The following comes from an Ausust 29 press release from Christian Newswire.
Christians, including many Catholics, have a limited and narrow point view of the Sacrament commonly called “Confession” that prevents them from understanding the gift of this Sacrament instituted by Christ and discovering its real beauty and value.
For non-Catholics, Confession is unnecessary, and some may even think unbiblical, believing there should be no mediator between them and Christ.
For too many Catholics, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is just a means to an end: cleaning us up from sin so we can receive Holy Communion. But, as Pope Francis tells us, Confession is much more than “going to the dry cleaner.” It’s “an encounter with Jesus, who waits for us as we are.”
Vinny Flynn exposes the life-altering power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in his new book, 7 Secrets of Confession, and clears up some of the common misunderstandings many might hold of this important encounter with Christ. Flynn has long recognized that there is an urgent need for all Christians to receive clear teaching about Confession.
He shows that Confession is a sacred encounter with Christ that everybody should eagerly welcome with love, passion and appreciation. Flynn draws upon the biblical proof of its existence, the wisdom of the saints and the 2,000-year tradition of the Church, and the fruits of his own contemplation and prayer to write an essential guide on the heavenly gift of Confession.
“Simple and clear, yet profound too, this is a book which should be found in every home and on the book shelf of every confessor and director of souls,” said Fr. Peter Damian Fehlner, S.T.D., author of St. Maximilian Kolbe: Martyr of Charity.
7 Secrets of Confession shows that those who choose to embrace Confession will come away convinced that they are not only forgiven but truly healed and liberated in a way like no other.
For more information, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com) of Carmel Communications
Ave Verum Corpus
Note: This music for this version was written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
English Version:
Ave, verum corpus
Natum de Maria Virgine,
Vere passum immolatum
In Cruce pro homine,
Cujus latus perforatum
Unda fluxit et sanguine,
Esto nobis praegustatum
In mortis examine. Hail, true body
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Who truly suffered sacrifice
On the Cross for man,
From whose pierced side
Blood streamed and flowed,
Be for us a foretaste
Of the test of death.
I appeal to you, my brethren, you who are not ashamed to sin and yet are ashamed to confess. I beseech you, cease to hide your wounded conscience. Sick people who are prudent do not fear the physician, though he cut and burn even the secret parts of the body. – St. Pacian (d. 391)
“Very few people believe in the devil these days, which suits the devil very well. He is always helping to circulate the news of his own death. The essence of God is existence, and He defines Himself as: ‘I am Who am.’ The essence of the devil is the lie, and he defines himself as: ‘I am who am not.’ Satan has very little trouble with those who do not believe in him; they are already on his side.”
― Fulton J. Sheen, Life of Christ
I was born and raise a Catholic. My family is very religious but my faith began to shake little by little with modernization and the ability of science to explain all things. One of the things that I found confusing with our faith is confession. I thought, why do I need to confess my sin to someone else when I can do it directly to God. Thank you for your blog and thank you for the comments that I now understand how important of a sacrament confession is. Thank you for being instruments of faith so that someone like me can dig deeper into my religion and enrich my faith.
Janet thank you for your post, it gives us hope because it shows that even though some lost their way, that they can return to the truth as you have. God bless you. It gives us hope…..
Amen to that one, and the Good Lord knows we all need hope in these trying times. Find a good, holy confessor, one who both preaches and practices the Faith, Janet, and he will help you along.
After His resurrection, when Jesus appeared before the apostles, the repentant Peter asked His forgiveness for having denied Him three times. One can only imagine how sorry Peter was for his sin. When Jesus forgave him, Peter was not only forgiven, but once again there was no barrier between and Jesus and him. When we sin, it puts a barrier between us and Jesus. True sorrow for our sins and making a good confession brings us back to Jesus’s friendship. I thank God that we Catholics have the sacrament of penance.
at 74 i have been going to this sacrament a long time, i recall the early dayswhen folks would come out crying, i had a dreadful experiene once and got up and walked out priests are only men and they are not trained in mental health issues, if you want to go to confession go , times have changed i recall billy graham saing he only confess his sins to god not another man god loves everyone and if you are unable to go to confession tell god of your sin most people are not serious sinners especially those who read this blog and i do not think that serious sin muder etc would go anyway
Once my now deceased cousin from Mexico went to Confession and asked the priest if she could make her confession in Spanish. To her surprise he answered her in perfect Spanish and told her: “remember my daughter, you are really confessing to God, I am only His Instrument of forgiveness!
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
CCC: ” 1484 Individual, integral confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for the faithful to reconcile themselves with God and the Church, unless physical or moral impossibility excuses from this kind of confession.
