Lack Of Confessions

[MJS]

I like the method of teaching that emphasizes reconciling us to God through the Sacrament rather then trying to stay out of Hell.

Good response!

[M.SIGGA]

I like the method of teaching that emphasizes reconciling us to God through the Sacrament rather then trying to stay out of Hell.

I think both of these approaches together would be helpful to avoid having handfuls of people who have no knowledge of hell and purgatory. It would also give people an opportunity to repent that figure they are probably going to hell anyway because their sins are so numerous and/or so great.

[Sojourner]

After the Eucharist, Confession is the Sacrament in which I most look forward to participating. I've not been at my parish long enough to know how often people confess, but I love the process of God revealing sin to me, then bringing me to a point of repentance and back into fellowship with himself. It's really beautiful. I want to do it often.

[Dave]

Is this the only reason you go, just to have a good feeling???

I doubt that!

[Dave]

I'm feel really nervous and tense and guilty every single time that I go, and sometimes I want to turn and leave, which I have done before, but I always came back and I continue to go because 'being clean' is so refreshing. The lack of preaching and teaching on the subject has made a lot of people develope a dangerous protestant point of view, to the point where people don't even go the required once a year. There are guys and girls I know that haven't been since Confirmation in 8th grade.

That's nothing -- I've known people who haven't been to confession since their first confession!

[God Conquers]

I don't think people realize what is and is not a sin these days. They are too blinded by our world to know (or more likely care) whether or not they have sinned. I go to confession all the time, at least once a month, or once every 2 weeks, because I know I'm sinful and that I need that grace, and I see amny of the same people in line for confession. I think there needs to be much greater empohasis on sin, and recognizing when you are in a state of sin, and then on the remedy, God's mercy in the confessional.

[BlondewithaBrain]

My mom literally scared the hell out of her kids when we were little children so we had a real fear of falling into sin.

I understand what you mean..and I think fear does work sometimes..but I think a lot of Catholics are sick of the whole fear and "hellfire" preaching, even though it would probably work..simply, Catholics don't want to hear it and be subjected to facing some of the worst fears.

[M.SIGGA]

Ok maybe I didn't clarify enough lol.

I wasn't raised as a freak child who walked around with a plastic bottle of Lourdes water blessing myself while watching television or anything like that.

We were taught as kids that Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory were very real and why it was important to avoid mortal sin. My parents would kneel and pray with us before bed, take us to confession on Saturdays, etc.

It wasn't like MommyDearest or anything like that.

[God Conquers]

I wasn't raised as a freak child who walked around with a plastic bottle of Lourdes water blessing myself while watching television or anything like that.

You just shattered my impression of you! Whatever shall I do!?

Just kiddin'. I think most Catholics (good ones anyways) were raised like this. I was.

By this I mean the second part of your post... not the crazy holy water kid part.... although....

[PedroX]

:drunk: (M. Sigga dousing himself with Lourdes water!)

One of the reasons for decline is simply lack of availability. When the sacrement is made available, people come. Its simple, really. How many people get gung ho about calling Fr. and saying "I need to make confession, how about Thursday at 6"? No. When you can just drive to the church and get in line people are much more inclined to do it.

peace...

[Carrie]

Is this the only reason you go, just to have a good feeling???

You're misinterpreting my words. What I mean by good feeling is that after confession, I am filled with the Grace of God. What can feel better? What can be better?

I have cleansed myself by admitting all I have done wrong and have done reconciliation for my sins. I am truly sorry for my sins, I take responsibility for my sins and God has forgiven me. Call it a spiritual high if you like. The whole experience of confession, as jasJis stated quite nicely, is very positive for me. It's one of the may reasons I love the Church.

And loving the Church and being in love with my Savior IS a great feeling! :)

[PatrickRitaMichael]

I really like confession. I have a guilt complex and so I beat myself up about my sins even after I have said an act of contrition (even venial ones!) b/c I just feel so bad about hurting God. But to hear the priest say that I am forgiven and know that... I think it was a great gift for God to give us this sacrament b/c hearing the words means so much to me!

Are you only supposed to go for mortal sins? I just like going as much as possible cuz I like it a lot.

[Dave]

Are you only supposed to go for mortal sins? I just like going as much as possible cuz I like it a lot.

You're only REQUIRED to go to confession if you've been guilty of mortal sin. But it's HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to confess venial sins too.

[Birgitta Noel]

I'm with PatrickRitaMichael,

I LOVE the words of the prayer of absolution....

God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

....pardon and peace, now that's something I definitely need!