You mentioned your "parish priest" -- if you are attending an Indult or even worse a Novus Ordo parish, you need to read up more on the Crisis in the Church.I guess I misarticulated myself yet again; this is at an SSPX chapel with a regular priest who sometimes is filled in for others when he's not available. I don't attend the Novus Ordo.
With the Crisis in the Church, the state of the Church today, you should ONLY be attending Mass at some kind of "lifeboat" chapel, nothing accepted by Rome. Rome is modernist and could be argued to be schismatic -- they went into schism from the true Faith at Vatican II. It's basically a new religion. You can't have anything to do with that new religion.
The Catholic Faith, practiced by the Saints through the ages up till Vatican 2, and the new Conciliar Religion that was born at Vatican II, are irreconcilable. They blend together, or are compatible with each other, about as well as God and the devil.
Any priests who are "OK" with that new religion are inherently compromised, and will give you horrible advice, tainted sermons, etc.
I guess I misarticulated myself yet again; this is at an SSPX chapel with a regular priest who sometimes is filled in for others when he's not available. I don't attend the Novus Ordo.And by "regular" I mean that he is the one that is usually there. He was validly ordained traditionally.
Assuming this was a valid priest, unless you INTENTIONALLY hid or distorted something, the Confession was valid. Just try to rectify the situation at your next Confession. "Father, during my last Confession, I made a general. I said that .... but what I really meant to get across was .... I didn't misstate this intentionally."I didn't deliberately or intentionally try to distort anything but, as you mentioned, I often do question myself and second-guess if I did. I went in with the full intention of being 100% honest. I would like to rectify the situation by making clarifications during my next confession but, the priest who I made the general confession to and the one whom I usually confessed to have both told me not to focus on past sins because of the scrupulosity. If I were seeing the priest who I made the general confession to again, I'm certain he would be understanding and let me clarify for my peace of mind but, the usual confessor who I will most likely be seeing at my next confession tends to be very strict and, at times, gets irritable when I when I try to confess something that I remember from the past or try to clarify something from my past confession so, even though I would like to, I expect him to get irritated and not allow me to do so.
Not a big deal. I've done this regularly, where I forgot something and then added it in the next Confession. Unless you FULLY DELIBERATELY intended to obscure something. Now, that's where the issue of scrupulosity really rears its ugly head. You start to question yourself whether it was "deliberate" where any movement of the mind, any idle thought that pops into your head, gets conflated with an act of the will.
If you're genuinely scrupulous, the advice of my own Confessor at seminary would apply. He instantly cured me of scruples by basically commanding me to not confess anything as mortal sin unless I could basically swear to God that it WAS in fact a mortal sin. I believe the system of "probabilism" serves the scrupulous very well (though it would be a huge mistake to allow the lax to apply it, IMO). St. Alphonsus taught a probabilistic system, but then modified it a little bit later (after taking some criticism) into more of a semi-probabilist opinion. But what's ironic is that probabilism is probable, so it's not generally forbidden to use the system :-)
...the priest who I made the general confession to and the one whom I usually confessed to have both told me not to focus on past sins because of the scrupulosity. If I were seeing the priest who I made the general confession to again, I'm certain he would be understanding and let me clarify for my peace of mind...The problem with scruples is that it won't give you peace of mind, at least not for long. Trust and OBEY your usual confessor. Don't rehash these things. It is the only way to get over scruples. I know from personal experience.
Assuming this was a valid priest, unless you INTENTIONALLY hid or distorted something, the Confession was valid. Just try to rectify the situation at your next Confession. "Father, during my last Confession, I made a general. I said that .... but what I really meant to get across was .... I didn't misstate this intentionally."This is absolutely sterling advice.
Not a big deal. I've done this regularly, where I forgot something and then added it in the next Confession. Unless you FULLY DELIBERATELY intended to obscure something. Now, that's where the issue of scrupulosity really rears its ugly head. You start to question yourself whether it was "deliberate" where any movement of the mind, any idle thought that pops into your head, gets conflated with an act of the will.
If you're genuinely scrupulous, the advice of my own Confessor at seminary would apply. He instantly cured me of scruples by basically commanding me to not confess anything as mortal sin unless I could basically swear to God that it WAS in fact a mortal sin. I believe the system of "probabilism" serves the scrupulous very well (though it would be a huge mistake to allow the lax to apply it, IMO). St. Alphonsus taught a probabilistic system, but then modified it a little bit later (after taking some criticism) into more of a semi-probabilist opinion. But what's ironic is that probabilism is probable, so it's not generally forbidden to use the system :-)
the usual confessor who I will most likely be seeing at my next confession tends to be very strict and, at times, gets irritable when I when I try to confess something that I remember from the past or try to clarify something from my past confession so, even though I would like to, I expect him to get irritated and not allow me to do so.He's being a good Priest. If you listen to him you will remember him fondly for helping you. If you don't listen to him you will drive yourself and everyone else nuts.
How about this example. I did a sin of talking negatively about 2 priests, one of whom I made my confession to, I confessed that I had bad mouthed a priest a few times.. Do I need give the details or just saying that is enough.Sounds plenty good enough. And also a prime example of scrupulosity; you just can't let it go. See above about never having peace of mind.
I didn't deliberately or intentionally try to distort anything but, as you mentioned, I often do question myself and second-guess if I did. I went in with the full intention of being 100% honest. I would like to rectify the situation by making clarifications during my next confession but, the priest who I made the general confession to and the one whom I usually confessed to have both told me not to focus on past sins because of the scrupulosity. If I were seeing the priest who I made the general confession to again, I'm certain he would be understanding and let me clarify for my peace of mind but, the usual confessor who I will most likely be seeing at my next confession tends to be very strict and, at times, gets irritable when I when I try to confess something that I remember from the past or try to clarify something from my past confession so, even though I would like to, I expect him to get irritated and not allow me to do so.
How about this example. I did a sin of talking negatively about 2 priests, one of whom I made my confession to, I confessed that I had bad mouthed a priest a few times.. Do I need give the details or just saying that is enough.
it is not necessary to confess all your sins in a general confession, if you have already confessed them before.See above. You've confessed your sins already. Maybe you forgot some details. Then you did a general confession, which covers all your past. You don’t need to confess them a third time. Listen to your confessors and concentrate on pleasing God now. The past is over.
This book would be of help to you OP. (I wasn't able to find an e-copy)If money is really tight for you, reply and I will figure out a way to pay for it anonymously.
https://www.traditionalcatholicpublishing.com/confession-made-easy.html
Nope, that's plenty. Kind of sin and number are all that are required. Unless there are particular circuмstances which change the nature of the sin, they are superfluous.The person I was talking to said he didn't trust the priest and I told him I felt the same way, that I didn't trust the priest at a certain level and that if I had to confess certain types of things I would go find a different priest. Not like I was just randomly speculating I have my reasons for feeling that way, and I actually have gone to other priests to do more general confessions. While I didn't explicitly mean it in such a way as that I the priest would break his seal, but thinking back that's pretty much how the conversation went down.
