Frequently Asked Questions
Confession (Reconciliation)
- Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest, rather than going directly to God?
- My brother-in-law lives in [up-state] New York. His parish priest conducts "general confessions" and gives general absolution. Now my brother-in-law believes that he (no one) needs to go to private confession. Is this true? Please help me to res
- If I'm a smoker, do I have to confess this every time I go to confession?
- How soon is "as soon as possible" to confess a mortal sin?
- What is "anonymous" confession?
- Can mortal sins be forgiven without actually going to confession?
- What if I forgot to confess a sin and remembered it later? Was it absolved?
- Is it permissible for a priest to offer confession in his office?
- Is a Catholic required to go to confession at least once a year if he has not committed a mortal sin?
- Does the Church still teach you have to go to confession before receiving Communion?
- Can I give a priest permission to talk about my confession?
- Why can't priests hear confessions through electronic media such as telephone, e-mail, or Internet?
- Is it necessary to confess how many times one has sinned?
- If my husband dies before he is able to confess and receive absolution, will God forgive him?
- Can someone with a mortally sinful addiction, who does not have many opportunities to confess, receive Communion?
- Isn't it OK to confess in your heart if you are sincerely sorry?
- Why do we have to confess to another person? "Can't God forgive your sins directly?"
