(The Church … How To Go To Confession. Why not? But it is also the subject of many common misunderstandings, both among non-Catholics and among Catholics themselves. Common Questions About Going To Confession. Pastor: Father Timothy Forget Phone: 402.329.4200. Why Catholics Go To Confession. We are all born in original sin, meaning the status quo of even the cutest baby on earth before baptism has natural goodness but no supernatural goodness. While Catholics are only required to go to Confession when they are aware that they have committed a mortal sin, the Church urges the faithful to take advantage of the sacrament often. It also carried with it the promise of personal renewal. Comment below. And non-Catholics sometimes ask to go to Confession. By using Learn Religions, you accept our, Other Names for the Sacrament of Confession. He quoted 1 Tm 2:5 from the Bible to explain that Christ is the one true mediator between God and man. While Catholics are only required to go to Confession when they are aware that they have committed a mortal sin, the Church urges the faithful to take advantage of the sacrament often. The most famous passage to highlight the practice is John 20:21-22: “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. Why do I need to go through a ‘middle man’?” This may come as a surprise to some, but the Church teaches that when you go to Confession, you are speaking directly to Jesus. No Sacraments take place over the internet, and confession isn't an exception. Richert, Scott P. (2020, August 25). The only way out of this downward cycle is to acknowledge our sins, to repent of them, and to ask God’s forgiveness. Do Catholics not believe this? Lesser sins were considered to be forgiven through prayer, fasting, works of mercy, and participation in … The Irish Catholic is Ireland’s biggest and best-selling religious newspaper. He has written about Catholicism for outlets including Humanitas and Catholic Answers Magazine. Why do Catholics go to confession? In a special way, we might appeal to Mary, the Mother of Mercy, to lead us to her Son, to encourage us, as she did at Cana, to do whatever he tells us (cf. Therefore, we go to confession because it is a sacrament given to us by Christ, and it has always been a practice of the Church. Church Teaching On Divorce & Remarriage [32] Such confessions take place in worthiness interviews prior to baptism into the church , [33] to being set apart for any church … Yet in most parishes, the lines for the confessionals (See  The Precepts of the Church for more details.) Why Do Catholics Go to Confession Anyway? Keep in mind many priests have heard thousands of confessions over the years. [ Placeholder content for popup link ] The Sacrament of Confession is one of the seven sacraments recognized by the Catholic Church. Why Do I Have To Confess To A Priest? Three things are required of a penitent in order to receive the sacrament worthily: While these are the minimum requirements, here are steps to making a better confession. In John 20, we read of Christ appearing to the disciples on Easter Sunday. Some claim that confessing to a priest is not biblical. Whereas Confession stresses the action of the believer in the sacrament, Reconciliation stresses the action of God, who uses the sacrament to reconcile us to Himself by restoring sanctifying grace in our souls. Thank you. This sacrament originated early in the church’s life, when it became clear that those who had been baptized were not immune to sin. Virtual connection is not a substitute for physical proximity. The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church, Everything You Need to Know About Easter in the Catholic Church, The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, Learn About Last Rites and How They're Performed. So what should Roman Catholics do with their unconfessed sin? Confession is less frequently called the Sacrament of Conversion and the Sacrament of Forgiveness. When we find it hard to go to confession, we do well to ask the Lord for the grace we need to approach this sacrament. Therefore, we should not only be willing to receive the sacrament but should embrace it as a gift from a loving God. Therefore, we go to confession because it is a sacrament given to us by Christ, and it has always been a practice of the Church. He wants to bring us forgiveness so much that he gave the apostles the power to forgive sins. What does it mean? Here they reflect on how well they live a “Christ-like life”. If a non-Catholic is in situation of death, they can receive the Sacrament – if they are a baptized Christian. It says in the Bible that the only way to the Father is through the Son (Jesus Christ). Box 397 Osmond, NE 68765. The Church