So, with this example, if your "bad-mouthing" involved calumny or detraction, then that would be detraction and calumny. But if it's something short of that, such as "boy he gives lousy sermons" or "that priest has a bad temper" or "I really don't like him." ... which is typically what is meant by bad-mouthing rather than "this priest is having an affair with a female parishioner".
This book would be of help to you OP. (I wasn't able to find an e-copy)Fructuosus Hockenmaier. Now I know what I'm going to name my next son, should I ever have one :jester: (Don't laugh --- my wife could die, I could win the lottery, I'm not dead yet, and I could meet some sweet young traditional Catholic lass and have the mega-family that should be every Catholic man's ideal. Age ain't nothing but a number.)
https://www.traditionalcatholicpublishing.com/confession-made-easy.html
(https://i.redd.it/2uj5e9zt54uy.jpg)What the... ???
Fructuosus Hockenmaier. Now I know what I'm going to name my next son, should I ever have one :jester: (Don't laugh --- my wife could die, I could win the lottery, I'm not dead yet, and I could meet some sweet young traditional Catholic lass and have the mega-family that should be every Catholic man's ideal. Age ain't nothing but a number.)It's a good book, written in a very accessible style. I often dip into it randomly before confession. It's a mystery to me why someone hasn't posted a pdf of it online. I'm not an expert, but any copyright should be expired by now.
But seriously. This book has a 1910 imprimatur. Modern Newchurch Catholics (after a fashion) wouldn't know the difference between mortal and venial sin if it bit them on the butt. I haven't read the book, never heard of it, but given the date of the imprimatur, I have to think large portions of it would fly right over their heads. They have some vague notion of "grave" sin, which term is so misused that it has come, to some of a more serious bent, to mean any sin at all.
I'd say just to find a traditional confessor, let him take you by the hand (metaphorically speaking), and go from there. Stick with one confessor if you can.
What the... ???I'm pretty sure the poster (not me) meant to put that picture in this thread:
What does this have to do with the discussion?
I'm reminded here of the scene from Mrs Doubtfire where the Robin Williams character was showing a bit of skin on his hairy leg, and the bus driver said that's what I like, a woman who looks the way God made her. Thirty years ago in Poland (can't speak for nowadays), you would have gotten quite an eyeful of such hirsuteness at the town market.
It's a good book, written in a very accessible style. I often dip into it randomly before confession. It's a mystery to me why someone hasn't posted a pdf of it online. I'm not an expert, but any copyright should be expired by now.Okay, that's fine, sin is a perennial, right and wrong never changes. I'll take a look at it, if I can find a PDF or similar.
It's a good book, written in a very accessible style. I often dip into it randomly before confession. It's a mystery to me why someone hasn't posted a pdf of it online. I'm not an expert, but any copyright should be expired by now.I think one should consider the intent of the author, he wrote the book to help save souls not to earn money. If he could have given it away for free at the time I'm sure he would have.
I think one should consider the intent of the author, he wrote the book to help save souls not to earn money. If he could have given it away for free at the time I'm sure he would have.:confused:
I think one should consider the intent of the author, he wrote the book to help save souls not to earn money. If he could have given it away for free at the time I'm sure he would have.I think I understand what you are getting at; Fr. Hockenmeier wouldn't object to it being distributed for free.
:This is not correct. The first general confession must be for sins committed since attaining the age of reason or since baptism. Any general confessions after that should begin with sins committed since the previous general confession.
1) Unlike a particular (ie., regular) confession, it is not necessary to confess all your sins in a general confession, if you have already confessed them before. Some people use a general confession just to confess a handful of their most humiliating or most serious lifetime sins;
This is not correct. The first general confession must be for sins committed since attaining the age of reason or since baptism. Any general confessions after that should begin with sins committed since the previous general confession.You are not obligated to confess a sin that has already been confessed and absolved. Though with general confessions it is recommended to confess all the sins but if you committed a sin that you don't wish to discuss and its already been absolved in the past you don't have to confess it.
You cannot just "pick and choose" during a general confession. Otherwise, this is simply a normal confession where you are confessing some past sins.
You are not obligated to confess a sin that has already been confessed and absolved. Though with general confessions it is recommended to confess all the sins but if you committed a sin that you don't wish to discuss and its already been absolved in the past you don't have to confess it.You are if you are performing a general confession. You need to review what a general confession is.
I would think that it wouldn't, considering the circuмstances but, I basically want to avoid unworthily receiving Holy Communion, thereby, committing a sacrilege.You're correct. Make obeying your confessor an act of trust in God.
So, with this example, if your "bad-mouthing" involved calumny or detraction, then that would be detraction and calumny. But if it's something short of that, such as "boy he gives lousy sermons" or "that priest has a bad temper" or "I really don't like him." ... which is typically what is meant by bad-mouthing rather than "this priest is having an affair with a female parishioner".
So just to clarify this; if you encounter a priest who had, for a lack of a better term, a "bad bedside manner" in that he was, for example, inexplicably or unnecessarily rude or condescending, would expressing frustration over something like that by saying "I don't really like that particular priest; I found him to be uncompassionate and uncharitable" on the basis of his personality be considered bad-mouthing or a sin of any sort?
I think it depends on whether you had good reason for speaking that way. I think it maybe be possible to "criticize" a priest in order to alert others to issues they might expect from him. If the motivation was just idle gossip or a desire to vent, then I would think it to be a venial sin.What I mean is, is it a sin to criticize a priest if he is particularly cruel and lacking charity and doesn't seem to care about his penitents?
We've had similar discussions about this type of thing in a different context. If I ran into a priest who came across as effeminate and giving of a "pedophile" vibe, I think that it would not only be permitted but even required to sound the alarm. I think that too many pedophiles got away with their crimes precisely under cover of scruples regarding not saying anything bad about a priest.
"I don't really like that particular priest; I found him to be uncompassionate and uncharitable" on the basis of his personality be considered bad-mouthing or a sin of any sort?It sounds like you are just expressing your opinion, I don't see it as sinful unless your are intentionally going around bringing up the subject in order to damage his reputation.
It sounds like you are just expressing your opinion, I don't see it as sinful unless your are intentionally going around bringing up the subject in order to damage his reputation.Yeah, I'm not actively trying to besmirch him or damage his reputation or anything like that. I genuinely just felt like he was unnecessarily flippant and had a very uncompassionate demeanor. This is a different priest who I've only gone to confession with once before. The other person who went with me to Mass most recently said he acted the same way to them in the confessional so, I don't think it's simply because of the scrupulosity.
