Funny/touching Confession Stories

[dominicansoul]

Confession in the convent can be downright hilarious.

One year, we were hosting a pre-postulancy week. We had a very good friend, an old Dominican friar, give a class for the week. He can be rather frumpy and short-tempered. But we "oldies" were used to him. The pre-postulants weren't! Father can be pretty dominating and horrifying, but we know him, and we can take his personality with a chuckle. We novices could laugh about, but the pre-postulants were more or less scarred! I started to think, despite the fact that he's excellent in his field of study, maybe the choice of having him for the week wasn't such a good idea!

Friday afternoon, during our weekly confessions, I was standing in confession line with 6 or 7 pre-postulants. We had about 4 priests helping our chaplain that week, so there were several confessionals to choose from. I noticed the pre-postulants discussing amongst themselves quietly, and one approached me asking,"Is Fr. X (the Dominican friar) hearing confession in this line?" When I said he was, ALL of them moved to other lines!

It was funny in that it was an automatic response from all of them, and to see their faces! I knew we were in for some hilarity when these girls entered!

[CatholicCid]

Here is part of the Code of Canon Law:
Can. 989 After having reached the age of discretion, each member of the faithful is ob-liged to confess faithfully his or her grave sins at least once a year.

I believe this might be what my friend and I looked up. If you don't have any grave sins, then one wouldn't need to confess was our conclusion.

However, as Slappo pointed out, it's basically a hypothetical since I sure know that doesn't apply to me

[Slappo]

[quote name='CatholicCid' post='1692365' date='Nov 3 2008, 11:12 AM']Here is part of the Code of Canon Law:
Can. 989 After having reached the age of discretion, each member of the faithful is ob-liged to confess faithfully his or her grave sins at least once a year.

I believe this might be what my friend and I looked up. If you don't have any grave sins, then one wouldn't need to confess was our conclusion.

However, as Slappo pointed out, it's basically a hypothetical since I sure know that doesn't apply to me[/quote]


It also states no obligation for confession during the lenten season. Some assume lenten season since you are required to receive holy communion during the easter season. The lenten season is also a penitential season and therefore the sacrament of penance or confession is highly advised.

[Slappo]

[quote name='dominicansoul' post='1692364' date='Nov 3 2008, 11:11 AM']Confession in the convent can be downright hilarious.

One year, we were hosting a pre-postulancy week. We had a very good friend, an old Dominican friar, give a class for the week. He can be rather frumpy and short-tempered. But we "oldies" were used to him. The pre-postulants weren't! Father can be pretty dominating and horrifying, but we know him, and we can take his personality with a chuckle. We novices could laugh about, but the pre-postulants were more or less scarred! I started to think, despite the fact that he's excellent in his field of study, maybe the choice of having him for the week wasn't such a good idea!

Friday afternoon, during our weekly confessions, I was standing in confession line with 6 or 7 pre-postulants. We had about 4 priests helping our chaplain that week, so there were several confessionals to choose from. I noticed the pre-postulants discussing amongst themselves quietly, and one approached me asking,"Is Fr. X (the Dominican friar) hearing confession in this line?" When I said he was, ALL of them moved to other lines!

It was funny in that it was an automatic response from all of them, and to see their faces! I knew we were in for some hilarity when these girls entered![/quote]

[Theologian in Training]

[quote name='Darky' post='1692091' date='Nov 3 2008, 02:14 AM'][color="blue"]I attempt to go to confession at least once a year and that's about it. I've read from sources that we're required to go at least once a year however other sources states "if commited serious sin in that time" so I'm not entirely sure. I'm more paranoid if I don't go at least once a year just in case it turns into mortal sin/excommunication.
At the time of confession though, I thought some of my sins were serious but that's when the priest said it was 'curiosity' or something else. Regardless I'm not due to expire until 18th July next year, so I am safe until then.

Thanks Father.

Darky [/color][/quote]

We are never "safe" because the nature of sin is not predictable, what we may have been able to avoid yesterday we may not have the same strength to do so today.

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.

[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