In a catholic confessional...?

Question

would you have to say EVERY little sin you did.
IE; lying, jealousy, etc.

Answer 1

Actually yes and the number of times each was committed. This allows you to assess your path in Christ and if you are serious in repenting and changing your ways. If you are a regular then the priest can give you advice on how to move back to Christ or encourage you as you progress in reducing a particular sin.

Sometimes, when I can not remember everything I ask the Holy Spirit to help me with the most important at the moment. I always ask for forgiveness for the sins I have forgotten.

Answer 2

That's a good question.

When we confess our sins, we should try to make as full a confession as possible. We should tell the priests all of our sins (since our previous confession) to the best of our memory.

Most of the time, our sins are pretty obvious. But there are occasions when we're not sure that something we did (or thought) is a sin.

In that sort of case, it's best to tell the priest -- he will then tell you whether it's really a sin or not.

Try to liken it to a client talking to his/her lawyer, or a patient talking to the doctor -- it's always best to tell them as many things about the situation as possible. If you're not sure whether it's relevant, tell him anyway just in case.

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Answer 3

Yes....but you dont have to say who you harmed. I found when i was catholic the best thing to do was know the ten commandments. Go in and say, I broke # 1, 5, 6, and 10.

He will give you pennance with out asking questions.

As a new born again Christian, I urge you to tell God all your sins on your own time, not just a priest.

Blessings,

David

Answer 4

As a kid I had very little to say regarding my sins, I was cheeky to my mother etcetera. I used to worry my sins weren't interesting or big enough and the poor priest would be really bored so I had to make up some more exciting ones. Eventually I became a bit of a story teller, not lies mind you just heavy embroideries on the facts. I think the priests should tell a few of their own sins in turn to make it a bit more two-way don't you?

Answer 5

Yes. otherwise the confession is invalid. However, if you truely forgot one then it is valid, but you have to go back and confess as soon as you remember. If you knowlingly hold a sin back (dont tell it to the priest) then even when the priest absolves you, you are not forgiven, because God knows you have held it back.

God Bless,
Shane

Answer 6

You need to confess every mortal (serious) sin that you can remember.

You cannot willfully hold back any of them, or the confession is invalid and of no effect.

If you can't remember it then, but you do later, than you confess it the next time you go.

You may optionally confess less serious (venial) sins, but are not required to.

Answer 7

Yes. you have to tell it all. What's the sense of confession if you will still lie? Remember that confession in not only with priest but with God. It's ok if you forgot to tell all your sins, as long as it is not intentional. God knows your sincerity and you will be forgiven.

Answer 8

It is important to remember too that Jesus who is God even said after he healed people (and by his own words he has said it is synonimous with forgiveness of sins) "Now go show yourself to the priest" So he is God and he even wants you to obey the Church in this.

Answer 9

Every one you can think of....and even the ones you can't.

The last thing you typically say is:

"For these, and all my other sins which I cannot now remember, I ask for advice, absolution and penance."

Answer 10

Yes you would, we believe that confession cleans the soul and lifts the spirit. God bless.