He may be treating you like he is because he thinks it's necessary, because of your scruples, to do so. Ask around, discreetly, to see if anyone else is having the same experience.
Is it a sin to use pseudonyms on social media?Maurice Pinay.
Here's a question that I hadn't considered until my last confession this past Sunday that I'm seeking a bit of clarification on.Print out what you wrote above and give it to him. When he tells you not to confess past sins actually obey him, otherwise this will never end and you will not advance in the spiritual life. :pray:
If someone with scrupulosity is genuinely concerned that they remembered that there was a major past sin which they had not previously confessed and they felt the need to go to confess it elsewhere in order to make sure they had done their part to truly complete the act of reconciliation with God but have been advised by their confessor to refrain from doing so or making general confessions but they do it anyway out of genuine concern is that a major sin?
Despite my confessor's directions to not do this, sometimes my scrupulosity has gotten the best of me to the point where I have gone to different priests to either confess certain past sins that I have forgotten or do general confessions. So far, I've made a total of four general confessions; three of which were after my confessor advised me to not confess any past sins. Each time, I had been concerned that the previous one had been flawed in some way due to having misremembered or forgotten something for the fear of possibly not having had true contrition or a firm purpose of amendment. On one occasion, I also went elsewhere to confess a few that I had forgotten or previously misremembered in addition to any sins committed since my previous confession or ones that I was unsure about.
I've always read (though this is obviously directed at people who don't suffer with scrupulosity) that if you do forget a past sin you should confess it the next time you go to confession to complete the act of reconciliation. So that is a driving force behind the desire to confess past sins regardless despite my confessor saying to do otherwise. The issue, as I see it, not so much of not trusting God or the priests but, rather my own faults and mistakes in trying to make the confessions. I'm basically second-guessing whether or not I had true contrition and a firm purpose of amendment or if I misspoke and altered the meaning of what I was trying to confess so that the priest might have misunderstood what I wished to say without giving too much unnecessary information or otherwise.
For some background as to understanding why I'm dealing with scrupulosity, I know a good deal about basic, ontological theology and the tenants and history of the Catholic faith, moral theology was never something I really indulged in and, quite frankly, neglected. I'm actually quite new to the SSPX and going to the Traditional Latin Mass as I had been a "home aloner" for quite a while. I'm certainly no expert in moral theology and I'm still becoming accustomed to attending the Mass as, prior to this, my only experience was attending the Novus Ordo when I was a child. As you would expect, I was poorly catechized in my CCD classes which were taught by average, suburban mothers of children also making their first communion. I didn't even really understand the Trinity or what the Eucharist meant when I made my first communion in the Novus Ordo. I actually had to do my own research years later when I started taking religion seriously in order to actually start to understand what the Catholic faith really was.
Regarding the priests that I've talked to on the matter:
1. My confessor has told me to avoid any past sins, even ones that have not been confessed before. I can't recall if he's explicitly mentioned general confessions but I assumed that would be included anyway. I've really tried to adhere to his directions but it's very difficult.
2. The second priest who I talked to on this matter that heard my third general confession was very patient and understanding. He told me that it might be a good idea to go to a retreat because they will teach you how to make a general confession there. So he didn't outright forbid me from ever making one again.
3. The third priest who address this matter with me was actually the one who heard my second general confession which I ended up rushing through because he wasn't very patient or understanding. Following my third general confession, mentioned above, I had remembered that I forgot a few things or misremembered them and wanted to rectify the situation so, the following week, considering that it was only a few things which I needed to confess that I had forgotten the previous week in addition any sins committed since that point, I went back to this priest (who I've only met twice keep in mind) and he had zero patience and, quite honestly, made me feel intimidated by grilling me with questions implying that I was wasting his time so, as a result of that, I may have, out of panic, accidentally lied or was less than honest about. That could just be me second-guessing myself but, considering that if I genuinely had done so that would have been a sacrilege I didn't want to take any chances on receiving communion after that confession out of fear of committing yet another possible sacrilege. Anyway, to get to the point he basically told me "no more general confessions!" As a result of this last interaction, and feeling like I couldn't explain myself to my regular confessor, I decided to see if I could reach out to a different priest to would be willing to hear a fourth general confession.
4. I was lucky enough to find one who like the second priest that I previously mentioned was very willing to hear my general confession, was very very patient, kind and willing to help me along if I was stumbling, lost my place in my notes, or was naming of things that weren't actually sins. I mentioned to him that I was concerned that I had disobeyed my confessor "and other priests" (referencing the third priest above). He just told me to tell my confessor next time I go to confession that I made a general confession with him but didn't elaborate any further. I assume this is to make satisfaction of some sort since he did give me absolution. This makes me think that I should probably also explain the other times with the that I've not heeded his advice. Would that be necessary, optional, or just superfluous?
Now, since my confessor has at times gotten frustrated with me while however still being kind about it, as he knows that I struggle with anxiety, I'm concerned that because of all that I mentioned above regarding having disobeyed his directions on not confessing any past sins and going out of my way to make several general confessions, this might cause him to lose his temper with me, despite my sorrow, and might not give me a chance to explain what happened or possibly kick me out of the confessional and bar me from absolution thereby (hypothetically) making my situation worse than it was before. How likely do you think that would be?
I found a PDF file called "The Ten Commandments" for the Scrupulous" which, addressing this issue, advising scrupulous people to obey their confessors when they tell them to not repeat general confessions but, also says, "It’s most certainly not a sin to choose not to follow his directives, but it’s counterproductive and not at all helpful." So, considering that, it sounds like it wouldn't be, on the surface, a huge deal but, again, this is a rather unique situation.
I'd also like to clarify that my main concern for feeling such a need to make so many general confessions in order to do it "just right" is:
Firstly, my desire to not commit any sacrileges by making any bad confessions or receive Holy Communion unworthily. Secondly, my fear of dying in a state of mortal sin and, thirdly, my fear of what is happening in the world, how it is looking like it will begin to get far more draconian, with further lσcкdσωns due to the "variants" (which would prevent interstate travel and therefore my ability to go to confession and attend Mass) as well as the possibility of major catastrophes happening such as the power grid going down (which is looking like a strong possibility if you've been following the stuff with the pre-planned cyberattacks), the door-to-door vaccine coercion, the talk of "CÖVÌD isolation centers" for those who do not want to take the vaccine, the beginning stages of what looks like a secret police force, and the likelihood of martial law being declared if governments start to begin liquidating political and religious dissenters NKVD-style in these isolation centers and then telling everybody they died from CÖVÌD. I know this may sound extreme or paranoid but, I'm sure a lot of people felt that things like that could never happen in Russia before the Bolshevik ʀɛʋօʟutιօn due to normalcy bias. Basically, I'm very concerned that with all the stuff going on in the world many of us could be facing martyrdom and, considering that these things really aren't out of the realm of possibility as it looks like we enter the last days, I would like to make sure I've made the best confession I could possibly ever give.
