think the Catholic one helps us more. Because I have to tell all my sins - I must think thoroughly about them all - and I have to get rid of all pride to be able to say them out loud.
My husband is Lutheran and we have a lot of talks about this. He says that thanks to these things,it’s much easier for Catholics to be good Christians because they help us a lot.
God bless you.

 

[indijanka]

Two more things - you don’t have to make your Confession in the church only. It can be in your home, walking in the woods together, travelling in the car together with the priest (if you’re able to concentrate on that etc. At first, I thought it inapropriate not to kneel down but now I think it doesn’t matter at all. And of course, the priest can touch you then. I like getting the sign of cross on my forehead from my friends.
as for penance, it can be very different. Yes, there are many priests who’ll always give you the same penance (like Rosary) but there are priests who’ll tailor it to your needs. For example, when I have a problem with a person, I should pray for him/her; give thanks more often; praise the Lord more often… That’s why it’s good when the priest knows you personally. He knows then what you need.It also depends on my sins.

 

[PJM]

=Zundra -******I’ve never been to confession (yet), can you please tell me what heppens? I might add that of course I am coming from a methodist church, so, formerly we don’t believe that a “Priest” can forgive your sins…

Hi Zandra,

Lets began with your last statement first.

From your background we know that you believe in the bible, so that is where we will start.

First of all, in a fully correct and in a technical sense it is God, not the priest who forgives sins. The role of the priest is to 1. Hear your Confession, determine if you are sincerely repentant and then grant Absolution. [Which I shall explain shortly.]

1. Son: 1 Jn. 1: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

---

All of us are sinners to varying degrees depending on the amount of grace offered, accepted and properly applied by each of us.***

2 1 Jn.5:16 “If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God * will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin which is mortal; I do not say that one is to pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not mortal.” [Thus there is sin that is Mortal!]

***Here we are introduced to the very logical concept of “two levels of sin.” Less serious that we term “Venial” sins, and VERY serious sins that we call “Mortal” sins. Whilw all sins hurt our relationship with God, hurt ourselves and the community, "Mortal " sin as the name implies are so serious as to completely sever ones relationship with Christ. One remains seperated from God until one Confesses, Repents, receives Absolution and completes the Pennance given. ***

3 Jn.20:21-13 "Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” 22* And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23* If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained”

Add to the Mt. 16:19 [Jesus speaking to Peter,who represents the Church, popes, bishops and priest] “*** 19 I will give you [singular for His Church] the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” [Singular for His Popes, Bishops and priest.]***

So clearly there is clear and binding authority for the Sacrament of Confession.

The steps for Confession are:
1 A full and complete personal examination of Conscience, trying to recall all of the sins committed. NOTE: ONLY all of f the Mortal sins need to be confessed, giving the description of each and number of times committed. NOTE: Under the penalty of both spiritual and physical death Confessors are sworn to a vow of complete Secrecy. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES, can a confessor share, discuss, reveal anything heard in the Confessional. PERIOD! Whaqt you confess remains between you and God.

2 The role of the Priest[Confessor] is to hear your Confession, determine if you are really and truly repentant, give some advice on how you might “avoid the near temptation of sin in the furture,” Grant Absolution, [with the words of Absolution: "I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit [to which you reply “Amen”] which means “I believe.” “Go now YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!” No guessing, 100% certainty that Christ has forgiven you! WOW!

NOTE, that is the Holy Spirit, not the priest who Forgives you your sins! The Confessor is acting in, through and on behalf of Jesus. Thus the words “I ABSOLVE” not “I forgive” are used.

The Confessor will assign some sort of “Penance” [evidence and offering back to God as a sign of your sorrow and gratitude.] This Penance MUST BE completed before the effects of absolution take effect.

The format is either “always” * “person to Confessor” either behind a veil or at your option “face to face.” One should be mindful that it is common to be uncomfortable, and that is part of God’s intent. The fact that we MUST!!! Confess our sins, hopefully will be a deterrent to furture sins. Having said this it is important that one Confess all Mortal sins and the number of times committed. The Confessor may ask a few questions in order to determine the degree of “cupability.” which effects the seriousness of the sins.

***In order for a sin to be “Mortal” in must be 1. Serious matter 2.
One must know that it is a Mortal sin BEFORE committing it, and 3. Still desire to commit the sin anyway.

Some examples of Mortal sins are sex outside marriage, use of Contraceptive sex, abortion, ruining the reputation of another, excessive greed and many other things.*** [Really a seperate topic].

The format is enter the Confessinal, “make the sign of the cross” "Bless me Father for I have sinned, it has been [time period…my first Confession, two weeks ect.] since my last Confession. I have sinnes in the following ways. [full and complete disclosure]. Fatehr may ask clarifying questions? Reply honestly. The Absolution is granted, “pennace” is given, Father will bless you and tell you to “Go in PEACE!”

***A final NOTE: Mortal sins are so serious that unconfessed they will send one to Hell for eternity.

One may not receive Catholic Holy Communion unless they are “in the state of grace” [w/o
Mortal sin on ones soul. 1 Cor. 11:27-29.****

If you have more questions please ask.

Love and prayers,
Pat**

 

[mangy_dog]

Please don’t get me wrong. I posted this thread simply to clear up confusion I had to what extent Communion forgives sins. It DOES seem quite sacrilegious to me that excepting Jesus’s Body would take away a mortal sin.

The wisdom and knowledge of others on these threads is very important and accurate.

Here is my take on Confession:

It is the inexhaustible source of renewable grace. 4 of the 7 sacraments are one time only.

Personally, (and I emphasize “personally”) I would not allow myself to go beyond 3 weeks without going to Confession. I try to go every week but it ends up being more like every other week.

It’s that important.

 

[indijanka]

Pat,
thanks for writing all that. These are things most of us know but still it’s great to have it explained in the way you did.
I have one question. I often have to defend Catholicism (my in-laws are Lutheran). All the Bible verses about Confession (correct me please if I’m mistaken) are true about Lutheran Confession,too. Still, it’s VERY different from the Catholic one. As far as I know, which migh not be accurate, Lutherans confess together and out loud, something like this: “I confess that I’ve sinned.” and they often argue that it’s enough and it’s according to the Bible. Where in the Bible will I find that we have to speak personally and individually to the priest? Because, a Lutheran pastor then says something like “I abslove you from your sins.” I don’t know exactly. So, what shall I tell them to defend our face-to-face confession? Of course, I realize all the benefits it has.
Thanks