Confession Dilemma

[melporcristo]

I went to see a priest before mass for confession. Instead of hearing my confession, he gave me a penance and had me say the Act of Contrition to myself. Confused, I prayed about whether to receive Eucharist or not, and knew in my heart I just wasn't ready .... So was this confession valid?

[cappie]

If you had comitted a Mortal sin then a full auricular (spoken) Confession is called for followed by Sacramental Absolution.

Speaking as a priest I find it very difficult to juggle people who come a few minutes before the beginning of Mass and wish to go to confession, and preparing to celebrate the Mass.

I usually counsel people to make a good act of contrition go to Holy Communion and then I hear their confession after Mass.