This is bothering me...

[Borealis]

I took my son to confession yesterday. I was surprised thta he was in and out of the confessional so quickly; he hasn't been for a month, and while I love him dearly, he's not THAT much of an angel.

Then I went in. I knelt down, spoke the initial words, then started telling my sins. I hadn't gotten too far in when the priest stopped me, gave me the spiel I had overheard him speak to two other people (he's not exactly quiet), then spoke the words of absolution.

I didn't tell him all my sins. He simply didn't give me time, just absolution. I felt like I was at the drive-through confessional. I also felt...cheated, in a sense. I'm not proud of some of the things I've done, not in the slightest. I went to confession because I needed to go, I needed to know that Jesus forgives me even though I'm not worthy of it. But this felt...like a McDonalds' version of confession. In, confess a sin or two, Jesus loves you, three Our Fathers, off you go, next customer please.

Am I wrong to feel this way? I even find myself wondering if I had a valid confession. Not because I didn't confess all my sins, but because he didn't let me.

 

[a_ntv]

Confessions and spiritual hints are two different things, sametime mixed.

So it is not too bad divide these two moments: a long time for spiritual matter (not 5 minutes before Mass!!) and a "McDonald" sacamental confession.

 

[hannabl]

You intended o confess all your sins, and you recieved absolution - so I think it's valid. But perhaps you could look up another priest? Preferably one who allows you to confesss all that you wish to say...

Anyway, the responsibility is on him not you.

You shouldn't rush a confession... but perhaps if you schedule an appointment, the priest won't feel stressed?

 

[Carrye]

Am I wrong to feel this way?

Ugh. No, you're not wrong to feel that way. (As you understand) The Sacraments are not simply about the legalities. It isn't just about fulfilling proper matter and form, (the matter which you tried to bring, and couldn't fully), but about a moment of profound repentance followed by an intense moment of grace.

I think that your absolution was valid, but I would probably find another confessor for next time, if it's possible. You received absolution, but in a certain sense, you were denied that moment of grace . . . and the peace that comes "through the ministry of the Church."

 

[Davidnic]

I don't think you're wrong to feel this way. The confession is valid, I would think...but Ican understand how you feel.

A sacrament should be personal. Confession done in the manner that the priest did it makes it more like what non Catholics accuse confession of being. People who bash confession say that Catholics can just say their sins rhen get a formula and be forgiven.

But it is a forgiving embrace from our Lord, and in a way from the whole community and body of believers.

It is like the priest giving you the Eucharist after he says "Body of Christ" but before you say "Amen".

The act of confession is an act of repentence, an act of humility and an act of faith. For it to be truncated before you can even confess would be disturbing to me as well.

 

[Gwendolyn]

I do not have any advice to offer, but I wanted to let you know that you are not the only one who has experienced something like this - "drive-through confession" is an unfortunate reality at the cathedral here, and it makes a lot of the faithful feel disappointed and upset.

 

[Franze]

For the next occasion another priest would be better greetings

 

[Metanoia02]

The fact is some priest do not make good confessors, just like some don't give good homilies. Find one you like and stick with it. Don't feel obilgated to go to a parish priest if you do not feel you are being give propoer pastoral care.

 

[Kusanagi]

I hope this does not happen to me when I do make my very long confession of my sins I commited since the age of reason to now .

 

[lionroar0]

I took my son to confession yesterday. I was surprised thta he was in and out of the confessional so quickly; he hasn't been for a month, and while I love him dearly, he's not THAT much of an angel.

Then I went in. I knelt down, spoke the initial words, then started telling my sins. I hadn't gotten too far in when the priest stopped me, gave me the spiel I had overheard him speak to two other people (he's not exactly quiet), then spoke the words of absolution.

I didn't tell him all my sins. He simply didn't give me time, just absolution. I felt like I was at the drive-through confessional. I also felt...cheated, in a sense. I'm not proud of some of the things I've done, not in the slightest. I went to confession because I needed to go, I needed to know that Jesus forgives me even though I'm not worthy of it. But this felt...like a McDonalds' version of confession. In, confess a sin or two, Jesus loves you, three Our Fathers, off you go, next customer please.

