Confession Question

[MRSannie]

When going to confession, how much detail is needed? I realize it is not supposed to be like 'therapy'---so, if I have something to confess, is it adequate to just say it without getting all into setting the scene, explaining the facts, what happened when, etc. Is a brief description adequate? Thank you for your input-

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
9/18 - Twenty-fourth Monday

MRSannie,

If the details change the nature of the sin, then you need to go into them. For instance, not providing for the material needs of the Church (breaking the Sixth Precept) is sinful but not normally is it mortally sinful. Breaking that precept in order to feed a pornography habit or to pay off an extra-marital lover, though, makes the act worse (despite the other bad things). If the details don't change the nature of the sin, then they don't need to be discussed. It's usually best to leave it to the priest's discretion, though. Hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono

[Theologian in Training]

MRSannie,

Normally, at least the way I have done it, is if I feel as though I know what they are talking about then I don't pry too much, however, if I am unclear what it is they are actually confessing, then I would ask them for a little more detail. For example, if someone says they got angry, angry, it helps to know with whom, the cause of the anger, etc. Of course, if they say they got angry with their friend, spouse, co-worker, it helps for me to know a little better the context and the circumstances surrounding the anger, and thus helps me deal with the sin in a better light.

Hope that helps

God Bless

Fr. Brian

Edited September 23, 2006 by Theologian in Training