I went to confession and confessed a something I know (thought) to be a sin. The priest told me that I did not sin and would not grant me absolution. What is my status? Forgiven or not. I do not think I have been forgiven.
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Confession and Sin
- Thread starter Monica02
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FullyMT
Veni Sancte Spiritus
Umm...Well, if you didn't commit a sin, then there is no need to be forgiven. I would generally say yes, you have been forgiven because you have wanted forgiveness. Ask another priest if this thing is a sin, or look in the CCC.
I tend to confess more than one thing during confession, sometimes they may not be sins, but my confessor will still discuss it with me and absolve my sins in Christ's name. This includes any sins that I were not aware of or sins that the priest didn't think were sins (if this is incorrect teaching, please forgive me and correct me!). Trust in God that you have been forgiven though, and be happy you're not my aunt who was told she can't be a practicing Catholic anymore during Confession and wasn't given absolution (even though she was-and still is- VERY sorry for her sins).
I tend to confess more than one thing during confession, sometimes they may not be sins, but my confessor will still discuss it with me and absolve my sins in Christ's name. This includes any sins that I were not aware of or sins that the priest didn't think were sins (if this is incorrect teaching, please forgive me and correct me!). Trust in God that you have been forgiven though, and be happy you're not my aunt who was told she can't be a practicing Catholic anymore during Confession and wasn't given absolution (even though she was-and still is- VERY sorry for her sins).
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DreamTheater said:Wow, I've never heard of that happening before.
Did he really deny you absolution?
I confessed to a sin (one I have confessed before to another priest-so I know it is a sin) and he explained why my sin was not a sin and did not say that I was forgiven and did not assign a pennance. He actually sounded irritated that I was confessing this.
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Sacha Saint Francis
Disillusioned
Poor MonicaMonica02 said:
How terrible when this most precious gift of Confession is not taken seriously by the Priest, who should mirror our gentle Jesus in all things, especially confession. All I can say, is yes, look it up in the CCC. And make an appointment for Spiritual Direction with another Priest.Peace in Christ,
Sacha
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DreamTheater said:
I will certainly go to another priest. This incident really bummed me out because it takes all the energy and guts I can muster to walk into the confessional (I am a convert and the confession thing is REALLY difficult for me). I still do not know how to do it correctly and this priest just made me feel awful.
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I know what you mean. It's not easy confessing your sins. And it certaintly doesn't help when a priest doesn't grant you absolution. Hang in there. The Sacrament of Reconsiliation is one to be enjoyed.Monica02 said:
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JJM
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I'd say yes deffinatly go to another preist and even though I wouldn't want to get anyone in trouble this seems like th ekind of thing that needs to be taken care of. I don't know what I'm suggesting you do but this is the kind of thing I wouldn't ignore.
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Maggie893
It is what it is.
I'm assuming we are talking about a venial sin here as I am really hoping that a Priest didn't try to convince you that a mortal sin wasn't a sin at all. That you know you sinned indicates to me that you are aware that what you did inflicted some sort of pain or separation between you and God and/or you and others.
All venial sins, assuming you are truly contrite, are absolved each time you go to Mass. If it's a venial sin your next Mass will definitely cover it just in case the priest was in error in some way. If you think this is a mortal sin, find another priest before you go to Mass again and tell him the whole story so he can assess your situation. I know it's hard but honestly the more you confess the freer you become and it becomes a blessing instead of a burden. You will also find that the sins you repeat will become fewer as well.
Here is a link to some good confession information that can help as well. http://www.catholic.org/frz/examen/examen.htm Instructions on how to do it and an examination of conscience on the ten commandments that helps you review your behavior objectively.
All venial sins, assuming you are truly contrite, are absolved each time you go to Mass. If it's a venial sin your next Mass will definitely cover it just in case the priest was in error in some way. If you think this is a mortal sin, find another priest before you go to Mass again and tell him the whole story so he can assess your situation. I know it's hard but honestly the more you confess the freer you become and it becomes a blessing instead of a burden. You will also find that the sins you repeat will become fewer as well.
Here is a link to some good confession information that can help as well. http://www.catholic.org/frz/examen/examen.htm Instructions on how to do it and an examination of conscience on the ten commandments that helps you review your behavior objectively.
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nyj
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First of all, I wouldn't suggest that a Catholic "find another priest"*. We do not know the entire situation involved, we are not, and never will be, privvy to the actual conversation had in that confessional. We don't know what exactly what was said, or what the conversation was, or what the priest was thinking when he said what he said. Chances are, he had a reason for saying what he said.
Rather, I am going to err on the priests side here. When she says her confessions are "lame", I would recommend that she study up on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, especially on how to do a thorough "Examination of Conscience". Maggie already provided a link for such.
*Is it too much to ask that we give our priests the benefit of the doubt and treat the priesthood with the respect it deserves?
Rather, I am going to err on the priests side here. When she says her confessions are "lame", I would recommend that she study up on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, especially on how to do a thorough "Examination of Conscience". Maggie already provided a link for such.
*Is it too much to ask that we give our priests the benefit of the doubt and treat the priesthood with the respect it deserves?
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Evee
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Monica02 said:
Thank you for welcoming me... then I in my heart I believe you are forgiven. There is nothing to hard for God and you being a Christian had your consience bother you, even when the priest said it wasn't a sin.
Therefore I believe it is forgiven.
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Maggie893
It is what it is.
Yes a priest would normally grant absolution for venial sins as well. It's apparent that this priest is convinced that you did not sin and therefore did not need absolution.Monica02 said:
I would work through the examination of conscience and specifically read the parts that pertain to this particular area. Pray about it and see if the words that the Priest shared with you make more sense in light of the additional knowledge.
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