Withholding a Sin in Confession

[FonsBonitatis]

This is just a general question.

Obviously, withholding a mortal sin from the priest during Confession invalidates the absolution.

But what if someone willingly and consciously and deliberately withholds a sin they are not sure is mortally sinful? I know it is not licit to do something if one is not sure whether or not their action is gravely sinful. This is what is confusing me.

This happened to me during the weekend and, being mildly scrupulous, I was wondering if I should go back to a priest, or if this is just something obviously silly. Frankly, the only reason I didn’t mention the sin is because (a) Father was well into giving advice to me when the sin came to mind; (b) I basically told myself that my sin was probably venial, and it’s unnecessary to interrupt him with an, “Oh! That’s great advice, but just one more thing!” The most I can say at the moment is that I continue to suspect the sin was probably venial, although I am not positive.

Please note: I respectfully am not looking for advice on how to deal with mild scrupulosity. This sort of thing affects me maybe four to six times a year, and it’s mostly the result of simply being ignorant of basic principles, not because I have OCD, etc. If you can help me understand the principles, I would greatly appreciate your effort.

 

[Bonnie]

If you’re not sure, odds are it’s not. But why not ask the priest during your next confession? Just tell him you’re not certain the sin was mortal or not but you’d like to confess it. It’s a good idea to confess venial sins anyway, unless your list is so long you’re holding up the line.

 

[FonsBonitatis]

Thank you, Bonnie.

I did some more research, and I think I’ve found the answer:

The Church teaches us that we are not obligated to confess doubtful mortal sins. As such, deliberately withholding such a sin would not invalidate a Confession.

However… acting on a doubtful conscience is never permissible. If one has a doubt about whether or not a particular action is mortally sinful, one should seek to resolve the doubt before acting. To act without resolving the doubt is objectively grave matter.

In my own case, I did seek to resolve the doubt before receiving Holy Communion, and the withholding of the sin during Confession is something I consider a doubtful mortal sin. The worst it could possibly have been is that I chose to do something when I didn’t know if doing so was mortally sinful, i.e., whether or not the action would be sacrilege. However, even here, I sought to resolve the doubt and actually thought of an article I had read on a similar subject.

So frankly, I’m not sure seeing Father is necessary after all.

See? Whoever said the internet can’t be help in these sorts of questions was quite wrong. I’ve learned a lot this evening.

 

[Bookcat]

Let me note though (due to some readers struggling with such) -that those who struggle with scrupels can be in a rather different boat -for they mistake their undue fears etc for true doubts etc - they should have a regular confessor to direct them (which may include him given them principles that apply only for them - of acting against such).