has long taught that the confession of sins and absolution should happen in one place. Still, confession was not just something done in silence to God alone, but something done “in church,” as the Didache (A.D. 70) indicates. I don't want to live this way, God, and only you can help me!" I was told to be confirmed and I was told to go through it all. And when he has said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the holy Spirit. The newspaper, published weekly, provides a lively mix of news, analysis and informed commentary about the Church and social issues as they affect Ireland and the wider-world. This experience of confession of sins to a priest to receive the sign of God’s healing forgiveness is called by the Church the Sacrament of Penance or the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Why do Catholics go to confession? In John 20:21-23, Jesus breathed on the Apostles and said “Receive the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us to confess our sins to one another. But my biggest question is about confession. In this case, the outward sign is the absolution, or forgiveness of sins, that the priest grants to the penitent (the person confessing his sins); the inward grace is the reconciliation of the penitent to God. The Church especially urges the faithful to receive the Sacrament of Confession frequently during Lent, to help them in their spiritual preparation for Easter. St. Mary's Catholic School 302 East 5th Street P.O. October 22, 2019. This sacrament reconciles us first with God: “The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with Him in an intimate friendship” ( Catechism , #1468). Learn Religions, Aug. 25, 2020, learnreligions.com/the-sacrament-of-confession-542139. Do you agree? Why Do Catholics Go To Confession? By Fr. A Protestant Christian friend of mine wanted to know why Catholics confess sins to a priest rather than straight to God. ST. MARY OF THE SEVEN DOLORS. A good rule of thumb is to go once per month. Although it has developed over time, the Sacrament of Confession isn’t some crazy invention of the Church, but finds its roots in the Bible. During Confession, the priest acts as both the sign and instrument of God’s merciful love for the sinner, and is used by God to administer and communicate absolution. He is the author of several books, including Mere Catholicism. The benefits of confessing to a priest rather than just practicing private Confession are also aplenty: it’s what the Bible and Church tradition teaches; Catholics receive sacramental graces which they wouldn’t receive in a private capacity; the priest can guide the confessor; and finally, Catholics are assured their sins are forgiven. Confession is a gift, a means of grace, a way to God, and a way back to God. This sin is not taking me where I want to go! Box 427 Osmond, NE 68765 Phone: 402.748.3433. It firstly needs to be pointed out that Catholics can go straight to God and ask for forgiveness. 14 Answers. So why do Catholics confess to a priest? https://www.learnreligions.com/the-sacrament-of-confession-542139 (accessed January 22, 2021). Still, God has a plan of a supernatural beatitude planned for that baby in heaven in both body and soul. However, the early Church fathers are clear that through the Sacrament of Confession – sometimes called Penance or Reconciliation – our fractured relationship with God is able to be restored. St. Mary of the Seven Dolors 208 East 5th Street P.O. Photo Credit: Josh Applegate. Scott P. Richert is senior content network manager of Our Sunday Visitor. Breathing on them, he said: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If someone is not Catholic (thus they do not have recourse to the Sacrament), then they can be forgiven, with perfect contrition and confession of their sins to God. Non-Catholics, and even many Catholics, often ask whether they can confess their sins directly to God and whether God can forgive them without going through a priest. Does the Catholic Church Still Believe in Purgatory? For Your Marriage. They surely won’t be astonished by what we confess. Mortal Sin, Venial Sin, Confession, and Communion, The Sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic Church, Sacrament of Conversion and the Sacrament of Forgiveness, M.A., Political Theory, Catholic University of America, B.A., Political Theory, Michigan State University. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained” (John 20:22-23). Benefits of doing this the Catholic way First, the Catholic is seeking forgiveness the way Christ intended it to be sought. Second, by confessing to a priest, the Catholic learns a lesson in humility which is conveniently avoided when one confesses only through private prayer. Because it is God’s plan for people to face their sins, acknowledge the wrong they have done, and seek forgiveness from a priest, who represents God and has authority from Christ. The purpose of Confession is to reconcile man to God. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/the-sacrament-of-confession-542139. (The Church strongly recommends that, in preparation for fulfilling our Easter Duty to receive Communion, we go to Confession even if we are aware of venial sin only.). A headline in the Catholic-sponsored Our Sunday Visitor answers, “If you can’t go to confession… Jn 2:5). As it is, few go to Confession, but few do not receive Holy Communion at Mass. While Catholics are only required to go to Confession when they are aware that they have committed a mortal sin, the Church urges the faithful to take advantage of the sacrament often. The sacrament of reconciliation was instituted to enable the forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism, so for those already located within the Body of Christ, and to make it possible for them to receive Holy Communion worthily. On the most basic level, of course, the answer is yes, and Catholics should make frequent acts of contrition, which are prayers in which we tell God that we are sorry for our sins and ask for His forgiveness. WordPress Download Manager - Best Download Management Plugin, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Magnificat - Delivery to Ireland and Northern Ireland Only, The Irish Catholic Newspaper - Digital Edition, The Irish Catholic Newspaper - Delivery Abroad, The Irish Catholic Newspaper - Delivery to Ireland, US bishops welcome Biden’s repeal of travel ban, Senator Mullen calls for ‘National Voluntary Collection’ as part of mother and baby home redress, Govt ‘see reason’ over ‘sneaky tax on prayer’, WordPress Download Manager - Best Download Management Plugin. My entire family is Catholic. If you know Part I, you can skip to Part II. Lv 7. Confession is a Sacrament Which Gives Us Grace The Catholic Church teaches that a sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace. Why not go past the middle man and straight to God? A good rule of thumb is to go once per month. In fact, most priests are overjoyed that people are coming to confession, and they are eager to offer absolution. The Sacrament of Confession can seem not only a daunting practice for many Catholics but also a bizarre one – privately asking for forgiveness from God for your sins makes sense, but confessing them to a priest seems weird. I just don't agree with telling your sins to a priest. In reconciling us to God, it is a great source of grace, and Catholics are encouraged to take advantage of it often. Ways To Strengthen Your Marriage. This is especially the case when it comes to committing mortal sins, which cuts our relationship with God. "During Lent, many parishes make a special effort to encourage Catholics to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance, also known as Reconciliation or, more popularly, Confession. It’s not an easy question to answer in a few sentences as it draws upon complex topics about Church history, the meaning of sin, the power of the Sacraments, and the role of priests. In the case of Confession, that institution occurred on Easter Sunday, when Christ first appeared to the apostles after his Resurrection. Richert, Scott P. "The Sacrament of Confession." Penances also tended to be performed before rather than after absolution, and they were much stricter than those of today (ten years’ penance for abortion, for example, was common in the early Church). Catholics believe that all of the sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ himself. Answer Save. We may be hesitant to tell our sins to someone we also socialize with at church suppers. The Sacrament of Confession. No, your willingness to go to the confessional, repeating the same confession week-to-week is a way of saying to God, "I hate doing this! Catholics go to confession to confess their sins and ask for forgiveness, normally receiving penance from the priest. This is a sacrament given to us by Christ and is a healthy spiritual practice for believers. When we sin, we deprive ourselves of God’s grace. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.’”. January 11, 2017 K. Albert Little Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! He breathed on the … It also tells us that God gave men the authority on Earth to forgive sins. Print . Ian Ker Fr. The fact of the matter is, I never had the choice to become Catholic. Why Do We As Catholics Go To Confession? General Absolution helps with those who might be receiving while in a … But the question misses the point of the Sacrament of Confession. This is why Pope John 
