Forgiveness Of Sins During Mass?

[Richard]

This is probably a bit naive of me, but:

One of the first things we do during Mass is to call to mind our sins and ask the Lord's forgiveness. Why is it also necessary to go to Church separately to make a confession?

Thanks

Richard

[BLAZEr]

When we have committed venial sins, we have not broken our union with God in the same way that we do when we committ mortal sins. Our venial sins can be confessed and forgiven by a good act of contrition, and they are always confessed and forgiven with right intention during the penitential rite at mass.

However, mortal sins are only forgiven in sacramental confession. The Penitential rite at mass does not absolve us of our mortal sins. If we have mortal sin it is necessary for us to go to Confession in order to participate in the life of Grace again, such as receiving the Blessed Sacrament.

However, it is good practice to confess regularly even when we don't have mortal sins to confess. It helps us to learn good contrition and sorrow for our sins, as well as teaches us how to root out venial sins that keep us from the holiness God desires for us.