Going to confession tomorrow for the first time in nearly fifty years. I have been carrying around my mortal sins and flagellating myself with them for far too long and I'm tired. I want to come home. Please pray for me.
If I were in your position, I wouldn't fix my sins by committing a major sin which is asking for forgiveness from creation rather than the Creator. I hope you are able to improve your relationship with the Creator.
@@ibrahimalharbi3358 what are you saying? Explain this; 1 John 1:9 - if we confess our sins, God is faithful to us and forgives us and cleanse us. But we must confess our sins to one another. Num. 5:7 - this shows the historical practice of publicly confessing sins, and making public res- titution.
@@ibrahimalharbi3358 Matt 16:19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
Just a few months ago I was the last one. I hadn't been to confession or Mass in 20 years. I'm back at church and have been to confession a couple times (cried each time. Lol.). I'm so happy to be back. 😊
@@timothyreilly8394 Priests are not infallible according to Catholic theology. Only the pope, he in the chair of Saint Peter, can infallibly define a dogma of the Catholic Faith.
@@jesussaves6625 The Pope is not infallible either. All fall short of the Glory of God. I don't worship the Pope, the chair you think the Apostle Peter sat in, or magical priests. Why don't you say ROMAN CATHOLIC dogma, because that is what you are referring to. Why do you RC members always try to deceive by using the word "Catholic" to describe yourselves. Why do you want to dictate your Apostate traditions on Christians throughout the world? Sounds like the Mafia (well, your HQ is in Italy) to me.
I went over 10 years without confession because I was an atheist. I spent 40 minutes confessing all the bad and the priest was happy in even giving me help on how to fix and recommended me “Introduction to Christianity” book. Such an awesome confession. After the final prayer I got teary eye and goosebumps
Cradle Catholic here, been going to Confession since I was 6 years old. One time, around 16-17, I knelt down, made the Sign of the Cross and COMPLETELY FORGOT HOW TO CONFESS. It was just having a total lapse or something and said "Father? I totally forgot what to say" kinda laughing by accident. He chuckled along and said "well, let's get to the sins part why don't we?" It was just so humbling and now I can laugh about it.
I chuckled 1x @ the incongruity of a "sin" ( I think it was @ kneeling vs standing for Communion; standing forbidden n one place; kneeling forbidden n another). the priest took offense @ it n got huffy. Lol!
I chuckled slightly at your comment. Sometimes your head goes blank for a bit and it happens to me too. Some priests would guide you straight to saying your sins, cuz it is the part that truly matters. Some priests have their way to help you too, they will teach you how to do the sacrament again, step by step :). But the most important thing is that you are sincere, and want to change for the better. God bless you 😊
Don’t call anyone on earth Father except for our Father in heaven.. (Matthew 23:9) confess to Jesus he forgives you of all sins through the finished work on the cross and calls to relationship not a manmade religion.. you mushy he born again. Read the Bible for yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to give you eyes to se ears hears to hear.
Thank you for this video. I'm starting to cry now with the welcome home one. I went to confession three weeks ago after being away from the Church for over 30 years. I forgot everything and really fumbled around. But, the previous week...the Holy Spirit was speaking very loud and clear to me to go-to confession...now. I did. I'm back home
@@LauraBeeDannon because the Holy Spirit will only guide you in accordance with the scriptures. Remember how Nehemiah was told to enter into the heavenly place, that God told the messenger to hide in the sanctuary in order to escape being killed? Nehemiah knew the messenger was not from God because God never speaks against His own commandments. Likewise, only God can forgive our sins and we have direct access to Him through the merits of Jesus. Man cannot intercede nor can saints, but Jesus intercedes on our behalf 😊❤️
Went back to Church after 40 years. Confession felt good. A few unexpected tears. You perform a great service forgotten or overlooked by many. Thank you.
I asked the Holy Spirit to convict me of sins I had forgotten, or committed years ago and never confessed, things which offended God. Boy, did He dredge up some whoppers from my youth! Though I go to confession several times in a year, these particular confessions the Holy Spirit led me to were very difficult, but at the same time, I felt great urgency to make them, and great relief afterward. I cried, too. I didn't expect that.
@@RP-eo9ll I’ve been to both celebrations of Tridentine and Novus Ordo. Both are equally valid when they’re done with reverence and respect for Our Lord. The Old Mass isn’t the only valid one.
I'm not religious anymore, though I was raised Catholic, but I wanted to say, as someone who struggles with OCD, I can't tell you how much it means to me to hear you address the disorder in regards to scrupulosity. I developed OCD when I was 12 and scrupulosity plagued me endlessly, to the point where I couldn't really sleep or eat. You also have such a compassionate understanding of it that most people (both religious and secular) just don't. It's very refreshing to see 😊
Hello I have suffered from scrupulosity. Its Horrible. If you ever come back or if you know someone with scrupulosity that is catholic, I have a great tip that could help a lot: Only confess with the same priest. IF he tells you that "X" is not a sin, Obey and Believe it. Dont go asking other priests. A priest told me once that If he says something that is wrong, He is the one that will have to answer to Jesus. Not me. Also consacrating yourself to Jesus through Mary is the best tip ❤ I did it with St. Louis of Montfort method. Because when you do that, no matter what your actions or prayer lacks, Mary can lend you her virtues and merits, and present all that to God. She completes what your good deeds lack, because she loves God and you. St Louis de Montfort says this "Let us pray, then, to our dear Mother and Queen that having accepted our poor present, she may purify it, sanctify it, beautify it, and so make it worthy of God. Any good our soul could produce is of less value to God our Father, in winning his friendship and favour, than a worm-eaten apple would be in the sight of a king, when presented by a poor peasant to his royal master as payment for the rent of his farm. But what would the peasant do if he were wise and if he enjoyed the esteem of the queen? Would he not present his apple first to her, and would she not, out of kindness to the poor man and out of respect for the king, remove from the apple all that was maggoty and spoilt, place it on a golden dish, and surround it with flowers? Could the king then refuse the apple? Would he not accept it most willingly from the hands of his queen who showed such loving concern for that poor man?" Also obviously continue visiting a good mental health professional. There's a reason why God gave that person that vocation, right? ❤ I know it can be difficult but above all, know that God is merciful, he loves you and wants you to be in heaven eternally happy. He died for that, remember?
Why do you bother with your comment. What's your point? Scupulodity awareness? Why did you even watch this video? Your not religious, which you declared right away. I'm 100% sure this video's intention was not to make a non-believer, (even in the false doctrine of Roman Catholism) feel refreshed.
@@timothyreilly8394That's terrible. You usually get a sense of a church and faith through it's members. Of course it's nice to see members be nice to each other, but if they don't share that with nonbelievers it's like christ saying I only care about anyone unless they love me. I've yet to talk with a priest which such mindset and hopefully not the members of the church. Horrible.
Thank you for this video. The “Welcome Home” one made me cry. I was in this role twice. Thankfully, God sent the perfect priest each time to support me in this process.
Confession is of course to God. We would never say a priest “forgives”, but is rather the vessel of grace. To hear “I forgive you” is such a deep need we humans so deeply desire when we are in a state of sin and confession is a beautiful sacrament that God has given to us to fulfill this part of the human soul. I hope you know what I say comes to you from a place of love and the desire to share
@@davinciandiversity8823 God bless your soul. I can see your intentions are nothing but love, and I pray God will bless you for that. However, I speak only from the Bible. When we sin, unless we have sinned directly against someone, such a lying to them or hurting them, we have no need to confess our sin to them. To hear “I forgive you” from someone would make so sense if we didn’t do anything to hurt them. “Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight- That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.” Psalms 51:4
I remember well my own “it’s been 20 years since my last confession”moment. I’m forever grateful for the compassion the wonderful priest showed me that day.
I just had my first confession in 17 years yesterday and my priest was very great about it. I did probably hold the line up a bit, but I'm going to go regularly to avoid that again.
It's been 14 years for me (self proclaimed atheist since my lifestyle choices didn't align with god), but its not about the time but the gravity of my sins. Selfishly ended the life of not one but two babies since I was 18. have been promiscuous my whole adult life, didn't shy away from married men either. all thanks to overindulgence in alcohol and later drugs. I Immensely regret these sins but I dont feel worthy of forgivness specially since I was raised by a wonderful religious father so "I knew better." I actively rejected God for all these years. Im terrified that the priest will reject my confession.
@@PetiteNomNom I understand your hesitance, especially considering the multiple abortions. Traditionally abortion would be cause for excommunication in the Catholic Church. However, this has changed. Referencing Misericordia et Misera, which you can look up yourself, in section twelve of the letter, Pope Francis announces that all priests, not just bishops, now have the ability to forgive individuals who have committed the sin of abortion. Pope Francis stated that there is no sin that God's mercy cannot reach and wipe away if a repentant heart seeks reconciliation. You can be forgiven for all of your sins, even the abortions as long as you truly repent and mean it fully when confessing to God. I hope you get and stay on a good and blessed path and I will pray for you.
@@PetiteNomNom I'll give you a tip which I believe will help you as it has helped myself and many other live with less sin. Pray the rosary. The rosary is fantastic and it truly helps. Mary provides us guidance and helps bring us closer to her son, Jesus. Pray the Rosary every day, especially when you have urges to sin. You will feel her presence and she will provide you with many blessings and grace, and bring you much closer to God. Make sure to get your Rosary blessed. Go to confession and then get it blessed by the priest which you confessed to and it will be extra special to you. It'll be blessed by the priest who brought you back into God's grace and flock and you'll feel that more attached to it. God bless you
@@PetiteNomNom part of my confession involved an ex girlfriend aborting my child, unbeknownst to me at the time as I didn't know she was pregnant but still. The priest provided me with resources to help heal and also provided information for retreats for people who have had abortions in the past. I promise you, it will be okay. God loves you and wants you to be forgiven. God will forgive you fully and he will not remember your sin when you join him in his Kingdom. And Mary will always be there to guide you and vouch for you in the Kingdom of Heaven. She wants all souls to love and be with her son, yourself included :)
I went to confession the other day (face-to-face), and the priest was so kind. Afterwards, I preformed my penance and broke down crying because of the love of the Lord.