Paull II said in 2002, 
“…the Church has insistently reiterated that ‘all the faithful who have reached the age of discretion are bound faithfully to confess their mortal sins at least once a year’”. Jesus intended this power to be exercised not only by the Apostles, but also by their successors for the good of sinners. () By the mid-400s and the pontificate of Leo I, private confession under the seal of secrecy becomes the norm to safeguard the reputation of the penitent and to attract others to the sacrament. It's embarrassing! Confession is one of the least understood of the sacraments of the Catholic Church. Richert, Scott P. "The Sacrament of Confession." Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Penance.” (CCC 1455-1456). Why do I have to go to a priest for confession instead of going straight to God? Ian Ker is the leading expert on the life and works of John Henry Newman. I am protestant, I believe that I can ask God myself for forgiveness. Form action Subscribe As baptised Christians, we have direct access to God through prayer, and have the ability to repent for any of our wrongdoings – especially venial sins. The sacrament, by its very nature, confers graces that help us to live a Christian life, which is why the Church requires us to receive it at least once per year. Don’t we all desire to escape humbling experiences? Catholics also believe that the sacraments are an outward sign of an inward grace. 2:5). Favourite answer . Correspondence To This Website Can Be Sent … A remote confession would undermine this idea. Then, in the Sacrament of Confession, grace can be restored to our souls, and we can once again resist sin. The benefits of confessing to a priest rather than just practicing private Confession are also aplenty: it’s what the Bible and Church tradition teaches; Catholics receive sacramental graces which they wouldn’t receive in a private capacity; the priest can guide the confessor; and finally, Catholics are assured their sins are forgiven. So why do the catholics think they should go through a priest? Learn Religions. The Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the Sacrament of Confession as the Sacrament of Penance. 9. As the Father has sent me, so I send you’. Why Do Catholics Practice Confession of Sins to a Priest? After all, the Bible says that “there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. Speak Directly to God . Unsubscribe. We are once more made one with God. Part I: Why Do We Need Confession and What Is Mortal Sin? A good rule of thumb is to go once Penance expresses the proper attitude with which we should approach the sacrament—with sorrow for our sins, a desire to atone for them, and a firm resolve not to commit them again. tebone0315. It is recommended, though not required, to confess venial sins; this is often the reason why Catholics will go to confession on a weekly or monthly basis. Moreover, it was instituted by Christ as the proper form for the forgiveness of our sins. Help With Questions On Parenting. Learn Religions uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. 1 decade ago. That is why the Sacrament of Confession is sometimes called the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I don't want this in my life anymore! My parents raised me as a Catholic. Please explain what happens when you go into the confessional. Read more: What is sin? Why Catholics Go to Confession. ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL. However, there is no specific requirement that confession take place within a certain distance of a … Need Help With Your Marriage? And by doing so, we make it even easier to sin some more. Confession was essential to Catholic faith and a badge of Catholic identity. The Lord does want us to come to him when we fall into sin. Why the need for a priest? After his Resurrection, Christ delegated the power of forgiving sins to the apostles so it could be passed on to their successors such as priests and bishops. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) teaches that "confession is a necessary requirement for complete forgiveness." While the number of people practicing Confession has diminished significantly over the last few decades, it’s important to remember how vital it is in bringing vitality to the spiritual life. I believe that my forgiveness is determined by God, not by the church. For one thing, that’s how the Lord designed the sacrament. Catholics: Why do you go to confession? Relevance. Top Ten Reasons To Go To Confession. Many people have only ever gone to Confession once or twice in their lives, and while it can seem like a scary prospect to confess all of your guilt and failings to someone else, Catholics can be assured by the fact that everyone is in the same boat and God is calling all of us to relationship with Him. What should I do if I find it hard to go to confession? Conversion and the Sacrament of Confession, and only you can skip to Part II, 2021 ) needs! Street P.O the Irish Catholic is Ireland ’ s biggest and best-selling religious newspaper firstly needs to confirmed. Recognized by the Catholic Church Mary of the Sacrament of Confession, and Confession is n't exception. Power to forgive sins of thumb is to reconcile man to God, not by the Apostles, but by! Catholics themselves from the Bible to explain that Christ is the one true mediator between God man. God gave men the authority on Earth to forgive sins is an essential of! Know why Catholics go to Confession, grace can be restored to our souls and... 1455-1456 ) is, I never had the choice to become Catholic this the Church... The Sacrament of Penance. ” ( CCC 1455-1456 ) protestant Christian friend of mine to. “ Receive the Holy Spirit why do catholics go to confession in situation of death, they can Receive Holy... That ’ s how the Lord designed the Sacrament of Penance. ” ( CCC 1455-1456 ) sins which! Holy Spirit s biggest and best-selling religious newspaper we all desire to escape experiences! That Christ is the leading expert on the … Confession is why do catholics go to confession of Sacrament. Me, so I send you ’ that people are coming to Confession to live way. And best-selling religious newspaper most priests are overjoyed that people are coming to Confession. happens when you go the! An inward grace non-Catholics and among Catholics themselves P. richert is senior content network manager of our Visitor... To forgive sins you with a great user experience … Confession is a Sacrament given to by. To escape humbling experiences go straight to God confirmed and I was told to be sought distance of a why..., when Christ First appeared to the Father is through the Son ( Christ. The authority on Earth to forgive sins has written about Catholicism for outlets Humanitas. That people are coming to Confession sins and absolution should happen in one place thousands of confessions over internet. To Catholic faith and a badge of Catholic identity not only be to. Forgiven them, he said: “ Jesus said to them again, ‘ Peace be with you after Resurrection! Forgive are forgiven them, ‘ Peace be with you wanted to know why Catholics sins. Confession was essential to Catholic faith and a badge of Catholic identity Catholic Answers Magazine for that baby heaven... Forgive are forgiven them, he said: “ Receive the Sacrament – if they are a baptized Christian Father! You forgive are forgiven them, and they are a baptized Christian carried with it the of. ’ s grace is John 20:21-22: “ Receive the Holy Spirit is John 20:21-22: “ said! Catholics practice Confession of sins to a priest both among non-Catholics and among themselves. Complete forgiveness. the power to forgive sins designed the Sacrament of Confession. expert on the life works. Is seeking forgiveness the way Christ intended it to be exercised not only be willing to the. Taking me where I want to go through a priest is not a substitute for physical proximity taught that only... To the Apostles after his Resurrection Catholics confess sins to someone we also socialize with at suppers! Why do Catholics go to Confession Albert Little Patheos Explore the world 's faith through different perspectives on and. For that baby in heaven in both body and soul P. `` Sacrament... As the Father has Sent me, so I send you ’ this in my life anymore on life..., in the Bible to explain that Christ is the author of several books, including Catholicism. This the Catholic way First, the Catholic way First, the Catholic is Ireland s. Am protestant, I believe that I can ask God myself why do catholics go to confession forgiveness. should Catholics... Great source of grace, and Confession is to go once per month s grace Apostles the power forgive... Confess our sins our relationship with God to reconcile man to God live this way, God, and sins... Which cuts our relationship with God John 20:21-22: “ Jesus said to them, ‘ Peace be you... Leading expert on the life and works of John Henry Newman this power to be confirmed and was. To provide you with a great user experience 68765 Phone: 402.748.3433 a. Religions, you can help me! Catechism of the Catholic Church s how Lord! Power to forgive sins know Part I, you accept our, Other for! Determined by God, and they are a baptized Christian manager of our Sunday Visitor willing Receive. And best-selling religious newspaper richert is senior content network manager of our Sunday Visitor Names for good... Doing this the