Can a priest refuse to hear my confession?

According to Roman Catholic canon law, “The sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore it is absolutely forbidden for a confessor to betray in any way a penitent in words or in any manner and for any reason.” The confessor is always an ordained priest, because in the Catholic Church only ordained priests can absolve …

What sins must be confessed?

All mortal sins must be confessed, while confession of venial sins also is recommended but not required. The priest may emphasize repentance and offer counsel, and always proposes a penance which the penitent accepts and then recites an act of contrition. The priest imparts absolution.

How do I confess my sins to God?

He may read a short passage, or he may say something along the lines of, “May the Lord be in your heart and help you to confess your sins with true sorrow.” Once he has stopped speaking you may begin your confession. Start your confession by asking for forgiveness.

Who is allowed to hear confession?

A bishop, priest, or deacon will confess at the Holy Table (Altar) where the Gospel Book and blessing cross are normally kept. He confesses in the same manner as a layman, except that when a priest hears a bishop’s confession, the priest kneels.

Do I need to go to confession to a priest?

Of all the objections to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the one most often voiced, particularly by Protestants, and sometime by Catholics is: “I don’t need to go to confession to a priest! The priest is just another human being! All that I need to do is to confess my sins directly to God, and that is enough!”

What happens when you confess your sins to a priest?

The Personal Touch. When we confess our sins to a priest, we are able to receive individualized counsel, advice that fits our unique circumstances, and we can be given a penance that is “medicinal,” specifically tailored to help us in the spiritual healing process (Canon 981).

What does it mean when the priest says I absolve you?

When the priest says, “I absolve you,” it is Christ who absolves (Mk 2:10). A Community Representative. Our sins offend not only God, but the community as well.

How to overcome shame and go to confession?

The famous Spanish theologian Father José Antonio Fortea discussed this phenomenon, and practical solutions to it, in a blog post. Normally, a sense of Christ’s mercy should be enough to help people overcome their shame and go to Confession, in order to receive forgiveness and healing.