Had the opposite situation today. I hadn’t been to a confession since high school. I was yelled at by the priest and now I am in doubt that my sins were forgiven and I feel further from God.
Being a convert from Protestantism almost 2 years, Confession was a bewilderment to me. Once I did it a few times, I saw the power of God in it. I saw my life changing. I saw my walk strengthening. I try to go to Confession every other week whether I need it or not, simply because I know I need it for the innermost parts of my spirit and soul. I’m grateful for all the priests hearing our confessions.
@@danagrace3911 When I was a Protestant, and I was listening to praise and worship music, I would at times be inspired to fall on my knees and pray. No one ever accused me of worshipping the speakers or the band. I was worshipping God. Likewise, for Catholics, they can see a statue of a saint, and be inspired to pray to God, or to ask a saint to pray for us to God.
@@harryallenpearce89 the Bible says the dead know nothing. How can a saint pray for us? Where in the Bible does it say that saints pray for us? Didn’t Jesus die to tear the veil into the heavenly place, so we can enter it and have direct access to God the Father?
Thanks for sharing…being a non Christian, I couldn’t understand the sacredness of confession… thanks for making my understanding clear and looking at the beauty behind confession
I love the portrait of Our Lord and Saviour standing above and behind the priest in the Confessional. People often say that you don't need to confess to a priest. I try to remember that here on earth He Himself gave power to forgive sins to them only. When He cured the leper he told him not to speak of it to anyone but go directly to the high priests of the temple, have them look at him and declare publicly that he was now clean.
Hey man Jesus died for all of our sins so we may get to Heaven one day and be forgiven of our sins. God raised Him from the dead on the third day. He is waiting for you if you would like to accept the invite. God bless!
@@mary8239 thanks for your kind message…I think this beautiful act of confession also makes life more meaningful and take religious acts more seriously…it inculcates a sense of seriousness 🙏 I love Lord Jesus Christ and all Christian traditions and I love my religion too …I study Geeta everyday
Often even faithful Protestant or Evangelical Christians don't really understand it either as it's not practiced or certainly at least not in the same way in the non Catholic denominations of Christianity.
This was wonderful! I did the « Mom Thing » recently and was crying over my adult children leaving the church. The priest asked « where is YOUR sin in this? » and he told me that they are responsible for their actions…I can pray about it but I tried my best when they were growing up. It lifted a big burden from my heart. And this priest is one I have found to be less than sympathetic in the past…so it was a good way to enter Holy Week.
If they left the church then they probably had a very poor, or no, foundation built. Plenty have left the church over time because it’s all been diluted down to just “being nice.” Most leave when that’s all it revolves around, as it doesn’t really solve anything.
@toffeenut1336. They had 12 years of Catholic school and a good religious upbringing at home. It’s not always something we did or didn’t do or provide as parents!
Are you born again? Jesus said we must be born again.. read the word of truth (the bible) for yourself and be set free from manmade religion and get in relationship with your Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ .. John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 10:9-10, John 14:6, Roman’s 6:23, Matthew 11:28-30
@@Mary-el3pi I think a lot of adults leave the church for a while to test the world and find the truth for themselves. Even if they may not consciously realize. My mom prayed for me every day like St Monica for years and years. I had to go through some things and try other things before I could really be open to the Holy Spirit. Very much like the prodigal son. Keep praying Mama. I know the prayers of mother's are why many people are in heaven. And don't forget God loves them and wants them even more than you do. He hasn't given up either.
My FIL went to confession recently for the 1st time in 60 years. 🎉 I had the inspiration one day to pray for him that he would be given grace of desire to go. About two weeks later my son whom he is closest with announced PAPA IS GOING TO CONFESSION!! The priest told him how happy he was he returned and he made his day. ❤
Thanks for accepting that I’ll be back tomorrow. I feel ashamed having to go back tomorrow for confession with OCD, I don’t want to there either but it feels like the only escape. It’s a combination of feeling like everything’s a mortal sin (even though intellectually I don’t think so) and despair. I hope now that I have a spiritual director (along with counselor, support, etc.) it’ll get better
This is also what I have been struggling with, even came to the point where copying one answer in a multiple choice test on a subject that will not be a part on my requirements for moving to senior high school is a mortal sin. I have doubts if it is a mortal sin then feel guilty, feeling guilty I changed the answer that I copied on before passing. Even now I still have doubts.
Have you found an OCD therapist and undergone Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the standard treatment for OCD? I would highly recommend reading up on it, watching videos, and considering addressing this psychological issue. ERP really helps people.
I have been in a similar situation. This sounds like religion OCD. Lots of great info out there on it. I personally would obsess about praying. I would psych myself out that I made a mistake and then repeat the prayer over and over. My thought process was if the prayer wasnt perfect, I would be sinning. A spiritual director could definitely help. Remember God loves you. I will pray for you and keep your head up, things will get better.
“The prospects for peace are dim and getting dimmer. Civilization hangs by a hair. The people are too dumb to understand what has happened, the newspapers have lied to them. Radio commentators and politicians have deceived them. Ministers, priests and rabbis have misled them and the Sanhedrin and the money gang are destroying them. Jesus woke the people up in His day, so the Sanhedrin and the money gang had Him crucified." -Henry H. Klein, 1946
It is possible, after so many years I have returned to church and on fire than ever. I searched, learned and I will never leave the church ever. Pray the the 7 sorrows of Mary rosary for his conversion
Thank you for this one, father! Some years ago I made a big confession after almost 14 years away. Yes, I brought a list. Yes, I had no idea how to start and I forgot how to do the act of contrition. Yes, some of my major sins I "speed-ran" and some I emphasized 7 - 8 times because scrupulosity got to me. The priest was very patient and tentative. After all he looked at me and said "That was a lot. A lot that is not with you anymore". Go to confession people. Trust me, they've heard it all, but it's us who maybe never said it all before. It cures the soul! God Bless.
After 20 years away I brought a list too. Plus it was in the midst of the pandemic and I was terrified I might forget something and die without receiving a final confession. I cried, a lot, and the priest was so wonderful.
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. (Matthew 23:9) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:5) I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. (Isaiah 43:25) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2) Do not call your priest or pope "father" or "holy father" as that title belongs to God alone and not man. Confess your sin directly to God the Father through Jesus Christ. He is your mediator and direct access to God. Repend and turn away from your sins. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Revelations 18:4)
@@Corea4sure John 20:21-23: Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” James 5:14-17: Is any one among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves and he prayed fervently that it might not rain… and… it did not rain… I Peter 2:5-9 gives us some insight about priesthood: … and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ… But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people… Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
@@ninodjuras Thanks for jotting these clear verses, i Think some people havent done enough research about the Bible or they are just looking for a fight! 😂 blessings🙏
I fall into the "everything mortal" category because I am terrified of receiving Communion in a state of unworthiness, rationalizing sin, and hence dying without a state of grace. I also feel that being so rigorous on myself will amplify my inclination to virtue and avoidance of sin. I am hopeful that one day, I will understand things in a clearer sense and know what is truly right and wrong.
Thank you Father many times I have not allowed myself to receive the Holy Sacrament thinking am unworthy but you remind me that not everything is Mortal sin and so depriving myself of the real holy Food will only keep me farther from God .
So, is my understanding correct in that we’re only to go to confession when we commit a mortal sin? If that’s the case, then I don’t think I ever need to go because I don’t do anything, I can think of, that’s that bad. Pretty much all the things said in this video that he said really don’t need confessing are the worst things that I do. So does this mean I shouldn’t go to confession, ever?
I’ve gone to confession for the first time in over 8 years this lent. Its been a long time and I’ve really returned to my faith and reclaimed it ever since I started attending Franciscan University of Steubenville. I’m still a sinner in many ways but at least I have Jesus Christ as my lord and savior ❤❤
Thank you for this video. I was baptized into the church as an adult 15 years ago and have yet to have a first confession. I have struggled with this sacrament but feel I am now ready to take part in reconciliation of the mortal sins I have incurred over the past 15 years. Sadness and grace both.
God bless you brother. Through Our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. Remember, the priest is in persona Christe. And Christ loves you enough to literally die on the Cross so you can be with Him for all eternity. Trust Him, and know God truly is Love and He loves you with Divine Love. You are recieving His Divine Mercy in the confessional. I hope that helps some.
I didn´t want to get this sacrament because there were too many things I didn´t understand but I asked Mary the grace to soften my heart and I started to look up for more info, to understand better. I think It's okay not to be ready but there are things we can do to be ready one day. God bless you! If this seems useful for you, take it, if not just take the good intention with it has been shared!!
@@alejandragonzalezperez7161 The Sacraments don’t mean anything to God and you don’t need sacraments at all. Don’t Pray to Mary or ask her for intercession and venerate Mary that’s a form of idolatry and she can’t hear your prayers and blessings too. Because she’s not a God or a Goddess and she’s dead not alive like her son. My Godmother is Catholic and she doesn’t take sacraments with her nor does she pray to Mary and call her for intercession and venerate her too. The Roman Catholics don’t read their Bible nor do Bible study at their church they just listen to what the pope has to say instead and they take the sacraments with them but Catholics don’t but they do Baptism and they read The Holy Bible and The King James Version of The Bible that’s the difference between both of them.