So, in summary I guess my question is, considering all of the above, how should I go about informing my Confessor that I made a general confession so as to fulfill what I was told to do by the last priest to heard my general confession? How would you recommend that I go about explaining the situation to my confessor as clearly and concisely as possible without having to be as thorough and detailed as I am in this post so as not to take up any unnecessary time from him time to hear others' confessions?
If someone could give me an outline of what I should say, I would greatly appreciate it because I feel like I'm going to be tongue-tied. Thanks.
Print out what you wrote above and give it to him. When he tells you not to confess past sins actually obey him, otherwise this will never end and you will not advance in the spiritual life. :pray:He won't have time to read it all. He only has 30 minutes to hear confessions and then leaves immediately after Mass. I'm just asking if anyone can help me figure out how to articulate this in a concise way that doesn't drone on and on. Say, for instance, you were in my situation. How would you confess this thoroughly yet also quickly?
My concern is that if I don't confess past sins then it's like omitting them and I still have them on my soul. I've always heard that if you forget something, confess it the next time you go to confession, that's all I've been trying to do. My concern is not making a good confession and, consequently, and receiving Holy Communion unworthily.I'm in the same boat as you actually. It's also why I haven't gotten confirmed yet. If I'm forced to get confirmed or something I guess I'll just receive once per year since that's required I guess? I'm worried I'm going to end up becoming a home-aloner because I am afraid of confirmation. At the end of the day I don't trust my own mind enough to make valid confessions. That's not to say I don't trust in God's mercy (I 100% believe if He can forgive anything) but moreso that I'm not going to be able to ever make a truly valid confession. It's not that I don't desire the Eucharist but instead can't ever be trusted to make a good confession. I worry about the validity of my confessions more than anything else. I guess I'm a bit different than you in a sense because I've concealed this "problem", although I'm not even convinced I am being scrupulous... I can't know the interior content of other confessor's minds and I'm not going to ask for a "RAM dump" of their brain during confession so I can only safely assume that I am much like everyone else here and just few talk about it. I am probably just that much worse of a person than everyone else and that is the safe assumption to make, rather than my confessions are valid and I can approach Our Lord. I honestly am starting to think the entire idea of "scrupulosity" is a meme.
Also, is the fact that I went to additional confessors and didn't obey the directives given by my regular Confessor considered a sin in and of itself?Take a deep breath, relax. (I'm serious). God wants your salvation more than you do. It helps me to relax if I try to remember that I am really confessing to Jesus. I often pray "Lord help me to make a good confession, speak through Thy Priest help me to hear, love, and obey Thee."
In the "Ten Commandments for the Scrupulous" PDF file, it doesn't seem to give a concrete answer as it implies one thing but then says another:
"#7. You shall obey your confessor when he tells you never to repeat a general confession of sins already confessed to him or another confessor.
... The entire scenario is made more complicated by the second component of this commandment: when penitents try to get around the rule by seeing additional confessors. It’s at least less than honest to seek out another confessor to engage in the repetitive behavior. It might even be a form of deceitful enterprise.
... The consistent directive of the great saints throughout the ages ... has been to follow God’s spiritual counsel in all things. When you choose a path that isn’t supported by his strong and guiding hand, you take a step backward in your own spiritual growth and development.
It’s most certainly not a sin to choose not to follow his directives, but it’s counterproductive and not at all helpful."
So was my last general confession even valid? The priest did absolved me and just told me to until my regular confessor this Sunday that I made a general confession last Sunday. I feel like I'm not really getting any answers when I asked anyone or that no one seems to really know.
At the end of the day I don't trust my own mind enough to make valid confessions.That's what causes scruples, trusting yourself. We have to take a leap of Faith and actually trust God. And we also must learn that it is His work in us that really matters. You must let go and trust.
That's what causes scruples, trusting yourself. We have to take a leap of Faith and actually trust God. And we also must learn that it is His work in us that really matters. You must let go and trust.Thanks for your response. I haven't talked to anyone about this yet so this means a lot. It would seem as though if I don't make a valid confession that's on me, not God, right? It all boils down to this: If I don't have a reliable mind I can't ever make a valid confession. That's not to say I am despairing. Maybe I'm not getting what you are saying.
Thanks for your response. I haven't talked to anyone about this yet so this means a lot. It would seem as though if I don't make a valid confession that's on me, not God, right? It all boils down to this: If I don't have a reliable mind I can't ever make a valid confession. That's not to say I am despairing. Maybe I'm not getting what you are saying.I'm not clear on what you mean by a reliable mind. Are you concerned that you're forgetting sins? Or are you having trouble identifying what may have been a sin?
I'm not clear on what you mean by a reliable mind. Are you concerned that you're forgetting sins? Or are you having trouble identifying what may have been a sin?The former. At some times I think I'll remember a sin, forget to write it down and remember it later. This is only one formulation or species of this, but the point is... I am concerned that I am intentionally pushing sins out of my mind. Whether that confession is invalidated or not by this is not necessarily the problem at hand even. I try to write down all sins on paper and keep this for later but I'm not always in a position in which I can just whip out the notepad. I also think I potentially conceal sins from myself. Even doing a nightly examination of conscious I doubt I am doing this well enough. Ever since I converted and was made aware of the concept of mortal sin etc about a year and a half ago I am just in constant torture and I have to avoid confirmation and the Eucharist until I am clear. I know my priest will probably tell me something like the original poster so I intentionally avoid conversations with the priest or anyone else just so people figure I'm the quiet type that just takes my family to Mass and goes home.
If I don't have a reliable mind I can't ever make a valid confession.Excellent advice from jvk.
If you remember it later, it's ok to still go to Holy Communion--it's been forgiven, but you HAVE to confess that you forgot one at your next Confession.Thank you for your post, it was very helpful. Thanks to everyone else as well. It is very much appreciated.
I literally just remembered something now that has me extremely concerned.Don't worry about this thing. Being confused or mistaken about your penance would not invalidate your confession. Just pray a whole 15 decade rosary as soon as you can and mention the confusion about the penance to your priest if it still bothers you.
Thank you for your post, it was very helpful. Thanks to everyone else as well. It is very much appreciated.
