Funny/touching Confession Stories

[jenna311]

I went to Confession during a silent retreat this past weekend. Both of the priest who led it were just so incredible and holy---it was probably my best experience of Confession ever!

[Darky]

[quote]The rule of Confession once a year falls under the "Easter Duty," confession, Mass, etc. However, if you feel as though you are in the state of mortal sin, I would certainly not wait for a year before confessing those sins. Besides, frequent confession never hurt anyone, in fact, in many cases, it helps them to grow in grace.[/quote]

[color="blue"]That is the confusion I am getting from a lot of posts, and every time I approach this topic the same confusion pops up again. Granted when we commit a mortal sin we would want to go to confession a.s.a.p (upon repentance) afterall it's not just about fulfilling requirements but our love and relationship with God whom we gravely offended. However it is what the Church requires in Code of Canon law etc. I am confused about as well as being told off for going to confession when not in the state of mortal or serious sin...
Does the Church require us to go to confession regardless during lent once a year? Is that it? And it IS ok to go to confession regularily even when not in the state of mortal/serious sin?

Thanks
Darky. [/color]

[CoffeeCatholic]

From the catechism

[quote]II. THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

2041 The precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nourished by liturgical life. The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor:

2042 The first precept ("You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor") requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.82

The second precept ("You shall confess your sins at least once a year") ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness.83

The third precept ("You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season") guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.84

2043 The fourth precept ("You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church") ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.85

The fifth precept ("You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church") means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.86

The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his own abilities.87[/quote]

Also, remember that presuming upon one's state of grace is never possible. Always assume that you need God's mercy.

[dominicansoul]

I once went to confession with an Irish priest.

After confessing my sins, he said without hesitation and firmness in his voice, "You just need a good kick in the ass!"

I wasn't offended, as a matter of fact, I totally agreed with him!

[Theologian in Training]

[quote name='Darky' post='1692818' date='Nov 4 2008, 01:40 AM'][color="blue"]That is the confusion I am getting from a lot of posts, and every time I approach this topic the same confusion pops up again. Granted when we commit a mortal sin we would want to go to confession a.s.a.p (upon repentance) afterall it's not just about fulfilling requirements but our love and relationship with God whom we gravely offended. However it is what the Church requires in Code of Canon law etc. I am confused about as well as being told off for going to confession when not in the state of mortal or serious sin...
Does the Church require us to go to confession regardless during lent once a year? Is that it? And it IS ok to go to confession regularily even when not in the state of mortal/serious sin?

Thanks
Darky. [/color][/quote]

Yes. No. Yes.

I tried keeping it as simple as possible