@@henkaistudio You know nothing about the Catholic Church so don't pretend to. We don't pray to her. We ask her to pray for us. Jesus performed His first miracle at her request. When he turned water into wine at the wedding of Cana. You don't need to worry about how much Catholics love Mary. We could never love, honor or respect Her as much as Her Son, Jesus loves Her. If you want to trash the Mother of God, go ahead. It doesn't seem very wise. God won't like it.
Remembering my first time back to confession after 10 years, it felt like this sense of weight on my shoulders just vanished and my soul felt lighter after, it was so relieving! I thank God for that moment every time I remember because He welcomed me back like the lost sheep🐑❤
I will pray for you, that you may also feel welcomed back and receive freedom from your sins through the mercy of God. It is truly a beautiful way to heal❤
Year ago I was the last example mentioned in this video. I came back to the church after 13 years. Not only that... Tomorrow someone I was praying for will go for her first confession after 13 years too just like me. I can't even describe how happy and grateful I am! Looking at my life at the moment I'm sure of one thing... I don't want to be away from God ever again.
The Holy Spirit prompted me to seek confession during Holy Week of 2002 but I couldn’t get an appointment. Finally on Holy Saturday afternoon went to my nearby parish but the wouldn’t either as they said they were too busy( I’d been away for 20 years!) At my wits end began calling around again and finally got a sweet priest that would hear it. There I was, on the Church steps with him and 2 Irish terrior dogs. It was the best Confession I ever had. So thankful that one priest took the time to do this. He is now deceased but I hope God gave him a “ get out of jail(purgatory) free or even a one way ticket to heaven immediately.
Getting an appointment to confess non you don't have to wait as soon as you realize you sin you ask the Lord for forgiveness. You don't wait for a sinner like you to confess.
I am a convert. I will never forget how nervous I was or how kind and compassionate the priest was who heard my confession. When I came out, one of the other people who were going through RCIA with me, came out of confession in violent tears and crying, and then left, never to return. She had gone through a year, but either chose or wasn't allowed to continue. I always wondered what could have happened that her experience was so different from mine. I am grateful to God every day for my Catholic faith!
@@nekonetflux2258 if it’s a convert from a Trinitarian faith (Protestants) they are usually already baptized in the original faith which is in turn accepted by the CC. My husband was raised agnostic so when he came into the Church he got the Big Dip! So did a fellow Confirmandi who was ex Mormon. (Mormons are not Trinitarian Christians. Meaning they do not believe in the absolute divinity of Christ.) The parish had a large granite baptismal font and Father accidentally forgot to turn the heater on earlier that day. It really was a true measure of how much these two individuals receiving baptism wanted it when they were climbing into a freezing cold pool of water with clothes on! Father did too, good sport that he was. It was a good reminder to turn the heat on next time!
6:34 here in germany the most catholics only recieve the confession like 3 times in their life... (Including the Sunday-Mass-visitors) Please pray for the catholic church in Germany!
I found in Germany about only half the parishioners go up for communion, so at least there's that and they're not simply taking the eucharist in a state of mortal sin
I heard that the Church in Germany is imposing a 5%(not that sure on the percentage tho) tax on parishioners.. and that a lot of them are no longer attending mass including my boss' kids😥
@@roselyncadalzomamangun1708 yes the church tax is because of the past where monastaries were closed and stolen by the german state, which was before ww1. Today its, I think a payment for managing schools, hospitals, Kindergarten etc. The most of the catholics here have a protestant-atheist-marxist-humanist view on the church.
@@leonard3115: But how are they supposed to keep their faith alive like that? How are they supposed to endure? It is also dangerous because nobody knows when they will be called by the Lord, and sometimes there won’t be a possibility of making a confession. I’m also afraid it’s not always the lay people’s fault, either. There is a “strange” tendency of the clergy to avoid having to listen to the confessions lately, at least in my experience over the last couple of years. I must mention I live in a missionary country with a very small number of Catholics and a big deficit of priests (Japan).
Search for the truth, the trinity will not guide you away. Read, pray, read, and know you are searching for the truth. It will transpire. We are in this together, in truth, love, and paradise.
I have a 30 minute drive to the church for confession. On the way I pray for God to bring to my heart what I should confess that day. I go every First Saturday. I'm blessed that we have a priest that celebrates that devotion with mass, adoration and hears confession. Thanks for the video!
So you pray to God. To help you remember. What sins to tell a priest. So he can forgive you on God's behalf? Why not just come directly to God for forgiveness of sins?
@@geordiewishart1683 , because we do what Jesus tells us to do, and Jesus told the apostles (the first priests of our faith) to forgive or hold bound our sins for us, so that we can receive counsel and absolution. God made us. He knows us. He knows what our human nature needs, and Jesus is there in the priest, giving us absolution as he instructed in the Gospel.
I just went for the first time 1-29-21 and am so happy I went. I'm not catholic but was raise in the Nazarene church and it felt so weird telling someone my sins. I felt called to go to confession because of the crippling weight from my sin. As soon as I left I felt the weight lifted off my shoulders. God is good all the time and will help you and reward you for listening to him.
@@Damaris972., the priest cannot give a valid absolution to a non-Catholic, but I agree with you, it is good that this person trusts the priest. I would encourage him/her to continue to seek God and to read about the saints.
@@tryingnottobeasmartass757 i'm technically still Orthodox but have been using Catholic sacraments for 2 years and have converted in my heart, do you think the priest's absolution is invalid in my case? it doesn't appear to be when looking at the Catechism.
I’m not a Catholic but found this beautiful! I realized my faith has a lot more in common with yours, and I believe a lot of the same things about repentance, even if the exact practice is a bit different. Thank you for sharing this!
Weekly confession is a great gift. As for the list. I list my sins out beforehand because otherwise I'll forget them, I'm scatterbrained and have even forgotten mortal sins in the past only to remember them after I walk out of the confessional.
Do not be afraid. The purpose is that you are turning towards God with your whole heart. If your *intent* is to reconcile for everything, then it is all forgiven. I was once told that I could maybe mention it in a later confession, if I felt urged to do so (by my conscience or The Spirit's promoting), but that *honestly forgetting* while in the confessional is no barrier to Grace. God knows our hearts, even the parts we try to hide from ourselves. And He loves you. Do not be afraid.
You're not alone, Patrick. I have to list mine as well, and once penance is given, I have to write that down or I will forget it. Aging has its drawbacks. I do end mine confessions with something I heard a priest say (I think it was Fr Schmitz)... "and all the sins I cannot recall at this time". Christ does know all our sins, and if we've honestly forgotten or just can't recall, He understands. Once I do recall, I do add it to the 'next Sat. confession note to voice.
I’ve been the OCD one in the past. Sometimes it’s hard to differentiate between mortal and venial sins, and thus, the sacrament becomes something out of fear and overthinking.
Same. I still kinda have this although not as severe as before. My friend told me to just look at an examination of conscience and to not really go farther than it require also try to distract yourself up to the point of confession because a lot of the time I would wait in line and then chicken out at the last minute and leave.
@@emy1975 It may surprise you to know Jesus Christ / GOD is not particularly fond of pious people. You only have to read in the New Testament His choice of companions and His utterances/ criticism of seemingly pious pharisees etc..
Just go over the ygen commandments and ask yourself if you broke any of them. It's what I use to tell the kids in class to think about instead of over thinking.
@@LauraBeeDannon that's what I thought you were supposed to confess in confessional not some dalliance with a burst of negative emotions or other minor sin.
This was absolutely WONDERFUL father Casey. Hilariously funny,but clear in its message of how to go to confession. I'm lucky beyond words, that my Godfather who is a priest in the RC Church, is infact my spiritual director, advisor confessor and guide as it were, So my path is very smooth in that direction, and he'll usually tell me at once if he thinks what I'm trying to confess is unnecessary. So a lot of heartache and fear is removed immediately. And YET, I normally go to confession about once a month to 6 weeks, as the time for me to go into the confessional gets closer, I'm swamped with guilt, and nerves, and I very often dry up entirely. I ALWAYS say my OWN version of the act of contrition, by which time I'm shaking like a leaf. So your illustration of the different types of confession that you hear, was useful because some of the misconceptions that I had about confession have been adressed. That was sn amazing video you made there Father. All I can still say is Benedicite.
I have an appointment with Father Carlos next week as it's been 30+ years since my last confession. I'm going to share Breaking In the Habit with him, especially this episode, I'd have had that poor man stuck for hours!!!! God Bless you, Father Casey!
I appreciate this video so much. This definitely confirmed me as scrupulous. My mom would make us go every week for confession as a requirement so I got used to confessing venial sins. I end up feeling horrible and I know it comes from fear and PTSD. I told myself that God loves me and instead of weekly , I began doing it bi-weekly. To remind myself it’s okay and God still loves me.
Back in the 70s mom also told us to go to confession every Sunday right before mass. Children confessing venial and even made up stuff. I’m glad I didn’t become too scrupulous because of it. I now go once every two weeks or once a month because the examination of conscience makes me realize where my trouble spots are. It’s good for me and I don’t stress about it.