However, I have a question in relation to the above. I understand that if you accidentally forgot something in confession, then you should confess it the next time but, my concern is with remembering past mortal sins, whether relatively recently (say a few months ago) or in the distant past. These are mortal sins and I feel compelled to confess them but, my confessor tells me not to confess anything from the past. This is what really is upsetting my scruples. I feel like since, when I try to confess anything from the past and the priest basically shuts me down and says "nothing from the past!" I'm therefore omitting mortal sins (albeit not intentionally; in fact, I strongly desire to confess them). I just want to confess everything I can remember so as to complete the process of reconciliation with God.
I feel like because I'm unable to confess them, they are still with me and I'm not fully absolved or, perhaps, out of trying to be obedient to the confessor and not trying hard enough to explain the situational context, I'm therefore making a sacrilege or something along those lines.
I'm assuming with your worries you've made a General Confession. I actually had this problem myself. When I told the priest about it, he asked if I'd made a good general confession. When I said "yes", he then told me, "Then it was forgiven. Do not worry about it further." So now when I wonder, I remember that advice. I think that your confessor is trying to help you stay focused on now because dwelling on past sins -- especially those of purity -- can actually lead to new sins.
However, I have a question in relation to the above. I understand that if you accidentally forgot something in confession, then you should confess it the next time but, my concern is with remembering past mortal sins, whether relatively recently (say a few months ago) or in the distant past. These are mortal sins and I feel compelled to confess them but, my confessor tells me not to confess anything from the past. This is what really is upsetting my scruples. I feel like since, when I try to confess anything from the past and the priest basically shuts me down and says "nothing from the past!" I'm therefore omitting mortal sins (albeit not intentionally; in fact, I strongly desire to confess them). I just want to confess everything I can remember so as to complete the process of reconciliation with God
Lick off any visible specs of the Host. Get a clean bucket, put the shirt in it, fill with warm water, let it soak to dissolve any particles, dump the water outside not down the drain. You did not do it intentionally so don't worry about it.
Additionally, another thing that I was concerned about was after receiving Holy Communion today, I kept the Eucharist in my mouth while praying upon returning to my pew. While I was praying, naturally, I had to build up with saliva and some seem to have dripped from the side of my mouth which caused a numbing sensation. I ended up having it down with the cuff of my sleeve. When I got out to the car, I noticed I had some pieces of white on my cuff indicating that some of the Eucharist ended up on my shirt. This caused me to immediately panic and, not knowing what to do in the situation, I tried to lick off as much of the remnants of it as I could. I'm worried that this could be a sacrilege or if I did something wrong in this regard. What should I do? Should I do something with the shirt? Would washing it while it might possibly still have the remains of the body and blood of Christ on it be sinful? What is the proper protocol for this?
Once again, thanks for your help everyone and I look forward to any thoughts, advice, or help you could offer. God bless you all.
I'm going to try to stick to his directives even if I find it personally difficult and as if my mind is in a constant war with itself. Could any of you offer any thoughts for advice on this matter?That's the proper attitude. It may be difficult and take some time but stick with it. :pray:
Lick off any visible specs of the Host. Get a clean bucket, put the shirt in it, fill with warm water, let it soak to dissolve any particles, dump the water outside not down the drain. You did not do it intentionally so don't worry about it.Thank you very much for the help. That is a relief. How long would you recommend that I soak it for before dumping the water outside? Should I try to scrub down the area where it was (without soap obviously)? I'm also trying to think of the most respectful place I could dump the water. Would under a tree be good? Once that is done, is it ok to throw the shirt in the washing machine and then the dryer?
Thank you very much for the help. That is a relief. How long would you recommend that I soak it for before dumping the water outside? Should I try to scrub down the area where it was (without soap obviously)? I'm also trying to think of the most respectful place I could dump the water. Would under a tree be good? Once that is done, is it ok to throw the shirt in the washing machine and then the dryer?Licking it off was done to prevent a sacrilege, no fasting required even for a layman.
Licking it off was done to prevent a sacrilege, no fasting required even for a layman.Thanks again.
I'd leave it soak overnight, if there are any particles that will dissolve them. Agitating the shirt in the water a bit would be good. Wring it out then wash as normal. Under a tree is fine, the main thing is not to pour it into a sewer.
Another thing that has been haunting my mind: when I made my general confession last Sunday. I was wearing a jacket since it was rainy and chilly that morning but by the time I was able to go to the confessional which in that particular chapel consists of two closets--one for the penitent the other for the priest--it was already around 11 am and the summer heat started making an appearance. I didn't take my jacket off and while I was in the confessional it was getting extremely hot and was sweating profusely. I also hadn't eaten that morning and I started feeling kind of nauseous.If anyone could give me some input on this particular issue, I'd greatly appreciate it.
By the time that I completed the general confession and it was time to make my Act of Contrition, I was feeling like I was almost going to pass out. I was able to say the Act of Contrition but I felt like I was just rattling it off out of memory rather than being able to actually focus on what I was saying while being sincere and heartfelt one due to feeling as if I was about to pass out due to both, the stress, my high blood pressure, and the sweltering heat. I certainly was contrite and I meant what I said but, because I was feeling like I was going to pass out and not focusing intently on the prayer, I was concerned about the validity of my last general confession. Was that truly sufficient?
I certainly was contrite and I meant what I said but, because I was feeling like I was going to pass out and not focusing intently on the prayer, I was concerned about the validity of my last general confession. Was that truly sufficient?Yes, you were sorry for your sins and did what you could in the moment.
...... he basically told me that he will absolve me but, if I continue to not obey his directives it would probably be best if I go to a different.....it seems you have been greatly blessed in your confessor.
I'm going to try to stick to his directives even if I find it personally difficult and as if my mind is in a constant war with itself. Could any of you offer any thoughts for advice on this matter.
Lord help me to make a good confession, speak through Thy Priest help me to hear, love, and obey Thee.
To tell you the truth, you seem totally preoccupied with self.Well, yeah. That's unfortunately part of my condition. Once again, I'm not making excuses for it or demanding special treatment but, it's not something that's easily overcome. Some patience is necessary. I'm not asking for him "to be my therapist," I'm simply asking for him to hear my confession and give me spiritual guidance. I didn't feel as if I was receiving any and consequently went elsewhere. I don't know how you expect spiritual growth to occur if you're not even allowed to inquire about things that you're seeking answers to. You're acting as if I'm supposed to automatically be some sort of expert in moral theology, and know how to do everything perfectly right off the bat, implying that I'm being "ungrateful" which is a complete mischaracterization and is itself uncharitable. As I've explained, I'm relatively new to this and am trying to learn to the best of my ability.
I regret that I have expressed myself so harshly. This is how your posting complaints about your confessor appeared to me, but I should have said what I sincerely perceive with more kindness. I tend to be abrupt but not unsympathetic or judgmental.Thank you very much, friend. I appreciate it.
Apart from that that, I do not ever use ridicule as you may think - “ it may seem inconsequential to you, butt of jokes etc.” - that is not my style, You acknowledge that being preoccupied with self is “unfortunately part of my condition”.