Am I wrong to feel this way? I even find myself wondering if I had a valid confession. Not because I didn't confess all my sins, but because he didn't let me.

I donlt know if it's a valid confession or not. I would make an appoitnment and talk to another priest in a different church.

or go to another church for confession.

Peace

 

[Miss Shelby]

I took my son to confession yesterday. I was surprised thta he was in and out of the confessional so quickly; he hasn't been for a month, and while I love him dearly, he's not THAT much of an angel.

Then I went in. I knelt down, spoke the initial words, then started telling my sins. I hadn't gotten too far in when the priest stopped me, gave me the spiel I had overheard him speak to two other people (he's not exactly quiet), then spoke the words of absolution.

I didn't tell him all my sins. He simply didn't give me time, just absolution. I felt like I was at the drive-through confessional. I also felt...cheated, in a sense. I'm not proud of some of the things I've done, not in the slightest. I went to confession because I needed to go, I needed to know that Jesus forgives me even though I'm not worthy of it. But this felt...like a McDonalds' version of confession. In, confess a sin or two, Jesus loves you, three Our Fathers, off you go, next customer please.

Am I wrong to feel this way? I even find myself wondering if I had a valid confession. Not because I didn't confess all my sins, but because he didn't let me.

no i don't think you're wrong to feel that. It may not be any consolation, but Jesus knows your heart and I am sure that's He's pleased with your contriteness and your serious love for the Sacrament.

Michelle

 

[PetertheRock]

I don't think you are wrong but something to remember is in most parishes they only allow 30 minutes for confessions before Mass. If there are a lot of people lined up to go this can cut it close for timing. I know I have had this happen with my normal confessor but most of the time I am able to confess all my sins.

I like the way the priest at the TLM does it...he holds confessions after Mass. Although if you are in mortal sin you would have to not go to communion but at least after Mass confessions wouldn't have the same time restraints.

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

Surprisingly enough I siding wtih the priest on this. I don't know the priest but 12 post from the consumer viewpoint are enough.

I picked the word "consumer" with care and precision because that's what these, "My confessor didn't treat me right..." threads sound like. Consumerism.

One would think, reading these threads, that a priest was a waiter, a person whose sole purpose was to service the wants and needs of everyone who wants to make the longest, most serupulous consfession possible.

I'm a harden sinner, I hang with other hardened sinners, I read the posts of people who stuggle with sin on thi s board. I can tell you with some certainity that humans commit the same 7 or 8 sins over and over and OVER again. Human weakness is extremely predicable.

Does it ever occur to anyone that maybe the guy on the other side of the curtain is tired, or hungry or just bored and he can't take it for another second ?

What, you never fell down on your job ?

Does it ever occur to anyone that after all the solice and comfort given by the men that maybe some could be given back ?

What would it mean to a priest not felling particularly spritual to have someone stop thinking about themelves for a moment and ask if there was something botheriing him ?

Its summer and those little booths are hot, maybe he just needs a glass of water.

Nah, it so much easier to change them out like a spent pair of batteries in a flashlight.

 

[PolskiKrol]

But this felt...like a McDonalds' version of confession.

Some folks would love to have this priest at their parish.

 

[lionroar0]

I picked the word "consumer" with care and precision because that's what these, "My confessor didn't treat me right..." threads sound like. Consumerism.

Confession is not just about getting sins forgiven but also for spiritual direction.

Peace

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

Confession is not just about getting sins forgiven but also for spiritual direction.

Peace

Sorry, point ?

 

[christianmomof3]

Hi, can I ask a question about this please? Where does the concept come from that you need to confess to a priest and then be given prayers to say or something?

I went to confession because I needed to go, I needed to know that Jesus forgives me even though I'm not worthy of it. But this felt...like a McDonalds' version of confession. In, confess a sin or two, Jesus loves you, three Our Fathers, off you go, next customer please.

Am I wrong to feel this way? I even find myself wondering if I had a valid confession. Not because I didn't confess all my sins, but because he didn't let me.