My Franciscan Brother in Christ, thank you for this! I just have my own opinion on one of your statements, that some sins are insignificant. All sin blemishes our soul. If a venial sin becomes a habit, it can lead to indifference and apathy towards holiness. One may think, 'If everyone one is doing it, it's OK no big deal'. Venial sin should be confessed so the person can receive the grace they need to root it out, especially if it is a habit or becoming one. Yes the Mass forgives it, but if claim the sin, verbalize it and hear the words of the Priest absolving them of that sin, it gives hope and courage to overcome it. If all Catholics in the world went to Confession, our holiness example would radiate to the world and change it. Many Saints went to Confession often, I believe St. John Paul II went everyday and he was Pope. Pax et bonum!
Hello I am curious about your faith. Could you provide a few scriptures from the Bible to explain the names for the diffeent times of sins and the justification of going to a priest to have forgiveness of sins? Don’t we have the ability to enter into the presence of God through the merits of Jesus Christ like it says in the word? Thank you friend 😊
@@blackpuma180 , you don't know your bible like you think you do, if you can't find these passages for yourself. They're very plain and right in front of you. Maybe you simply don't want to see them because they don't fit what you think is true. Friend.
@@blackpuma180 I don't know what your faith is, though I would assume Christian based on your comment. Please understand, though this may be scandalous in your opinion, that the Catholic Church believes that all divine truth has been revealed through Scripture and Tradition. Scripture refers to the Bible as compiled by the Church around 400 A.D. Tradition refers to what is not found in Scripture but has been believed by the Church and taught by her since the very beginning. Of course doctrines have been defined and refined over time. This would apply to the concept of mortal and venial sin. Of course in the early Church it was understood some sins were particularly grave, but the concept and three requirements mentioned by Fr. Casey were not definitively put forth immediately. As for a Scriptural support, off the top of my head, I remember Jesus said to the Apostles, "Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven, and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained." This power was passed by the Apostles to their successors. If we could go to the presence of God in every circumstance needing forgiveness, why would Jesus give them this power? And why would the Apostles appoint successors with said power if Jesus did not want them to? Keep in mind that at the end of, I think it was John's Gospel, that it says it is impossible to write down everything Jesus said; that there are some things never mentioned in Scripture. I know this is a long explanation, but I am trying to present it as logically and clearly as possible. If you have any more questions, I would like to try and answer them, though I can not claim to know everything an may be stumped. This is a friendly invitation if you are interested. Not a challenge. God bless.
@@blackpuma180 See 1 John 5:16-17 for different categories of sin. Understand that the words we use for categories are exactly what is referred to there. "Mortal" sin is "sin that is deadly", and venial sin is "sin that is (easily) forgivable". For going to a priest, you can look directly to John 20:21-23, and then read history books and the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. Contrary to the claims of some people, we. *do* have a clear record of what The Apostles taught. There is no "300 year gap" in the historical record of Christianity. We have the writings of Ignatius of Antioch, Clement of Rome, Polycarp of Smyrna, among others. These were all people who learned directly from the Apostles, and they are much clearer about these things. Seek and you shall find. Peace, brother.
As I understand, it is very efficacious to confess even your venial sins, because you receive the graces in confession to overcome them. You will become a better person, become stronger in virtue and come into closer union with Christ.
Yes, I don't know whether it's better to confess venial sins, or to ask for help with them when receiving the Eucharist? I have tried it both ways. I usually depends upon other factors, such as, who is hearing confessions (I have a problem with certain priests), and whether going is convenient for me. Currently, I try to go quarterly. The Pandemic has had a lot to do with receiving the sacraments, too (like, how enclosed is the Confessional?). Of course if it's really bothering me, I guess I would both go to Confession and also, ask for help within receiving the Eucharist. Whichever I am able to do, I have to trust that God understands my situation.
@@LS-ei7xk I understand having a problem with certain priests. Is there another priest that you can go to? However, the graces to overcome your sins lie in the power that the priest has, since he is "in persona Christi". . Having said that, though,, some priests are just not blessed with the charism of being a good confessor, and are not good with guidance and understanding the efficaciousness of confessing these sins. Don't let the fear of Covid-19 hold you back. There are tons of high profile doctors, and whistleblowers from big pharma that are blowing the lid off this false Covid-19 narrative, but are being heavily censored by big tech. I'm not saying that Covid-19 isn't real. It is!
I'm in RCIA and I have my first confession during our retreat this weekend. I was so nervous about "doing it right" and what I should or need to confess. This video was extremely helpful and put me at ease. Thank you for sharing!
40+ years I finally came home. My first confession back I started as a lister got so nervous I forgot to pull list from pocket. I did a little babbling then I sandwiched some big sins in the middle of venial ones. I believe I even forgot some mentionable sins. I checked all the Tik Tok boxes in one visit. LOL But my heart was in the right place and I am certain God forgave me and the preist was patient.
Haha. I did the same thing! I was a fallen away Catholic and cried and babbled like you, and, probably forgot some of the really bad sins. It was a comfort to see what you wrote; God knew my heart and I was truly sorry for any mortal sin I didn’t say, but I still beat myself up for my past. Maybe that’s part of my punishment.
That's okay.. I must have sobbed every mass my months prior to being baptized, and then thereafter. I still do. When the holy sacrament is given, what our Lord did for us broken children, still hits me hard at times and I'm sobbing as others about act indifferent (thats sad in and of itself).
The “Welcome Home” was me a few months ago. The Holy Spirit set my soul on fire and gave me this profound feeling of what the true state of my soul was. I went to three churches on a weekend to find a confessional because I had been away for so long that I forgot there is a certain time for reconciliation. I almost gave up but my conscious told me to go downtown. There are always old little churches open all the time and when I got there I did not immediately see the confessionals. I was expecting a sign that read “confessions are here etc”. I watched the people praying, decided to take a few moments to pray after 10 years of being away. I said “Jesus please, please let there be a priest here for confession.” I got up and was about to walk out when the little room with the door opened and it was like “that’s it! That’s the little room I was looking for.” Anyways, I went and it was during the act of contrition that I lost it. I could not stop crying because I felt the pain I had caused our Savior but I also felt his love and I was so overwhelmed. I felt bad for the priest who heard me cry but he was so kind and push some tissues through the little slits of the confessional window. I was so light after that. I am back Home and everyday I grow in my faith and never want to be away from Christ again.
So glad you shared your story. It's been 40 years since my last and only confession as a child (in fact, I don't even remember it) God has called me back home to the Catholic church and I want to make a confession but I am scared. I chickened out on Friday. This video was helpful and I teared up in the Welcome Home part too.
@@naturelover-f6h It is scary and embarrassing at first. Had I not gone when I did I may have walked away for good and been lost to the world. I was having a hard time telling if my desire was from the Holy Spirit or if I was being irrational. I thought “if you are calling me Lord show me a sign.” It was like in the movies where at the last second something incredible happened. I will pray for your courage. Christ loves you. Come home. :)
Thank you for this way to confession it is the Holy Spirit who brings us back to this beautiful Sacrament. Even when I become fearful of going it is coming back to Jesus and coming to be forgiven from the heart. Thank you again.
My fave confession story: I was waiting in line and I heard voices in the confessional grow steadily louder. Then a shout. Then the door opened and the priest, Fr Won, burst out in a state of anger and disappeared into the sacristy. A few moments later a man, the penitent, emerged, sheepishly said, 'he's crazy,' and exited the church. No more confessions were heard that day. Fr Won was a loving servant of God whose favorite quip when meeting someone for the first time was, 'Hi, I'm Fr Won; I can't lose!' 🙂 Still confessing to him in heaven. I love you, Fr Won.
Umm yeah no. You are confessing to God through brother in Christ. Not through man to God. Priests shouldn't have attitude because they are there to listen, guide and absolve. Not to scold or have tantrums.
I haven’t been to confession in two months. Just life with five kids, third trimester of pregnancy (one week to go!!), and the time never seems to work out for the hour and a half my church does it. Finally taking the time today to go and I’ve been worried since it’s a new priest at our church. I cried at the welcome home one. It may only be two months compared to many many years for some, but just knowing I’m going to get to talk to God and have my sins forgiven and KNOWING the weight that takes off me, there are no words to express that feeling. ❤️. Thank you for helping me to feel less worried about walking in today.
I want to go to confession but I am so scared! Makes me emotional to think that I can’t get past this hurdle. This has been on my mind and conscience for years but I just can’t get myself to do it. I need someone to take me by the hand and say “now’s the time, let’s do this”! That’s what it’s going to take! God please help me!!
I am going tomorrow and I'm feeling anxiety and shame. I trust the Holy Spirit, who called me to come home, to get me through it. I hope you ended up going. If not, reach out. I know we will both feel so much lighter and joyful once we tell God how sorry we are about the awful things we've done as sinners. You are not alone.
@@LMC444111 I’ll take any and all advice based on your experience. Please let me know. I want to do a thorough examination of conscience and try to go to confession asap…
Now is the time. You can do this! I know it’s the internet, but maybe if someone knew your diocese, they would be able to potentially reach out personally.
@@slow9573 thank you for your comment! I have had a lot of support! I am scheduled next Tuesday, 12/13, at 5:30 PM. I am scared and excited at the same time! I truly believe this will be the best gift I have ever given myself! I’ll keep you posted!