May I humbly suggest that this priest is specially chosen for you, because he seems to be hard on you?
God knows your needs. Be careful not to hang on to your condition. Be prepared to give it up. This may seem like a hard saying but God wants you healed.
I had better not say any more but I promise I will pray for you in your struggle.
The past few weeks have gone well in confession. I wrote a letter to my priest explaining my concerns about the world and what is driving my scrupulosity and he has been very kind and understanding. But, this past weekend I wasn't able to complete my confession. The priest was very patient about it though and didn't get angry or anything but, he said I was naming off too many things that weren't sins and that it had already been 10 minutes so he had to cut it short. Despite his assurances, I always feel like if I'm unable to confess everything, even with the priest being the one to cut it short, that it's still like omitting and that I'm committing a sacrilege and that if I died I would go to hell or at least spend a long time in purgatory, possibly was no one even praying for me depending on how things play out. Obviously, I want to be able to confess everything so I'm not in constant fear of possibly dying in the state of mortal sin, or even venial sin for that matter.Glad to hear that things are going better for you. It sounds like you have found a good Priest.
When I asked the priest after Mass just to clarify if I wasn't omitting anything since I wasn't able to confess everything because he cut it short due to time constraints and if all of the sins that I haven't confessed for that reason have still been forgiven (I would assume in a similar way to when a priest would give a general absolution during emergency) he basically said yes but also added that he "would take it upon [himself]" or something like that. Since he was busy I didn't want to keep him any longer but I was very confused as to what he meant by this.
Does that mean that somehow my sins gets transferred to him or if he made a mistake in not letting me confess that makes us both culpable for it (since I know priests are responsible for how they lead and direct their congregation)? If it's the latter, that doesn't seem very reassuring. I know Christ told his Apostles, and by proxy their successors, whoever's sins you shall forgive shall be forgiven but, I get paralyzed in fear of doing or believing in something incorrect or sinful as opposed to getting closer to Christ and attaining sanctification and I feel like it's taking a toll on my mental health, through my own faults and shortcomings.
Please pray for me. I need the courage to probe my conscious without ruining my mental state. I feel like I'm losing it.I'll pray for you if you pray for me! I feel the same way.
Glad to hear that things are going better for you. It sounds like you have found a good Priest.Thanks for the response. I think I understand it better now but, should I confess the sins that I wasn't able to confess last week today? Or have those already been absolved and is that unnecessary? My priest basically says to not confess any past sins and just focus on the ones from the previous week. There's a few things I need to confess from this week that are essentially the same things I wasn't able to confess last week. Should I confess those and also mention that these are also some of the things I needed to confess last week? Another issue is that I tend to be a bit long-winded in my confessions because I'm trying to be concise and provide specific context since that's what I have read is necessary in certain instances. I'd like to be as thorough in my confession as possible, as is necessary, but not take up too much time simultaneously. I'm not sure if I'm even capable of doing it that.
The Priest used his authority and took the responsibility on himself. You did what you could by trying to make a good complete confession so, if you had died, any mortal sins that you did not get to confess would not be held against you.
I think it would help to spend what time you can give to reading and meditating specifically on the love of God. It will draw you closer to Christ and help to calm your mind and make it easier for you to distinguish between mortal sins, venial sins, and faults.
Is there a particular Saint who's writings you find helpful?
I'll pray for you if you pray for me! I feel the same way.Thank you so much, I will be praying for you too!
May Our Lady of Victories help you to gently probe your conscience together and give you true contrition.
May you be reconciled to Our Lord through an act of perfect contrition and the Sacrament of Penance.
May you have to grace of performing whatever penance is just.
May you grow in true love and gratitude for Our Lord and His gift of sacrifice and mercy.
and then,
May Jesus give you His Peace and the grace of final perseverance!
As far as confessing past sins: pray for help to make a good confession, do the best that you can, and trust the Priest's judgement. If the Priest says not to confess the past then be at peace with that judgement. God will not hold those sins against you.Thank you. I will read what you recommended and I will keep you in my prayers today at Mass.
As far as the situation in the world: it's enough to make all of us want to drink ;).
Something that I've had to remind myself of when I start to get overwhelmed by the evil is that it too will pass. Evil seems so powerful but in reality it is temporary. God has seen fit to allow these people with their demonic agenda to rule for a bit, but they can do absolutely nothing unless He allows it. Which tells us that our only concern should be to do His will. We have to lovingly accept whatever sufferings (and joys) He sends, do our best to do fulfill the duties He has given us. Trust Him, He will provide.
I find help and consolation prayerfully reading writings by St. Francis DeSales, I encourage you to give it a try.
https://www.ecatholic2000.com/desales/log.shtml
I'm headed out to Mass now. I will pray for you, please pray for me.
I'm really going to try to do better after I go to confession today but I'm living in such existential dread I don't know what to do. It's not that I don't trust in God it's that I'm just fearful for the future and this not knowing is eating me up inside and, to top it off, I don't even know if I can trust my own judgment anymore as to whether or not I'm committing sins. I'm just so overwhelmed with everything I don't know what to do.Can I ask you a few rhetorical questions?
Can I ask you a few rhetorical questions?1. I try to pray in the morning after I wake up and right before I go to bed. About 5 minutes or so each time. Usually they are prayers in my own words as well as other prayers, such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and Oh My Jesus. I strive to say at least one decade of the Rosary as my priest said I should say at least one decade each morning although, admittedly, I often neglect this but I'm trying to do better. As for mental prayer, I often will make acts of contrition if I slip up as well as the prayer that goes "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
1. How much time do you spend praying every day? How many minutes of vocal prayer? Which prayers? How many decades of the Rosary daily? How many minutes of mental prayer?
2. How much time do you spend reading the Bible, Catechism or books written by Catholic saints each day?
3. Do you attend daily mass? If so, how many days on average? Do you receive communion when you attend?
4. Have you done the Monfortian Marian Consecration? Are you enrolled in the Brown Scapular?
No need to answer me. I ask these things because, after dealing with a lot of anxiety myself, I gained much comfort from implementing and increasing gradually those things listed. If you are not doing all of those things yet, don't worry, just try to add a little more week after week. Schedule the time to do it. Force yourself like you force yourself go get up in the morning and go to work.
Our Lady and Our Lord love you and you need to know that even if you fall from time to time (especially out of bad habits), if you are of good will, meaning you truly want to follow the Lord's commandments, even imperfect contrition is enough for absolution of mortal sins when using the Sacrament of Confession. Focus on eliminating mortal sins first. And realize that, if you are contrite, venial sins are absolved by something as simple as assisting at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Take care and don't despair.
