Author Topic: confession (Read 663 times)

tradcath72 · « **on:** April 20, 2011, 03:25:33 PM »

I could use some input on the sacrament of penance.
Here is the short story. I did not go to church at all from about age 30 to 50. So in my 50's
I had a spiritual awakening. I returned to the church but struggled with the faith because
of V2 changes. I attended Catholic grade school. So I could not understand what was going on.
About 2 yrs ago I did discover that there was Traditional Mass out there. I now attend a SSPX
service. Anyway never knew about doing a general confession. Although it has been years and many
confessions should I still do one? I have remembered sins from the past and have confessed.
But here is my main question.. Am I wrong to believe that when I returned to the church with
confession that all my sins were wiped away, remembered and forgotten ones. That is what I was
taught many years ago. Now I am in my 70's and want to make sure I have not been misled
somewhere along the way. I keep telling myself to quit the worry and trust in God.
There are so many of you here that have much more knowledge than I.
I have learned much from this forum. Thanks to all

Matthew · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2011, 03:32:41 PM »

I think under the circuмstances that a general confession would be prudent.

If you can, I'd try to attend an Ignatian retreat. The SSPX has several retreat houses that have regular retreats for men and women.

As far as wiping out your known & unknown sins -- that's only if you were an unbaptized pagan and then were baptized when you were 50. Just going back to Church doesn't wipe out any sins. And only the sins you confess are forgiven -- though your confession has integrity (you receive forgiveness for the sins you confess) if you honestly forgot or were not mindful of one or more sins. So if you forget some sins, you still made a "good confession" but you should confess those newly-remembered sins next time.

When you've been away from the Sacraments for a while, it's good to read a short booklet or some other material to help prepare for a good general confession -- then you can start your new life with a clean slate. I think that's very important.

tradcath72 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2011, 06:10:36 PM »

Thanks Matthew.
I have been reading about the Sacraments and listening to audio sermons. That is whats bringing my thoughts to this.

Author Topic: confession (Read 663 times)

tradcath72

confession

Matthew

confession

tradcath72

confession