Why do Catholics not think that you can just pray and confess directly to God and He will forgive you? Why do you think you have to confess to a priest and then why do you have to do anything like say an "Our Father"?

I am not critisizing, but I just have no idea where this concept is from.

Does it ever occur to anyone that maybe the guy on the other side of the curtain is tired, or hungry or just bored and he can't take it for another second ?
What, you never fell down on your job ?
Does it ever occur to anyone that after all the solice and comfort given by the men that maybe some could be given back ?
What would it mean to a priest not felling particularly spritual to have someone stop thinking about themelves for a moment and ask if there was something botheriing him ?
Its summer and those little booths are hot, maybe he just needs a glass of water.
Nah, it so much easier to change them out like a spent pair of batteries in a flashlight.

I don't know enough about Catholicism to know if Cosmic Charlie is correct, but it sounds like it is the job of the priest to listen to the sins and then "give absolution" - what is that? - telling people to say prayers? - and then telling the people that they are forgiven. I don't think that ya'll think the priest forgives the sins - I hope not. Only God can forgive sins. And honestly, only God should have to listen to our confessions. Like Charlie said, it must be tiring and depressing to listen to people's sins all day. That is a tough job. The only One who can do that properly is God. He does not get tired of hearing our confessions, but surely people do, and priests are just people.

Anyway, this is not intended to critisize - just wondering where the concept of confessing to a priest and then having to say a prayer is from.
Thank you, Dana

 

[Borealis]

Hi, can I ask a question about this please? Where does the concept come from that you need to confess to a priest and then be given prayers to say or something?

Why do Catholics not think that you can just pray and confess directly to God and He will forgive you? Why do you think you have to confess to a priest and then why do you have to do anything like say an "Our Father"?

I am not critisizing, but I just have no idea where this concept is from.

I don't know enough about Catholicism to know if Cosmic Charlie is correct, but it sounds like it is the job of the priest to listen to the sins and then "give absolution" - what is that? - telling people to say prayers? - and then telling the people that they are forgiven. I don't think that ya'll think the priest forgives the sins - I hope not. Only God can forgive sins. And honestly, only God should have to listen to our confessions. Like Charlie said, it must be tiring and depressing to listen to people's sins all day. That is a tough job. The only One who can do that properly is God. He does not get tired of hearing our confessions, but surely people do, and priests are just people.

Anyway, this is not intended to critisize - just wondering where the concept of confessing to a priest and then having to say a prayer is from.
Thank you, Dana

Because Jesus instituted the sacrament of Confession. Remember just before He ascended, He gave the power to forgive sins to the Apostles? (John 20:23) That power passed down through the Apostles to the bishops and priests. We're confessing to God, who speaks to us through the priest. It's not the priest forgiving our sins, it's God Himself. He uses the priest as His instrument.

Confession is entirely scriptural.

 

[PetertheRock]

Not only is confession scriptual but to say we don't have the power to forgive sins is kind of wrong too. We don't have the power to give absolution or anything but Jesus commanded that we forgive those who sin against us or we ourselves will not be forgiven of our sins.

 

[christianmomof3]

Because Jesus instituted the sacrament of Confession. Remember just before He ascended, He gave the power to forgive sins to the Apostles? (John 20:23) That power passed down through the Apostles to the bishops and priests. We're confessing to God, who speaks to us through the priest. It's not the priest forgiving our sins, it's God Himself. He uses the priest as His instrument.

Confession is entirely scriptural.

Yes, to confess is scriptural, but I do not see anyone in the Bible told to confess to anyone other than to God. John 20:23 is a similar verse to Matt: 16:19 and 18:18. I do not see where people are told to confess to the apostles, nor where this "power" is passed down to anyone. If you take that verse as something passed down, do you also think the other things the Lord sent the disciples out to do were passed down to priests? He sent them out to heal people and preach the gospel and handle snakes and scorpions without being harmed. Are priests supposed to heal people?
Are there any examples in the Bible of people confessing to other people - apostles or priests - after Jesus died?
Also, where in the Bible does it say that when you confess you should then be given a specific prayer or something that you have to say?
Thank you, Dana