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[DeusCaritasEst]

Is it licit to give the priest a list of one's sins? Or do the sins need to be said aloud for the confession to be valid?

For example, could I walk in to confession, say "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned, here's a list for your enjoyment"?

Thanks(:

[cappie]

It is allowed, when necessary, to write our sins and read them to the priest, as persons do who have almost entirely lost their memory. It is also allowed to give the paper to the priest, as persons do who have lost the use of their speech. In such cases the paper must, after the confession, be carefully destroyed either by the priest or the penitent.

Similarly persons who must make their confession and who cannot find a priest who understands their language, must confess as best they can by some signs, showing what sins they wish to confess and how they are sorry for them.

As you can see it is allowed for serious reasons and with a clear intention to make use of the sacrament, have true contrition and a desire to do penance. It should not be flippant.

Edited by cappie, 10 May 2012 - 01:12 AM.