@@paulgilbert8029 So happy to hear this for you. I'm in a similar vein right now. I've been Catholic of a sort since baptism as a baby, but its never quite felt "mine" as much as my parents' and the way I was raised. It's been a strange and difficult and awful journey these past few years in college with I think maybe 2 total confessions in 3 years, and one (almost 2 years ago) was the only real confession I've ever had in my life. The rest were because "I probably should" or "I have to" and I didn't feel anything. Whelp, fast forward to now, I didn't do so well sticking with it after that first real confession and its now its been years and boy, have I sinned. Unquestionably. Confession has always been just uncomfortable and "useless" for me when I didn't have an appreciation for it, and now that I'm starting to, it's embarrassing as hell, not to mention making me anxious and avoidant. There have been many times where I've intended to go and then chickened out at the last moment because I'm so shy! I will always wish that there was a way to just write them down and confess, I'm good at that. Anywho, the point of this comment is in solidarity with you and to make myself go haha. I actually tried today but I must have gotten the time wrong or the priest wasn't there. But I have a plan set upon for tomorrow and I am NOT (emphatically trying to convince myself here) going to chicken out again. So hopefully the both of us can find the courage to get the mercy we need after being away for years!! God bless.
thank you so much for this video it was exactly what i needed, as a “welcome home” person. i recently went to confession after 20 years, but felt very disoriented because i felt like i didnt know what i was doing. your video makes me feel at peace with my seemingly haphazard confession. i plan on returning to the sacrament much more regularly now.
Thank you so much! The last one spoke to me so perfectly. as a fairly recent convert, studying the Bible mostly in English, I have been deathly afraid to attend mass in other languages, and especially going home to my country and doing it in my native language. This video has helped me jump over that hurdle. So grateful!
Tomorrow is my first confession before I'm confirmed. As much as I have yearned for this day, I am a bit worried to face my sins so presently. This video helped me make a little light of my fear from one of my favorite Catholic creators and priests. Thanks Fr. Casey.
Awesome! Make sure the priest is aware you're new to the faith.. I forgot to inform the 1st priest I had confession with and spooked him abit, as I am older and when I said 'my first confession" his poor mind must've been 'what!' (Apparently, the confession hour was his first time taking confession, so I spooked him for a few there).
I went through the same experience two and a half years ago, and I'm thankful that I returned to the church and to the sacraments. I made an appointment with the local parish priest and asked for a face-to-tace confession, and it was very powerful. Over the many years, I never stopped praying or reading the scriptures, but I just couldn't bring myself to attend mass any longer. And then something happened that was emotionally powerful for me, and I realized I was longing to return to the teachings of my youth. So I did. And I have no regrets. The Holy Spirit will guide you. God bless you on your journey.
I'm a convert I was baptized and confirmed in 2020. I am a baby Catholic and am still learning. I admit I do the list and start with the worst (mortal) sins if any and then list venial sins.
Had mine last December after 20 or so years..Honestly , don't remember my last confession. Thanks to all the priests here in you tube whom I followed and pulled me to the right path. Anyway, my confession was a mess ( jumping from one sin to another and I was nervous too ), Bless to the priest who was very patient with me:)
I’m in my 50s and have issues with making lists and obsessively praying; restarting if i get distracted or do it “wrong” thank you for guidance about this. I haven’t been to reconciliation in 8 years. I’m getting closer tho!! Thanks Padre
Hey hey, I have struggled and still do sometimes with the same thing. Its a clear sign of OCD or some other anxiety disorder. And its trying to get in between you and God. Dont be ashamed, its not your fault! But do consider psychological help and pastoral help. It really helped me a great deal and now I am less obessing during prayer. The habit only comes back in stressful periods. But this does not have to be permanent!
Thank you! It's been 25 years since my last confession and I've been procrastinating going back because I was unsure of where to even start. This really helped me search my heart and find what I need to be focused on.
I was the last one on the list just a few days ago. I felt nervous, worried and ashamed before I finally sat before my priest to confess. Just like was outlined in the video I had no idea what to do or where to start and I had a lifetime of sins to confess. But what my priest said to me is something I will never forget. Before we began and before I opened up he looked at me and said “Before you begin I just want to make it very clear that you have NOT come here to be judged.. you have not come here to be judged.” Reminding me instantly that no one judges us but God alone and that I need not be afraid to open up. Powerful stuff. I’ve never felt better after going through the sacrament of reconciliation.
I am returning to Catholicism after 40+ years and want to receive communion. Although I remember the prayers, a lot has happened in these past years that I "think" I should confess but wasn't sure how to go about it in that space of time. Thank you for posting this! Now I feel much more confident about what I should confess. I don't want to be a lister! 😊
I think you’re missing the “painfully uncomfortable/ avoidant”- one who may not have been gone for 20 years but generally finds confession to be almost unbearably uncomfortable, embarrassing and generally avoids it. Having been Catholic for 2 years, I’ve gone to confession only 2 times- both during Lent (not like im a saint the rest of the yr)…yeah, I really need to work on that, ive been thinking about going to confession for awhile and this video has made me resolute to go this week. Thank you Father.
I would recommend Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits by Dan Burke for help on overcoming emotions. He goes through the 14 rules of St Ignatius with modern examples to help understand how to become more attuned to God’s plan for your life.
@@imjustheretogrill4794 It depends, really. If the person who died in mortal sin was remorseful and or planning to go to confession, they’d probably end up in purgatory
@@imjustheretogrill4794 not necessarily, if you are baptized, then you are cleansed from original sin. Before the institution of Confession/Penance, converts did put off baptism until the last minute for fear of committing a sin. One of the things I have heard about mortal sins is how you know something is gravely wrong by the presence or absence of Christ in your life. I like to think of it like when I broke my arm 7 years ago on March 1st. Yesterday, I slipped on the ice in the exact same way, and it caused a jolt to my humerus bone. What could it be telling me about the dangers my body faces? Putting my boots on the ice at night could be cause a spill if the traction sucks, for one, and, two, I could have been carrying some heavy bags over a slick patch or even perhaps pregnant or slightly older that could hurt a baby or bust a hip. Our sins are not private and personal as King David’s sin with Bathsheba can teach us.
The good news is that you don’t have to go to a priest to receive forgiveness! Jesus died and tore the veil in two into the heavenly place, so we can enter into the presence of God through the merits of Jesus Christ😊
when we were kids we were given a list and we went to confession every week. The list included making our parents mad, not obeying our parents, etc. We were taught to confess every little thing we did or caused another to do.
As you should. He is arguing against Church teaching when he says we only have to confess mortal sin and not have to be habitual about coming in. Countless Saints have said the complete opposite and Church teaching is to confess as often as possible.
@@boogerandfriends The obligation according to the Church is to receive the Sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist once a year, preferably at Easter, but we are encouraged to receive both much more often.
I’m 47 and converted from Protestantism to Catholicism last year. making my first confession ever to a priest here soon. Prayers appreciated as I am nervous! So very different than how I was raised for sure lol
Priests, bar tenders and medical workers. All kidding aside, this was a great video. Big take away is that far to few people know how to express themselves and your insight really can help those who choose to make those changes. There are far too many people in this world that just need an ear just to listen to them …and god bless those who give their time to do so.
As I grow older my confession is far more conversational than a monologue. I begin by sharing what God is calling my attention to and the areas in my life that I sense I'm failing, or ignoring! I think this opens me to God's grace as revealed in the Sacrament in a new and living way.
Thank you, Fr.Cassey My last confession went well because I watched your previous video on examination of concience. Since then, I have watched every video you post. You have a gift of the Holy spirt. You probably changed many lives all over the world. I wish I could meet you or speak with you by phone.
This was a great help to me! I’m making my very first confession on Saturday. As a Protestant I’ve been a tiny bit nervous. Now I know what to focus on. Thank you!
its a beautiful thing!!! happy for you and I want you to realize that God is upstairs rejoicing with angels over your confession! when we have tripped and fallen, confession is his way of running to us, bandaging our cut and helping us up with love. It’s like a big hug and relief.
I'm old enough that (and I hate to say this) you looked so young to me that I wasn't prepared to the amount of wisdom that came out of this video. Thanks very much!
I was for sure "The Rambler" at my first Confession after Reverting. But I still feel great to Absolved of all the filth I put myself through do so many years.
ughhh i started tearing up. i hadnt gone to confession in 12 years. last summer was the first time. i struggle still. but im better than i was. your words at the end are the hope i felt and feel whenever i go. i will go again soon.
I'm an atheist, raised atheist, and all I ever knew about confession is the common "just say you're sorry and God forgives you" but I am learning a lot about the truth of confession from this video! Thankyou. Honestly, I would love to hear your perspective on things in my life I am struggling with (but I don't want to waste your time as a non-believer)
I'm almost 70 but I recently converted to the Catholic faith. My advice is to start reading the Bible (I like the NIV), cover to cover, one chapter per day. Ask the Creator of everything to speak to your heart as you read. Then find a Catholic church and start attending at least on Sunday. Eventually you will meet a priest and you can ask if you can make an appointment with him to discuss personal issues. Maybe you can move from identifying yourself as an atheist to to a truth seeker. 🙏💝🌿
The first time I went back after many years was to write down my sins one by one on index cards so wouldn't forget anything. It really helped it go more smoothly and to overcome the embarrassment of searching for the words. I still use notes sometimes- even though I can hardly see them in the dark -but it helps me organize my thoughts!
I used notes when I was doing general Confession from whole my life. One wise priest suggested in his book to do this at least one in our lifetime. He said when we very young we go to confession but we do not feel sorry for our sins or not enough. Also he predicted that soon there will be not enough priest to confess and people will be waiting in long queues.
I have severe anxiety. Going to confession, no matter how irrational I know this feeling of anxiety is, I'm still a mess of emotions. I'm afraid of forgetting what to say, how to say it, how to respond. Watching your channel and others, is a bright light.
Make an appointment for confession outside of normal confession time. Let your priest know about your anxiety and your worries. He will gladly help you.
Also, say Binding Prayers, Satan tries to keep people fearful and anxious. Fr. Rippeger has a great book, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity. I do the Auxilium Christorium Prayers daily and it's MUCH HELP.
