If Jesus died for our sins why must I confess?

Catholics believe that baptism removes original sin, the belief that all people are born tainted by sin. Therefore, baptism turns us back to God. Despite this, humans still commit sin. As a result, Catholics regularly confess their sins. The act of confession is important because it allows us to put things right with God and to know that they have been forgiven.

Why should I confess my Sin to a priest? Cant I just go directly to God?

The Catholic Church believes that only God can forgive sin. But as Christ’s successors and representatives, priests have received from Christ the power to pass on that forgiveness and to speak the mercy of God in the name of Jesus. Roman Catholics believe it is important to continue to confess sin (even though someone has already accepted Jesus as their Saviour) because we continue to sin and to be damaged by its on-going power.

Where does scripture factor in?

By his death on the Cross, Jesus Christ redeemed us from sin and from the consequences of his sin, especially from the eternal death that is sin’s due.

So it is not surprising that on the very day he rose from the dead, Jesus instituted the sacrament by which our sins could be forgiven.

It was on Easter Sunday evening that Jesus appeared to his Apostles, gathered together in the Upper Room, where they had eaten the Last Supper.

John 20:19-23:
“Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them, ‘Peace be to you!’ And when he had said this he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore rejoiced at the sight of the Lord. He therefore said to them again, ‘Peace be to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed upon them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.”

To paraphrase our Lord’s words in more modern terms, what He said was this:

As God, I have the power to forgive sin. I now entrust the use of that power to you. You will be My representatives. Whatever sins you forgive, I shall forgive. Whatever sins you do not forgive, I shall not forgive.

Jesus on the cross already has “done our work for us”. In the sacrament of Reconciliation we simply give God a chance to share with us the infinite merits of his Son.

Are there any  prerequisits for my confession?

The  sinner must be heartily sorry for their sin, sincerely confess them, and  willing to make satisfaction for them.

Can the priest tell anyone about my confession?

No, a Catholic priest cannot tell anyone your confession under any circumstances. This is known as the “sacramental seal” or “seal of confession,” which is an absolute, inviolable bond of secrecy regarding any sins confessed. Breaking this seal leads to automatic excommunication for the priest. 

Priests are trained to take safeguarding concerns seriously and if there are safeguarding concerns they will discuss this with you but they cannot divulge the information themselves.

How often should I go to confession?

Catholics are required to go to confession at least once a year, particularly if aware of committing a mortal sin. However, regular confession—often recommended as monthly or even weekly—is encouraged to foster spiritual growth, overcome sins, and receive grace. 

Catholic priests are generally obligated to hear confessions when a penitent reasonably requests it, as it is a key part of their ministry to facilitate God’s mercy. While they must accommodate you, they may ask you to wait if they are in the middle of other urgent duties (e.g., Mass or another sacrament)

Approach the priest after Mass or contact thel parish to find confession times.

If it’s been a long time or its your first confession, it is okay to tell the priest,  and he will guide you.

One goes to Confession privately behind a screen or face-to-face with the priest. Preparation for the Sacrament of Penance consists of a good examination of conscience. This examination, guided by the Ten Commandments, prepares one to confess sins to the priest. Confession presumes the penitent is truly sorry with a firm resolve not to sin again.

Confession begins with the (1) Sign of the Cross and the penitent greeting the priest with the words, (2) “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was ….” (weeks, months, years).

The penitent (3) confesses sins to the priest, who stands in the name of Christ and the Church. The priest will help you make a good confession. If you are unsure or uneasy, ask the priest to help. Place your trust in God, a merciful Father who wants to forgive you. Following the confession of sins, say, (4) “This is all I can remember. I am sorry for these and all my sins.”

The priest will assign you a (5) penance. The penance takes into account your personal situation and supports your spiritual good. It may be a prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service, or sacrifice; whatever the penance, the individual is joined in some way to Christ and the cross.

The penitent will then pray an (6) Act of Contrition. This prayer expresses true sorrow for the sins confessed. This prayer may be expressed in one’s own words or one may use one of the formal prayers of sorrow.

My God,
I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong
and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you
whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help,
to do penance,
to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ
suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy.
(Rite of Penance, no. 45)

The priest, acting in the person of Christ, will absolve you from your sins by saying the prayer of (7) Absolution. As the prayer is ending, the penitent makes the (8) Sign of the Cross and responds, “Amen.”

The priest will express some (9) words of praise and blessing. The penitent leaves, completing the (10) assigned penance.