1. I try to pray in the morning after I wake up and right before I go to bed. About 5 minutes or so each time. Usually they are prayers in my own words as well as other prayers, such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and Oh My Jesus. I strive to say at least one decade of the Rosary as my priest said I should say at least one decade each morning although, admittedly, I often neglect this but I'm trying to do better. As for mental prayer, I often will make acts of contrition if I slip up as well as the prayer that goes "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
2. I really should do more devotional reading more frequently. I have read a lot of the Bible but, I feel as if I've neglected doing so as much as possible. I'm going to look into catechisms and works by Catholic saints. I would appreciate it if you could recommend some, especially if they're already online which would be a lot easier for me than purchasing them due to monetary constraints.
3. The chapel where I attended Mass only offers it on Sundays and certain holy days of obligation. If I could go to daily confession and daily mass I absolutely would so but, at the moment it doesn't appear to be an option.
4. I have a brown scapular that's been blessed but I don't think I've actually been enrolled. How would I go about doing that? I haven't heard of the Monfortian Marian consecration before, though.
Thank you for your Insight. I was actually asked to assist at a High Mass at one point as the Cross Bearer but I'm very shy, kind of get stage fright, and don't want to mess up and embarrass myself which they understand. If there are other ways that can absolve one of venial sins, I would be grateful to know of them. I remember hearing once that holy water can absolve you of venial sins but, I'm not sure if there is a ritual to go about doing it that specifically will absolve venial sins.
Today Mass went very well, by the way. I talked to my priest and asked him if he could clarify what he meant by saying that he takes it upon himself and to paraphrase what he said to the best of my memory, he said that priests are trained to basically cut people with conditions like scrupulosity / OCD and so if I wasn't able to confess everything I wanted, including past sins, they've already been absolved which put my mind at ease about that at least.
However, after receiving Holy Communion while praying in the pew, I'm not sure but I think a very small speck of it might have fallen from my lips on the ground. I don't know if it was actually part of the Eucharist with certainty but got very nervous about that happening and figured I would mention it next week to the priest in confession. Obviously, even if it was a piece of residue from it, it wasn't intentional and I tried my best to make sure something like that didn't happen.
After Mass was over, I was talking to a friend who also attended the chapel and I was asked a question and I don't know if I technically lied or not. I was asked if I owned a particular item. I stopped and thought a minute, hesitating, and said no. Basically, I wasn't sure if the question was directed at me individually or collectively towards my family members who were also present. A family member does own the item in question but, I personally don't and I clarified that later on after worrying that I might have lied. I felt particularly bad because it happened inside the chapel and so shortly after going to confession and receiving Holy Communion and shortly after what happened in the previous paragraph.
Additionally, my priest said that as part of my penance, he wants me to try to read a catechism or find something (I think he said that something online was also a suitable alternative but, don't remember with certainty) as to what constitutes mortal and venial sins. I told him I had found a website a while back that which tried to explain the difference but, I found it confusing because there were some of the same sins listed in both categories. I think he wants me to do this by the end of today so, as of posting this, I have a remaining six hours. If anyone could recommend something that fits this criteria, I would be very appreciative. Thank you.
This may be of some help:Thank you all for praying for me too. I am praying for you all.
https://archive.org/details/SinAndItsConsequences/page/n7/mode/2up
P.S. Thank you for praying for me today.
I am at a point where I don't think I have or ever can be in a state of grace. There's just no reason to believe any confession I've ever made or will make unless God is completely in control of me during it is valid. I will keep going to confession multiple times a week but will not seek confirmation or Eucharist, this way I'm not guilty of sacrilege. Even though this is obviously not ideal since you should receive Holy Communion at least once a year but sacrilege is a much worse circle in Hell than the alternative. This doesn't seem to be despair because of how it is formulated, but the problem I'm seeing is that I can't have an honest confession at some point if I refuse to receive the Eucharist at least once a year, so then the bad confessions start stacking up. I'm worried this, rather than the aforementioned, will lead me to despair. Anyone else have this issue or a similar one and how to approach it?Please do not stay away from Holy Communion. I understand, as much as another person can, how difficult this is for you, but you must abandon yourself to God. Ask your confessor about receiving communion and go when he tells you. Don't be afraid to talk to Jesus the way you are talking to me. Strange as it may sound these difficulties indicate that He is calling you to a special intimacy by requiring a profound humility and complete abandonment to Him.
Please do not stay away from Holy Communion. I understand, as much as another person can, how difficult this is for you, but you must abandon yourself to God. Ask your confessor about receiving communion and go when he tells you. Don't be afraid to talk to Jesus the way you are talking to me. Strange as it may sound these difficulties indicate that He is calling you to a special intimacy by requiring a profound humility and complete abandonment to Him.Your point about abandonment seems sound but I'm not Baptized as a Catholic (need a conditional Baptism) and I'm not confirmed so Eucharist is out of reach until at least next year. If receiving with an unclean conscious that doesn't seem like the greatest idea, even if you have a valid point. I think at the very least I will have to wait until those two conditions are met so there are some degrees of "guarantee" and I am not just throwing myself straight into Hell not knowing if I am validly Baptized or not. Doubting my ability to discern anything God is telling me seems safe, perhaps this is an error that prevents progress but it doesn't seem like it will lead me directly into Hell on its own. Believing personal revelation just seems like a slippery slope. Not making progress seems better than slipping into a more dangerous error.
Tell yourself, tell Him, I'm not quitting not now not ever no matter what.
It sounds corny but if it helps listen to things like this to help give you the right attitude:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC6sMFbL288
Your point about abandonment seems sound but I'm not Baptized as a Catholic (need a conditional Baptism) and I'm not confirmed so Eucharist is out of reach until at least next year. If receiving with an unclean conscious that doesn't seem like the greatest idea, even if you have a valid point. I think at the very least I will have to wait until those two conditions are met so there are some degrees of "guarantee" and I am not just throwing myself straight into Hell not knowing if I am validly Baptized or not. Doubting my ability to discern anything God is telling me seems safe, perhaps this is an error that prevents progress but it doesn't seem like it will lead me directly into Hell on its own. Believing personal revelation just seems like a slippery slope. Not making progress seems better than slipping into a more dangerous error.Have you addressed these things with your confessor? What did he advise you in regards to Baptism?
Have you addressed these things with your confessor? What did he advise you in regards to Baptism?
Are you the OP of this thread or someone else?
On the former point I don't want to establish myself as potentially scrupulous, I want my confessions treated the same as anyone elses. I am a bit afraid to on the latter point. I know that some of the priests at my chapel will ask me about bod if I seem scrupulous on the matter and then I might get the boot and be refused absolution etc. I'm trying to find a chapel that would be safe to ask for a conditional Baptism at where it will be a "no questions asked" affair.