The last section was something I really needed to hear. I am the "Welcome home" type, as I haven't done confession since my first one nearly twenty years ago. It really put a smile on my face, and made me a bit less unenthusiastic at the idea of going back.
I felt so called out by this video. For years, I was sort of a "lister", for fear of forgetting sins that I need to confess, not making a confession count if I forget a sin. 😬
I always bring a small list in with me! I don’t trust my memory. But it’s important how you treat the list: I write it with the question “How have I hurt you, God?” in mind (I don’t usually struggle with scrupulously), and then I really use the list to see the big patterns. I still confess the list, but acknowledge the patterns and deeper motivations. The list can lead to more heartfelt contrition.
Exactly. I’m a lister because I like to through an examination of conscious because I’m not a trained theologian with every sin memorized. So the reflecting part happens ahead of time and I write them down. Part of this is the fact in modern times confession is available once a week for an hour. We have to rush because we’ve all been there when the priest had to cut off the line because he had to get ready for mass. I’d hate for my rambling to cause someone to not get absolved.
When I came back to the Church last year after over 50 years, I went to confession. I didn't know when the traditional confessions were heard. (I'm in Israel) but I went to the Church which is Carmelite and asked for a priest. He put on a stole but was not in clericals and we sat in the parlor and I told him my story. I did tell him there were some serious sins but he told me that God knows and I didn't need to say them out loud, then he gave me absolution. Since then I've found that there is always confession during the Arab and English Masses on Saturday night. I prefer the Arab Mass so I get there a bit early and say my Confession. The other night, I got a priest who doesn't speak English and I don't speak Arabic but we both speak Italian. 😊I didn't know the Act of Contrition any more but he led me in it. This was a true mortal sin that took me a while to be convicted of because at the time I did it, there was some controversy in the Church about it. I really prefer the traditional way in the Confessional.
If you grew up before Vatican II, as I did, you were taught over and over if you missed even the tiniest sin, you were going straight to Hell. When my 2nd grade class (mostly 7 year olds) was preparing for our First Confession and First Holy Communion, the nun teaching us (Our all-day, all subject parochial school instructor, ironically named Sister Geronamo (I know, Italian, not Apache) told us if we were on our way to Confession, were crossing the street in front of the church hit by a bus and killed, we would be condemned to Hell because we didn't confess our sinsfirst. And you wonder why so many look on Confession with a jaundiced eye? I do go, but it's still a somewhat upsetting experience. The new face to face style many parishes have adopted is even more disconcerting.
I was taught that way, too, and we were terrified of accidently missing something. Which is probably why there's a whole generation of seven year olds who confessed to adultery.
But Jim, I’ll guarantee you, that a higher percentage of Catholics frequented the Sacraments before Vatican II than do now. If it was fear that drove them to the confession, then so be it. Better than today, where most Catholics feel they have no need for it.
Wow. I teach 7 yr olds in catechism. To get them ready for confession we make sure they understand what sin is. Ten commandments help. Anything that breaks your relationship with GOD, doing something you know is wrong but don't care how it hurts anyone is a simple way to say it.
I listed my sins on a piece of paper once. I listed them because I'm forgetful, and I really am sorry for everything that I've listed. After confession, the priest asked me to tear or burn the paper so as not to break the seal of confession. When I got home, I went to our front yard, took a lighter and burned it. There's something moving about watching my listed sins be reduced to ashes. Shortly after, a breeze blew, and I just felt God's love at that very moment.
Didn't know this... I write sins on scrap paper, but they just lie around somewhere. I don't think it's breaking the seal of confession if you live alone and can't even remember where the scrap of paper is afterwards! I guess it depends. Who's going to read it? But next time, I'll try to remember to tear it up (don't want to ignite any fires).
What a kind priest. Perhaps also, the listed sins are forgiven so it's appropriate to dispose of the list. I imagine that if I kept a list, I'm planning to commit them again! God bless
As a convert, i never reall got into confession. But after 30 years i had a life changing event. I started to get much more involed in my faith and prayer life. I started attending mass more often and started going to confession every month or two. Then last fall i discovered latin mass. St. John cantius church of Chicago. Confession is offered before and during every mass. I have now made it a practice to go to confession before evey mass. And i find it so helpful as i struggle with various thorns in my side. Thank you Father for these tips.
From the age of 4 to 10 I went to school in a convent, I will never forget the way mother superior told us about lists of sins. A boy went to confession, unfolded a paper with a list of sins. "Forguive me ....... - I didn't do what my parents asked me, - ... - ... . . . - I kicked my sister... ups, I don't have a sister, this is not my list."
"Why today?" That struck my heart so hard. I know there's a lot in here that I've been keeping ever since my last confession. It's comforting when you remind me that in the Holy Eucharist, venial sins are cast out. Now, I can narrow down on the real guilt. Today is my confession. I need to be ready. Thank you.
I've honestly come to love confession over the years. I've had some okay experiences with some priests, but I've also had experiences with priests who have showed extreme compassion towards me, making me feel SO loved, as they should! One priest would always say "praise God that you're here" and would always have me leaving the confessional with the biggest smile on my face. It truly is such an intimate, beautiful, loving encounter with God.
Fr. Casey, I really want to thank you for this. I was planning to go to reconciliation this Lent, but was very apprehensive about it. This video has really softened my heart. God bless you Fr. Casey.
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Going to confession tomorrow for the first time in nearly fifty years. I have been carrying around my mortal sins and flagellating myself with them for far too long and I'm tired. I want to come home. Please pray for me.
If I were in your position, I wouldn't fix my sins by committing a major sin which is asking for forgiveness from creation rather than the Creator.
I hope you are able to improve your relationship with the Creator.
Fantastic! Any updates?
@@ibrahimalharbi3358 what are you saying?
Explain this;
1 John 1:9 - if we confess our sins, God is faithful to us and forgives us and cleanse us. But we must confess our sins to one another. Num. 5:7 - this shows the historical practice of publicly confessing sins, and making public res- titution.
@@ibrahimalharbi3358
Matt 16:19
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
I went for the first time in over 20. I feel so refreshed. It’s truly a clean slate and no other religion has this privilege.
Just a few months ago I was the last one. I hadn't been to confession or Mass in 20 years. I'm back at church and have been to confession a couple times (cried each time. Lol.). I'm so happy to be back. 😊
We're happy to have you back 😊
Welcome back darling. I'm happy the holy spirit led you back
Welcome home 💙
Glad you went and just know we pray for you and for all people who feel afraid to go to confession.
Why were you away
I absolutely sobbed when I first went back to confession after 30 years. The priest was so so sweet. It made all the difference in the world
It took a lot of grace for you to make that decision. I thank God for leading you home.
Welcome back home! Look for a Church that offers the Old Latin Mass. It will blow your socks off!
I did the same….. I wept…. I was so happy, and absolved.
you sound like you are mentally ill
These amazing young Priests are the future hope of our Church. Let us never forget to pray for them
What is the position of hands during Lorda prayer in the mass
@@julietaticzon149 i don't know maybe 👐 smt like that
WHY PRAY FOR THEM, CANT THEY FORGIVE THEIR OWN SINS IN THE CONFESSIONAL? AREN'T THEY INFALLIBLE?
@@timothyreilly8394 Priests are not infallible according to Catholic theology. Only the pope, he in the chair of Saint Peter, can infallibly define a dogma of the Catholic Faith.
@@jesussaves6625 The Pope is not infallible either. All fall short of the Glory of God. I don't worship the Pope, the chair you think the Apostle Peter sat in, or magical priests.
Why don't you say ROMAN CATHOLIC dogma, because that is what you are referring to. Why do you RC members always try to deceive by using the word "Catholic" to describe yourselves. Why do you want to dictate your Apostate traditions on Christians throughout the world? Sounds like the Mafia (well, your HQ is in Italy) to me.
I went over 10 years without confession because I was an atheist. I spent 40 minutes confessing all the bad and the priest was happy in even giving me help on how to fix and recommended me “Introduction to Christianity” book. Such an awesome confession. After the final prayer I got teary eye and goosebumps
I am so happy that he recommended you the best book about that subject...it is impossible to write anything better....
Cradle Catholic here, been going to Confession since I was 6 years old. One time, around 16-17, I knelt down, made the Sign of the Cross and COMPLETELY FORGOT HOW TO CONFESS. It was just having a total lapse or something and said "Father? I totally forgot what to say" kinda laughing by accident. He chuckled along and said "well, let's get to the sins part why don't we?"
It was just so humbling and now I can laugh about it.
I chuckled 1x @ the incongruity of a "sin" ( I think it was @ kneeling vs standing for Communion; standing forbidden n one place; kneeling forbidden n another). the priest took offense @ it n got huffy. Lol!
Asked if I "thot this was funny?"
I chuckled slightly at your comment. Sometimes your head goes blank for a bit and it happens to me too. Some priests would guide you straight to saying your sins, cuz it is the part that truly matters. Some priests have their way to help you too, they will teach you how to do the sacrament again, step by step :).
But the most important thing is that you are sincere, and want to change for the better. God bless you 😊
Lol…I could so picture you going through that! God Bless!
Don’t call anyone on earth Father except for our Father in heaven.. (Matthew 23:9) confess to Jesus he forgives you of all sins through the finished work on the cross and calls to relationship not a manmade religion.. you mushy he born again. Read the Bible for yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to give you eyes to se ears hears to hear.
Thank you for this video. I'm starting to cry now with the welcome home one. I went to confession three weeks ago after being away from the Church for over 30 years. I forgot everything and really fumbled around. But, the previous week...the Holy Spirit was speaking very loud and clear to me to go-to confession...now. I did. I'm back home
Go
That was a Spirit but not the Holy Spirit
God bless you and welcome home! Peace be with you.