There are profound reasons for this. Christ is at work in each of the sacraments. He personally addresses every sinner: “My son, your sins are forgiven.” He is the physician tending each one of the sick who need him to cure them. He raises them up and reintegrates them into fraternal communion. Personal confession is thus the form most expressive of reconciliation with God and with the Church. ”
At a minimum – Confession is required at least once a year for all Catholics. This is a Precept of the Church. It has not changed. CCC 2042.
“For non-Catholics, Confession is unnecessary,” and still get to heaven I assume. I wonder why that is. If that’s the case, seems like that would encourage non participatory Catholics to leave the Church. Sounds like one of those pick and choose types of things, if you don’t like or agree with it, ignore it. But it also infers that if you are Catholic, it is necessary; necessary for what?
hmmm I don’t think its true that is not necessary…confession is necessary even for non Catholics….in holy scripture it says it is necessary!
Dennis,
Just because our separated brethren don’t recognize it, does not mean it is not necessary for Salvation. Confession makes it possible for those who are sorry because they rightfully fear Hell do obtain forgiveness. Protestants have to rely on what the Church defines as “Perfect Contrition” Perfect Contrition is very difficult to obtain. Catholics can receive forgiveness of their Mortal Sins, even without Perfect Contrition.
Viva Cristo Rey!
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
Mr Fisher is right on!
Kenneth.
Is your comment part of the modern Church you mention all the time but but never define it for us?
@Dennis: The statement you quoted from the article does not mean that Confession is unnecessary for Protestants. The author is contrasting the non-belief of Protestants with the sacramental teachings of the Church. Most Protestants do not believe in the efficacy of any Sacrament except Baptism. Confession would be just as efficacious for a Protestant, but they lack faith in the power of Reconciliation and in the other Sacraments and actually have no valid priest to confer these Sacraments. The only other Sacrament that they might validly receive is Matrimony as the ministers are the couple who make vows before God and their community, but the attitude of most Protestant sects is that Matrimony is not a Sacrament, witnessed by their acceptance of divorce. The author explains the common attitude of Protestants towards sacramental Confession when he says that they would rather confess their sins secretly to God. An interesting aside to this discussion is the practice in some Evangelical groups of making public confessions before the community. It is not seen as a Sacrament, but as a means to conversion by baring the sins that might be hidden. It seems that this practice might have its origin in the same Scriptures that recommend confession as a means to holiness and that suggest sacramental Confession.
I believe you may overstate things quite a bit when you say that most protestants don’t believe in any Sacrament except Baptism. Certainly Orthodox Christians, Anglicans and Episcopaleans, and Lutherans accept the Eucharist as a Sacrament, and those same denominations all practice all of the 7 sacraments even if they don’t formally label them as sacraments. The Lutherans, for example, have a penitential right which concludes with the Pastor saying “By a called and ordained minister of the Church of God and by his authority I declare unto you the entire forgiveness of all of your sins in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”. Thus, within that one sentence is acknowledgement of both ordination and reconciliation.
Dennis, it does make it harder to get to heaven than if one does go to a good confessor (Catholic priest) who helps one see ones faults and tells one how to improve according to Church teaching. You would be surprised how many of us converts thought confession was unnecessary until we realized going to a good councilor or minister for advice was similar and often necessary to sort out ones life. Also, many of us were actually receiving counseling by the Church without realizing it when we read Catholic literature put out by good priests or articles in encyclopedias, newspapers, etc. that were written by priests such as Archbishop Sheen. It made us finally realize that it was the Catholic Church that was actually started by Christ and the one with the “fullness of Faith”, and that we needed to join it if we were to follow Christ fully to save our souls.
Thank you for giving me a chance to clarify. The Orthodox are not Protestants and have valid ordinations and all seven valid Sacraments. I did qualify myself there with a “most” concerning Protestants. Anglicans, Episcopalians and Lutherans all baptise (validly, as that can be done by laymen, even non-Christians) confirm, celebrate “Communion” and ordain invalidly and their theology surrounding the Sacraments is at odds with the Traditions of the Church. What I was trying to point out was that the author of the article was not saying that Protestants do not need the Sacrament of Confession, he was saying they do not believe in sacramental Confession. I also mentioned the non-sacramental confessional practices of Evangelicals as an indication that they have read Scripture and believe that, although confession may be good for the soul and a path to conversion, as such, a confession is simply personal and they entirely reject the idea of an ordained priesthood with any Sacraments other than Baptism that are signs of Christ’s effectual presence. My concern was that Dennis had mistaken the author’s meaning.
You are quite correct, Maria, including about the Orthodox not being Protestants.