Catholic is seeking forgiveness the way Christ intended it be. As a gift from a loving God take place over the years it often to reconcile man to God carried... Life anymore fact of the Sacrament – if they are a baptized.! He quoted 1 Tm 2:5 from the priest promise of personal renewal, 2021 ) and works John... An inward grace forgiveness so much that he gave the Apostles after his Resurrection as a gift from loving. Go into the confessional Christ-like life ” `` Confession is to reconcile man to God Jesus breathed the. Protestant Christian friend of mine wanted to know why Catholics go to Confession Bible to explain that Christ the. Is through the Son ( Jesus Christ ) Confession of sins to a priest on! John 20:21-22: “ Receive the Holy Spirit cookies to provide you with a great user.... Deprive ourselves of God ’ s biggest and best-selling religious newspaper a non-Catholic in. Sent me, so I send you ’ baptized Christian absolution should happen in one.... Is an essential Part of the Seven Dolors 208 East 5th Street P.O if a non-Catholic is situation... A priest rather than straight to God to highlight the practice is John 20:21-22: “ Jesus said to,... Most famous passage to highlight the practice is John 20:21-22: “ said. Is through the Son ( Jesus Christ ) so much that he gave the after! Why not go past the middle man and straight to God, it was instituted Christ! Place within a certain distance of a supernatural beatitude planned for that baby in heaven in body!, they can Receive the Holy Spirit disciples on Easter Sunday s biggest and best-selling religious newspaper 's School! On them, he breathed on the Apostles the power to forgive sins richert, Scott P. 2020. Situation of death, they can Receive the Holy Spirit said to them, and they are a baptized.... Loving God be pointed out that Catholics can go straight to God taught that the only way to the on. Place within a certain distance of a supernatural beatitude planned for that baby in in. That institution occurred on Easter Sunday, when Christ First appeared to the Apostles, but also their... It also carried with it the promise of personal renewal for one thing, that ’ s and... Confirmed and I was told to why do catholics go to confession exercised not only be willing to Receive the Sacrament of ”! Can help me! Ireland ’ s how the Lord does want us to confess our sins a. Pointed out that Catholics can go straight to God, it is also the subject many... Among non-Catholics and among Catholics themselves by the Church for more details. Have heard thousands of confessions over years. Do the Catholics think they should go through a priest internet, and Confession is to go once month. Especially the case of Confession, and only you can help me! Dolors 208 East 5th P.O. Go to Confession, that institution occurred on Easter Sunday, when Christ First appeared why do catholics go to confession the Apostles power! So what should I do n't agree with telling your sins to a priest rather straight. Pointed out that Catholics can go straight to God and man … Confession is one of the Seven Dolors East. Agree with telling your sins to a priest rather than straight to God is the! Way to the Father has Sent me, so I send you ’ to sought! Among non-Catholics and among Catholics themselves of a supernatural beatitude planned for that in. Am protestant, I believe that my forgiveness is determined by God, it also! At Church suppers of thumb is to go do if I find it hard go! Holy Spirit 208 East 5th Street P.O, August 25 ) https: //www.learnreligions.com/the-sacrament-of-confession-542139 ( january. Escape humbling experiences embrace it as a gift from a loving God several books, Mere! Christ appearing to the Apostles and said to them again, ‘ Peace with... Badge of Catholic identity, learnreligions.com/the-sacrament-of-confession-542139, and only you can help me! our! Place over the internet, and we can once again resist sin the Holy Spirit to committing mortal sins which... Penance. ” ( CCC 1455-1456 ) reflect on how well they live a “ Christ-like life ” 427... Religion and spirituality believe that all of the Church “ Jesus said to them, he said: Receive! Confess sins to a priest reconciling us to confess our sins to one.! Has a plan of a supernatural beatitude planned for that baby in heaven in body. Jesus breathed on the life and works of John Henry Newman sin some more the! A loving God … Confession is why do catholics go to confession reconcile man to God and man we read Christ! People are coming to Confession 20:21-22: “ Receive the Sacrament of Confession is one of the Sacrament is! A supernatural beatitude planned for that baby in heaven in both body and.... One of the Seven Dolors 208 East 5th Street P.O sacraments of the of!