@@chryspersons2336 how would you know if it wasn't your experience?
@@LauraBeeDannon because the Holy Spirit will only guide you in accordance with the scriptures. Remember how Nehemiah was told to enter into the heavenly place, that God told the messenger to hide in the sanctuary in order to escape being killed? Nehemiah knew the messenger was not from God because God never speaks against His own commandments. Likewise, only God can forgive our sins and we have direct access to Him through the merits of Jesus. Man cannot intercede nor can saints, but Jesus intercedes on our behalf 😊❤️
Went back to Church after 40 years. Confession felt good. A few unexpected tears. You perform a great service forgotten or overlooked by many. Thank you.
I asked the Holy Spirit to convict me of sins I had forgotten, or committed years ago and never confessed, things which offended God. Boy, did He dredge up some whoppers from my youth! Though I go to confession several times in a year, these particular confessions the Holy Spirit led me to were very difficult, but at the same time, I felt great urgency to make them, and great relief afterward. I cried, too. I didn't expect that.
@@RP-eo9ll I’ve been to both celebrations of Tridentine and Novus Ordo. Both are equally valid when they’re done with reverence and respect for Our Lord. The Old Mass isn’t the only valid one.
You're more than a priest.You're a gifted man and blessed with your approach to this difficult subject.😇🤔🙏
Welcome home my friend!
@@Charles-jj2su none are valid.
I'm not religious anymore, though I was raised Catholic, but I wanted to say, as someone who struggles with OCD, I can't tell you how much it means to me to hear you address the disorder in regards to scrupulosity. I developed OCD when I was 12 and scrupulosity plagued me endlessly, to the point where I couldn't really sleep or eat. You also have such a compassionate understanding of it that most people (both religious and secular) just don't. It's very refreshing to see 😊
God wants you to come back to the Church.
Hello I have suffered from scrupulosity. Its Horrible. If you ever come back or if you know someone with scrupulosity that is catholic, I have a great tip that could help a lot:
Only confess with the same priest. IF he tells you that "X" is not a sin, Obey and Believe it. Dont go asking other priests. A priest told me once that If he says something that is wrong, He is the one that will have to answer to Jesus. Not me.
Also consacrating yourself to Jesus through Mary is the best tip ❤ I did it with St. Louis of Montfort method. Because when you do that, no matter what your actions or prayer lacks, Mary can lend you her virtues and merits, and present all that to God. She completes what your good deeds lack, because
she loves God and you.
St Louis de Montfort says this "Let us pray, then, to our dear
Mother and Queen that having
accepted our poor present, she may
purify it, sanctify it, beautify it, and
so make it worthy of God. Any
good our soul could produce is of
less value to God our Father, in
winning his friendship and favour,
than a worm-eaten apple would be
in the sight of a king, when
presented by a poor peasant to his
royal master as payment for the
rent of his farm. But what would
the peasant do if he were wise and
if he enjoyed the esteem of the
queen? Would he not present his
apple first to her, and would she
not, out of kindness to the poor
man and out of respect for the king,
remove from the apple all that was
maggoty and spoilt, place it on a
golden dish, and surround it with flowers? Could the king then refuse
the apple? Would he not accept it
most willingly from the hands of
his queen who showed such loving
concern for that poor man?"
Also obviously continue visiting a good mental health professional. There's a reason why God gave that person that vocation, right? ❤
I know it can be difficult but above all, know that God is merciful, he loves you and wants you to be in heaven eternally happy. He died for that, remember?
Why do you bother with your comment. What's your point? Scupulodity awareness? Why did you even watch this video? Your not religious, which you declared right away. I'm 100% sure this video's intention was not to make a non-believer, (even in the false doctrine of Roman Catholism) feel refreshed.
@@timothyreilly8394That's terrible. You usually get a sense of a church and faith through it's members. Of course it's nice to see members be nice to each other, but if they don't share that with nonbelievers it's like christ saying I only care about anyone unless they love me. I've yet to talk with a priest which such mindset and hopefully not the members of the church.
Horrible.
It might be demon(s), just saying… 👀
Thank you for this video. The “Welcome Home” one made me cry. I was in this role twice. Thankfully, God sent the perfect priest each time to support me in this process.
Jesus is our perfect High Priest. We do not need man to forgive our sins. Only God gives forgiveness of sins friend ❤️
@@blackpuma180 amen
Confession is of course to God. We would never say a priest “forgives”, but is rather the vessel of grace.
To hear “I forgive you” is such a deep need we humans so deeply desire when we are in a state of sin and confession is a beautiful sacrament that God has given to us to fulfill this part of the human soul.
I hope you know what I say comes to you from a place of love and the desire to share
@@davinciandiversity8823 God bless your soul. I can see your intentions are nothing but love, and I pray God will bless you for that. However, I speak only from the Bible. When we sin, unless we have sinned directly against someone, such a lying to them or hurting them, we have no need to confess our sin to them. To hear “I forgive you” from someone would make so sense if we didn’t do anything to hurt them. “Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight- That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.”
Psalms 51:4
I meant to say “no sense”, my apologies friend
I remember well my own “it’s been 20 years since my last confession”moment. I’m forever grateful for the compassion the wonderful priest showed me that day.
I just had my first confession in 17 years yesterday and my priest was very great about it. I did probably hold the line up a bit, but I'm going to go regularly to avoid that again.
It's been 14 years for me (self proclaimed atheist since my lifestyle choices didn't align with god), but its not about the time but the gravity of my sins. Selfishly ended the life of not one but two babies since I was 18. have been promiscuous my whole adult life, didn't shy away from married men either. all thanks to overindulgence in alcohol and later drugs. I Immensely regret these sins but I dont feel worthy of forgivness specially since I was raised by a wonderful religious father so "I knew better." I actively rejected God for all these years. Im terrified that the priest will reject my confession.
@@PetiteNomNom I understand your hesitance, especially considering the multiple abortions. Traditionally abortion would be cause for excommunication in the Catholic Church. However, this has changed. Referencing Misericordia et Misera, which you can look up yourself, in section twelve of the letter, Pope Francis announces that all priests, not just bishops, now have the ability to forgive individuals who have committed the sin of abortion. Pope Francis stated that there is no sin that God's mercy cannot reach and wipe away if a repentant heart seeks reconciliation. You can be forgiven for all of your sins, even the abortions as long as you truly repent and mean it fully when confessing to God. I hope you get and stay on a good and blessed path and I will pray for you.
@@PetiteNomNom I'll give you a tip which I believe will help you as it has helped myself and many other live with less sin. Pray the rosary. The rosary is fantastic and it truly helps. Mary provides us guidance and helps bring us closer to her son, Jesus. Pray the Rosary every day, especially when you have urges to sin. You will feel her presence and she will provide you with many blessings and grace, and bring you much closer to God. Make sure to get your Rosary blessed. Go to confession and then get it blessed by the priest which you confessed to and it will be extra special to you. It'll be blessed by the priest who brought you back into God's grace and flock and you'll feel that more attached to it. God bless you
@@PetiteNomNom part of my confession involved an ex girlfriend aborting my child, unbeknownst to me at the time as I didn't know she was pregnant but still. The priest provided me with resources to help heal and also provided information for retreats for people who have had abortions in the past. I promise you, it will be okay. God loves you and wants you to be forgiven. God will forgive you fully and he will not remember your sin when you join him in his Kingdom. And Mary will always be there to guide you and vouch for you in the Kingdom of Heaven. She wants all souls to love and be with her son, yourself included :)
I went to confession the other day (face-to-face), and the priest was so kind.
Afterwards, I preformed my penance and broke down crying because of the love of the Lord.
Had the opposite situation today. I hadn’t been to a confession since high school. I was yelled at by the priest and now I am in doubt that my sins were forgiven and I feel further from God.
Being a convert from Protestantism almost 2 years, Confession was a bewilderment to me.
Once I did it a few times, I saw the power of God in it. I saw my life changing. I saw my walk strengthening. I try to go to Confession every other week whether I need it or not, simply because I know I need it for the innermost parts of my spirit and soul.
I’m grateful for all the priests hearing our confessions.
Just one question, respectfuly I ask, what do you do with the worship of idols in the catholic church?
@@danagrace3911
When I was a Protestant, and I was listening to praise and worship music, I would at times be inspired to fall on my knees and pray. No one ever accused me of worshipping the speakers or the band. I was worshipping God.
Likewise, for Catholics, they can see a statue of a saint, and be inspired to pray to God, or to ask a saint to pray for us to God.
@@harryallenpearce89 the Bible says the dead know nothing. How can a saint pray for us? Where in the Bible does it say that saints pray for us? Didn’t Jesus die to tear the veil into the heavenly place, so we can enter it and have direct access to God the Father?
@@blackpuma180
Jesus died.
Does Jesus know nothing?
How does Jesus hear your prayers?
@@harryallenpearce89 wow, that's a great way to answer that question
Thanks for sharing…being a non Christian, I couldn’t understand the sacredness of confession… thanks for making my understanding clear and looking at the beauty behind confession
God bless you on your journey home.
I love the portrait of Our Lord and Saviour standing above and behind the priest in the Confessional. People often say that you don't need to confess to a priest. I try to remember that here on earth He Himself gave power to forgive sins to them only. When He cured the leper he told him not to speak of it to anyone but go directly to the high priests of the temple, have them look at him and declare publicly that he was now clean.
Hey man Jesus died for all of our sins so we may get to Heaven one day and be forgiven of our sins. God raised Him from the dead on the third day. He is waiting for you if you would like to accept the invite. God bless!
