233 WHAT SINS MUST BE CONFESSED?

YOUCAT Lesson 233

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

233  What sins must be confessed?

Under normal circumstances, all serious sins that one remembers after making a thorough examination of conscience and that have not yet been confessed can be forgiven only in individual sacramental confession.  [1457]

Photo: .....A simple confession box at Our Lady of Manaoag, Philippines. .....233

Of course there will be reluctance before making a confession.  Overcoming it is the first step toward interior healing.  Often it helps to think that even the Pope has to have the courage to confess his failings and weaknesses to another priest—and thereby to God.  Only in life-or-death emergencies (for instance, during an airstrike in wartime or on other occasions when a group of people are in danger of death) can a priest administer “general absolution” to a group of people without the personal confession of sins beforehand.  However, afterwards, one must confess serious sins in a personal confession at the first opportunity.  315-320

ABSOLUTION (from Latin absolvere=to loosen, acquit): The absolution of the priest is the sacramental forgiveness of one or more sins after the penitent’s confession of sins.  The formula of absolution reads: “God, the merciful Father, by the death and Resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins.  Through the ministry of the Church may he give you pardon and peace.   And I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The confession of sins

…….1457   According to the Church's command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year."( compare Codex Iuris Canonici, Can. 989; Council of Trent (1551): Denzinger-Schönmetzer 1683; DS 1708.)⁵⁶   Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession.(compare Council of Trent (1551): Denzinger-Schönmetzer 1647; 1661; Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 916; CCEO, can. 711.)⁵⁷    Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.(compare Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 914.)⁵⁸ –Catechism of the Catholic Church