Quite simply put, Protestants do not have valid Sacraments, except for some baptisms because they broke with Apostolic succession.
That, too, is an oversimplification. Some protestants never did break apostolic succession, as in some diocese in Northern Europe. Also, I’m pretty sure that in times of dire emergency, and Christian can hear a confession.
YFC, I’m reminded of a documentary I saw on the Russian Catholic Church and how even though all the priests had been brutally slain…many chained to their altars and allowed to starve…the old babas would line up at their graves and say their confessions. The stones were worn away with the praying women who literally preserved the faith for their grandchildren. They would never have considered betraying their faith for expedience. It is God we have offended, not other Christians, and it is in the place of our Lord that the priest stands in persona Christi. I would think it far better to speak to God directly in prayer when a priest isn’t able to be there and hope for the best. I”m too lazy to get down my CCC right now. I know anyone can baptize someone. Maybe someone should call Catholic Answers, or Fr.John Trigilio
In times of emergency anyone, Christian or not, can baptize. In the Catholic Church, only those who are ordained as priests and have faculties from a bishop can hear confessions, although in an emergency a priest without faculties could hear confession. Deacons and laity cannot.
YFC, we almost always speak in generalities on here. I usually use the term “most”, but if they are truly Protestant, though, they DID break with Apostolic Succession. Only God knows an individual person’s conscience, nevertheless. Recently a whole town in a passed Islamic area reconverted to the Catholic Church. They had been forced to convert to Islam or die, and they remained Catholics secretly. How that was done I do not know but will let God judge their hearts and minds as I am sure others chose to die for the Faith.
A beautiful story Dana. I’m sure whatever the correct answer is, God in his mercy will not abandon us in our hour of need.
If Catholics returned to the monthly or weekly Confession of the good old days, the priests would go on strike. Hence, the twice a year confession frequency is something the Church can handle at Penance Services or on Saturday afternoons. While the best confessions are those when we are alone, the annual or semi annual service is a good idea that I hope continues into the future.
The people in my area have the chance to go to confession once a month or more, and many do so in all the churches around here, in some churches more so than others.
My priest has given more than one homily on the importance of confession and gives great ideas for a good confession on the church website and yet when I go for my monthly first Saturday practice, there may be only one or two others waiting. Frankly, I think many people do not know they are sinning when they gossip, for example, nor do many know that it can be a grave sin and is listed in “Thou shalt not kill”, nor do they know that dishonoring their parents is a grave sin and a host of other really serious sins that can be forgiven and utterly forgotten. One can get to know not only God but ourselves so much better in reconciliation. When I was a protestant, though I would take my sins to God, I can assure you that until I went to my first confession with a priest, I never had the peace that passes all understanding. What’s not to love? There is NO sin too great for God’s forgiveness except that sin that isn’t confessed because the sinner thinks it too great and carries it to his or her grave. This is where we truly come to know the God of love and mercy… unconfessed sin can become a veil between us and God, and a barrier to spiritual growth and joy. I use an old prayer book with the ten commandments and the sins that fall under them.
” I can assure you that until I went to my first confession with a priest, I never had the peace that passes all understanding. ”
Spoken like a true fellow Catholic! God bless you sweet sister in Christ!
Thanks Catherine! You’re such a ‘builder upper’ of faith and love of God.
How blessed we are to have this website to share our views and our fears.
I have never seen twice a year confession recommended. Most recommendations are for monthly confession. First Saturday devotions are every month. The rule of the Church is that you should go when aware of serious sin, although I agree with Dana, that many do not recognize when they have sinned seriously.
That certainly isn’t the case where I live anon…every Catholic Church here has reconcilliation on Sat. afternoons before the p.m Mass, and most offer confessions by appt. as well. My priest will make time for anyone in need, as I’m sure most priests would. Also, from what I’ve gathered, most people should go fairly often even if they’ve not committed grave sins. My priest said that if many little venial sins are not addressed they can turn into something more serious and injurious to our salvation…rather like water wearing a grove in a rock. I had one priest who had been my spiritual director and gave me so much guidance and care . He’s since retired and I miss him so much!
One of the main problem I have seen in recent years is the lack of English speaking priests. This is a serious problem in all of California and I think the Bishops better start paying attention to this fact and find a solution.
Joseph, thank you for bringing this up. My father was anointed in the hospital by a wonderful priest who knew only a few words of English. He had just arrived to serve in a local parish just one week before. He said all of the prayers in Spanish. While I will be eternally most grateful that he came, neither my father nor mother understood a word. I do know some Spanish so the prayers were meaningful to me. The priest asked me in Spanish to ask my father if he was sorry for his sins. I translated this question for the priest to my father. At least I know God understood.