On the former point I don't want to establish myself as potentially scrupulous, I want my confessions treated the same as anyone elses.
Are you the OP of this thread or someone else?I am not the OP, but OP did have a problem with confessors because they could tell he was scrupulous. If you were going to SGG and asked for a conditional Baptism with Cekada you'd probably get refused, why is it unreasonable to be afraid of getting cut off from Sacraments?
If you are not going to be open and honest with your confessor you will not get anywhere.
I am not the OP, but OP did have a problem with confessors because they could tell he was scrupulous. If you were going to SGG and asked for a conditional Baptism with Cekada you'd probably get refused, why is it unreasonable to be afraid of getting cut off from Sacraments?The advice given earlier was based on previous experience with the OP and thinking that I was addressing that person. You are a different person with different problems consequently the advice needed may be different. One size does not fit all.
OP here, just a few questions before I go to confession and attend Mass today.Your so scruplus!.
Last Sunday, before Mass started and after I did my penance, I noticed that the pew in front of me was moved a bit forward which made it harder to use the kneeler which had been occurring frequently in previous weeks so I moved it back a bit but, then realized that it might cause the same issue for the people in front. I don't think I did it to be selfish or spiteful--though that thought crossed my mind--so I moved both that pew and my pew forward as well to correct it.
Additionally, after that, when the collection was going around, I asked a family member for another dollar--suddenly I thought I might have done this to appear more righteous by contributing more than I usually do so I gave the dollar back to him so he could contribute it himself.
I was also dealing with several intrusive thoughts prior to Holy Communion, I'm not sure if I consented to them but I did pray for for them to leave my mind then said several acts of contrition before receiving. I really hope I didn't receive unworthily because of the aforementioned reasons.
Any advice on this would be helpful.
You're so scrupulous!.
GAH my sins are so horrific if this is the stuff you lot are worried about .
I agree!Believe me, I'm fully recognize that I'm an imperfect sinner and am aware of all my objectively grave sins which I struggle with and that I write down when I slip up. I never fail to leave those out during confession. The things that I named are not are not the worst things I need to worry about but, I worry about them because I don't want to omit anything and make a bad confession.
The only thing OP left out was: "I stepped on a cross-shaped crack on the way to Mass today. Am I damned?"
I will say though: he seems to have a high opinion of himself. His (buried?) pride suggests to him that these (tiny) sins -- sins which he might very well realize are extremely tiny imperfections -- are the worst thing he needs to worry about in his spiritual life. There are probably other, graver issues in his spiritual life, which the devil is HAPPY to distract him from, by casting his attention on irrelevant minutiae like how he moves the pews during Mass.
Often times a scrupulous person is straining out a gnat, while swallowing a camel in some other department. Classic.
OP here, just a few questions before I go to confession and attend Mass today.
Last Sunday, before Mass started and after I did my penance, I noticed that the pew in front of me was moved a bit forward which made it harder to use the kneeler which had been occurring frequently in previous weeks so I moved it back a bit but, then realized that it might cause the same issue for the people in front. I don't think I did it to be selfish or spiteful--though that thought crossed my mind--so I moved both that pew and my pew forward as well to correct it.
Additionally, after that, when the collection was going around, I asked a family member for another dollar--suddenly I thought I might have done this to appear more righteous by contributing more than I usually do so I gave the dollar back to him so he could contribute it himself.
I was also dealing with several intrusive thoughts prior to Holy Communion, I'm not sure if I consented to them but I did pray for for them to leave my mind then said several acts of contrition before receiving. I really hope I didn't receive unworthily because of the aforementioned reasons.
Any advice on this would be helpful.
Believe me, I'm fully recognize that I'm an imperfect sinner and am aware of all my objectively grave sins which I struggle with and that I write down when I slip up. I never fail to leave those out during confession. The things that I named are not are not the worst things I need to worry about but, I worry about them because I don't want to omit anything and make a bad confession.You're doing OK O.P. The fact that you are so uncertain about the matters that you listed means that you did not commit a mortal sin.
With regards to the pews, it not moving them per se but rather doing so possibly being uncharitable towards those in front of me right after penance and before Communion, likewise the second issue is about self-righteousness, and the third, I worried that I consented to bad intrusive thoughts before receiving Communion. Again, it's about not wanting to omit anything.
OP again. Another thing that I've been racking my brain about is: is it necessary that I make a public abjuration of any past heresies or other theological errors I've publicly spoken in the past since I've privately corrected and abjured any perceived erroneous beliefs in my own mind and heart, in the sacrament of confession, as well as to those closest to me but, not on in a public forum.What you have done is, in most cases, sufficient. A formal public adjuration might be called for if you are a widely known public figure or cleric who has clearly taught heresy. I would consult you confessor and abide by his judgement in the matter.
The former. At some times I think I'll remember a sin, forget to write it down and remember it later. This is only one formulation or species of this, but the point is... I am concerned that I am intentionally pushing sins out of my mind. Whether that confession is invalidated or not by this is not necessarily the problem at hand even. I try to write down all sins on paper and keep this for later but I'm not always in a position in which I can just whip out the notepad. I also think I potentially conceal sins from myself. Even doing a nightly examination of conscious I doubt I am doing this well enough. Ever since I converted and was made aware of the concept of mortal sin etc about a year and a half ago I am just in constant torture and I have to avoid confirmation and the Eucharist until I am clear. I know my priest will probably tell me something like the original poster so I intentionally avoid conversations with the priest or anyone else just so people figure I'm the quiet type that just takes my family to Mass and goes home.This poster here. I'm overcoming scrupulosity with God's grace He has given me. Thank you everyone who interceded for me and posted moral manuals and gave advice. I am making real spiritual progress: it took a serious and complete abandonment to Jesus. Really meaning the words and thinking about them nightly before my examination - "I believe, I adore, I trust, I love thee" was a huge component in overcoming this. Never give up.
Thanks so much again for responding. You have no clue how much you are helping me. Thank God for getting me on this forum so I could have this conversation.
This poster here. I'm overcoming scrupulosity with God's grace He has given me. Thank you everyone who interceded for me and posted moral manuals and gave advice. I am making real spiritual progress: it took a serious and complete abandonment to Jesus. Really meaning the words and thinking about them nightly before my examination - "I believe, I adore, I trust, I love thee" was a huge component in overcoming this. Never give up.Thank you for sharing this. It is an example and an encouragement for us all.
Need prayers badly. I keep having problems with repetitive blasphemous thoughts and they are getting sneakier and will add themselves into my normal thinking or if something nerves me I start having attacks. For example, I will be thinking of a person and I will imagine them saying "___ damn" or something horrible. Please pray for me to have a tender conscious. Sometimes I can't even tell if I consent to things or not and I don't want to start despairing.