Sadly, the older folks who built many parishes in Southern California and who could not afford to, or had no desire to move out, are being forced to live in a foreign environment, most especially in the Church.
I find it appalling that CCD allows comments from a self-identified homosexual who boasts about living in a homosexual relationship, promotes homosexual behavior, and has let us all know that he presents himself for communion. This man purports to be Catholic while continually leading others into error through his comments. Now we have to read his equivocations regarding confession and the sacraments. When will CCD stop their duplicity in allowing such posts by this man and others which clearly undermine the Faith?
Good points, Gravey.
“Belatedly I loved thee, O Beauty so ancient and so new, belatedly I loved thee. For see, thou wast within and I was without, and I sought thee out there. Unlovely, I rushed heedlessly among the lovely things thou hast made. Thou wast with me, but I was not with thee. These things kept me far from thee; even though they were not at all unless they were in thee. Thou didst call and cry aloud, and didst force open my deafness. Thou didst gleam and shine, and didst chase away my blindness. Thou didst breathe fragrant odors and I drew in my breath; and now I pant for thee. I tasted, and now I hunger and thirst. Thou didst touch me, and I burned for thy peace.”
― Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
“The punishment of every disordered mind is its own disorder.”
― Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
“No one knows what he himself is made of, except his own spirit within him, yet there is still some part of him which remains hidden even from his own spirit; but you, Lord, know everything about a human being because you have made him…Let me, then, confess what I know about myself, and confess too what I do not know, because what I know of myself I know only because you shed light on me, and what I do not know I shall remain ignorant about until my darkness becomes like bright noon before your face.”
― Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
How sweet it is when we are vulnerable and give our whole self to the blood of Jesus…there is that love which is so romantic and obtained through a humility sought after. Oh Jesus for one moment I said “give me the cross” but then I stopped myself asking “no Lord, I need help” then I recanted and said “I want to love the cross”. We may get what we ask for and the test will be real then. Oh Lord mercy mercy we keep on asking. Praise God for this sacrament of confession. To wash away my sins or at least for more deeper than what my humanly person understands it. Lord many take for granted this awesome sacrament. We have become more and more narcissistic. IN the confessional we must die of self and be vulnerable. We are safe, very safe, healing begins there through our conversion and sincere repentance. Oh sweet love, love which is from Jesus. His precious wounds of love, if we can feel them…see them…how many will still have hardened hearts…we hope more will be broken…in order to be open to His sanctifying grace.
A love quote I enjoy was this one from:
“No one knows what he himself is made of, except his own spirit within him, yet there is still some part of him which remains hidden even from his own spirit; but you, Lord, know everything about a human being because you have made him…Let me, then, confess what I know about myself, and confess too what I do not know, because what I know of myself I know only because you shed light on me, and what I do not know I shall remain ignorant about until my darkness becomes like bright noon before your face.”
― Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
Come brothers and sisters who’s hearts are grieving due to sin. Is sin bringing you down, have you come to understand how heavy it is and how much is has hurt your relationship with Christ? This special invitation is for you and I…Jesus is calling, Jesus loves you. Come then carry your burden no more…but carry your cross with love….come to confession, come to Jesus.
This string of comments goes to clearly show what nearly 50 years of lack of teaching the true Roman Catholic faith, especially the purpose, background, and power of the sacraments, and lack of what constitutes offending God, AKA mortal and venial sins to the laity leads to . . . disagreement, confusion, and loss of salvation amongst its members. Pray the rosary for restoration of Holy Mother the Church and souls once Catholic!
Well, sorry we’re all such a disappointment, James. Keep praying that all souls go to Heaven.
Well Said Gravey – Providing a forum for ‘Anonymous’ Anti-Catholic Homosex Trolls to spread lies and dis-information trashing the Catholic Church – is not a good thing; and does no service to the Truth, let alone ‘truthiness’.
As regards Confession – This Wednesday 9/4’s Church Militant MIC’D Up may well serve as an open mike for Confessions – by the ‘Professional Catholics’ if naught others – even if by Proxy. Ahem.
SEE
The Catholic Establishment Media
MIC’D Up = Wed Sep 4, 2013 8:00pm EDT — Wed Sep 4, 2013 10:00pm EDT
Are some members of the big name Catholic Media deliberately refusing to tell the whole truth about various corruptions in the Church? Are they benefiting from their silence?
And are they blackballing — and conducting smear campaigns against whistle-blowing faithful Catholics who expose the corruption?
All that and more plus YOUR phone calls tonight on Mic’d Up!
https://new.livestream.com/churchmilitanttv/events/2373173