@@mary8239 thanks for your kind message…I think this beautiful act of confession also makes life more meaningful and take religious acts more seriously…it inculcates a sense of seriousness 🙏 I love Lord Jesus Christ and all Christian traditions and I love my religion too …I study Geeta everyday
Often even faithful Protestant or Evangelical Christians don't really understand it either as it's not practiced or certainly at least not in the same way in the non Catholic denominations of Christianity.
This was wonderful! I did the « Mom Thing » recently and was crying over my adult children leaving the church. The priest asked « where is YOUR sin in this? » and he told me that they are responsible for their actions…I can pray about it but I tried my best when they were growing up. It lifted a big burden from my heart. And this priest is one I have found to be less than sympathetic in the past…so it was a good way to enter Holy Week.
If they left the church then they probably had a very poor, or no, foundation built. Plenty have left the church over time because it’s all been diluted down to just “being nice.” Most leave when that’s all it revolves around, as it doesn’t really solve anything.
@toffeenut1336. They had 12 years of Catholic school and a good religious upbringing at home. It’s not always something we did or didn’t do or provide as parents!
Are you born again? Jesus said we must be born again.. read the word of truth (the bible) for yourself and be set free from manmade religion and get in relationship with your Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ .. John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 10:9-10, John 14:6, Roman’s 6:23, Matthew 11:28-30
@@Mary-el3pi I think a lot of adults leave the church for a while to test the world and find the truth for themselves. Even if they may not consciously realize. My mom prayed for me every day like St Monica for years and years. I had to go through some things and try other things before I could really be open to the Holy Spirit. Very much like the prodigal son.
Keep praying Mama. I know the prayers of mother's are why many people are in heaven.
And don't forget God loves them and wants them even more than you do. He hasn't given up either.
My FIL went to confession recently for the 1st time in 60 years. 🎉 I had the inspiration one day to pray for him that he would be given grace of desire to go. About two weeks later my son whom he is closest with announced PAPA IS GOING TO CONFESSION!! The priest told him how happy he was he returned and he made his day. ❤
Thanks for accepting that I’ll be back tomorrow. I feel ashamed having to go back tomorrow for confession with OCD, I don’t want to there either but it feels like the only escape. It’s a combination of feeling like everything’s a mortal sin (even though intellectually I don’t think so) and despair. I hope now that I have a spiritual director (along with counselor, support, etc.) it’ll get better
This is also what I have been struggling with, even came to the point where copying one answer in a multiple choice test on a subject that will not be a part on my requirements for moving to senior high school is a mortal sin. I have doubts if it is a mortal sin then feel guilty, feeling guilty I changed the answer that I copied on before passing. Even now I still have doubts.
Have you found an OCD therapist and undergone Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the standard treatment for OCD? I would highly recommend reading up on it, watching videos, and considering addressing this psychological issue. ERP really helps people.
I have been in a similar situation. This sounds like religion OCD. Lots of great info out there on it. I personally would obsess about praying. I would psych myself out that I made a mistake and then repeat the prayer over and over. My thought process was if the prayer wasnt perfect, I would be sinning. A spiritual director could definitely help. Remember God loves you. I will pray for you and keep your head up, things will get better.
“The prospects for peace are dim
and
getting dimmer. Civilization hangs by a hair. The people are too dumb to understand what has happened, the newspapers have lied to them. Radio commentators and politicians have deceived them. Ministers, priests and rabbis have misled them and the Sanhedrin and the money gang are destroying them. Jesus woke the people up in His day, so the Sanhedrin and the money gang had Him crucified."
-Henry H. Klein, 1946
Pray, pray, pray the rosary. It is very powerful. But be sure to meditate on the mysteries. Also, pray slowly, never rushed.
God bless you! ❤️
I wish and pray that one day my son will be listening to your message and return fully to the church. Holy Spirit guide him . Amen.
It is possible, after so many years I have returned to church and on fire than ever.
I searched, learned and I will never leave the church ever.
Pray the the 7 sorrows of Mary rosary for his conversion
You can pray to saint Monica, she went through a lot with her son, saint Augustine. ☺
May God bless him and you all prayers out for y’all. We humbly pray and wish all of this in Jesus Christ’s Holy Name, Amen.
Amen
Thank you for this one, father! Some years ago I made a big confession after almost 14 years away. Yes, I brought a list. Yes, I had no idea how to start and I forgot how to do the act of contrition. Yes, some of my major sins I "speed-ran" and some I emphasized 7 - 8 times because scrupulosity got to me. The priest was very patient and tentative. After all he looked at me and said "That was a lot. A lot that is not with you anymore". Go to confession people. Trust me, they've heard it all, but it's us who maybe never said it all before. It cures the soul! God Bless.
After 20 years away I brought a list too. Plus it was in the midst of the pandemic and I was terrified I might forget something and die without receiving a final confession. I cried, a lot, and the priest was so wonderful.
God bless that priest!
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
(Matthew 23:9)
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
(1 Timothy 2:5)
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
(Isaiah 43:25)
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
(1 John 2:1-2)
Do not call your priest or pope "father" or "holy father" as that title belongs to God alone and not man. Confess your sin directly to God the Father through Jesus Christ. He is your mediator and direct access to God. Repend and turn away from your sins.
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
(Revelations 18:4)
@@Corea4sure
John 20:21-23:
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
James 5:14-17:
Is any one among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves and he prayed fervently that it might not rain… and… it did not rain…
I Peter 2:5-9 gives us some insight about priesthood:
… and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ… But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people…
Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
@@ninodjuras Thanks for jotting these clear verses, i Think some people havent done enough research about the Bible or they are just looking for a fight! 😂 blessings🙏
Im a 20 year lapsed Catholic. I certainly have committed many mortal sins- actually mortal. I'll be going soon. Thank you
Lent is the perfect season to go. Have courage!
How you doing know? Went to that confession? 😄
Yea, been gone done. Back at mass, 3 times weekly when I can
God bless you! I will be praying for you!
I hope you made it soon. No need to carry something that God wants to take from you and give you forgiveness and joy in its place.
I went after 45 years, what a list and blessed relief and just Joy and peace, just turn up and say I am sorry and the holy spirit will do the rest
I fall into the "everything mortal" category because I am terrified of receiving Communion in a state of unworthiness, rationalizing sin, and hence dying without a state of grace. I also feel that being so rigorous on myself will amplify my inclination to virtue and avoidance of sin. I am hopeful that one day, I will understand things in a clearer sense and know what is truly right and wrong.
None of us are worthy to receive the eucharist. We receive it because that is what the lord wants us to do because he loves us.
This is called scrupulosity, there are a bunch of vídeos on the topic, i would recommend to watch them
@@ziziping23 you don't know what your reply has done for me. Thank you so much. Really grateful ♥️
@@jaybest1787 no problem, God bless!
I think most peeps lose the faith primarily by receiving n mortal sin?
Thank you Father many times I have not allowed myself to receive the Holy Sacrament thinking am unworthy but you remind me that not everything is Mortal sin and so depriving myself of the real holy Food will only keep me farther from God .
YES!! I agree!! Thank you Father!
I went to Catholic school for 16 years and never knew this!
only unworthy if you receive with mortal sin.
examination of conscious is an important tool. some don't realize what sins are!
So, is my understanding correct in that we’re only to go to confession when we commit a mortal sin? If that’s the case, then I don’t think I ever need to go because I don’t do anything, I can think of, that’s that bad. Pretty much all the things said in this video that he said really don’t need confessing are the worst things that I do. So does this mean I shouldn’t go to confession, ever?
I’ve gone to confession for the first time in over 8 years this lent. Its been a long time and I’ve really returned to my faith and reclaimed it ever since I started attending Franciscan University of Steubenville. I’m still a sinner in many ways but at least I have Jesus Christ as my lord and savior ❤❤
Thank you for this video. I was baptized into the church as an adult 15 years ago and have yet to have a first confession. I have struggled with this sacrament but feel I am now ready to take part in reconciliation of the mortal sins I have incurred over the past 15 years. Sadness and grace both.
God bless you brother. Through Our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Remember, the priest is in persona Christe. And Christ loves you enough to literally die on the Cross so you can be with Him for all eternity. Trust Him, and know God truly is Love and He loves you with Divine Love. You are recieving His Divine Mercy in the confessional.
I hope that helps some.
💎💕👍❤️🙏🏻
I didn´t want to get this sacrament because there were too many things I didn´t understand but I asked Mary the grace to soften my heart and I started to look up for more info, to understand better. I think It's okay not to be ready but there are things we can do to be ready one day. God bless you! If this seems useful for you, take it, if not just take the good intention with it has been shared!!
@@alejandragonzalezperez7161 The Sacraments don’t mean anything to God and you don’t need sacraments at all. Don’t Pray to Mary or ask her for intercession and venerate Mary that’s a form of idolatry and she can’t hear your prayers and blessings too. Because she’s not a God or a Goddess and she’s dead not alive like her son. My Godmother is Catholic and she doesn’t take sacraments with her nor does she pray to Mary and call her for intercession and venerate her too. The Roman Catholics don’t read their Bible nor do Bible study at their church they just listen to what the pope has to say instead and they take the sacraments with them but Catholics don’t but they do Baptism and they read The Holy Bible and The King James Version of The Bible that’s the difference between both of them.
@@henkaistudio You know nothing about the Catholic Church so don't pretend to. We don't pray to her. We ask her to pray for us. Jesus performed His first miracle at her request. When he turned water into wine at the wedding of Cana. You don't need to worry about how much Catholics love Mary. We could never love, honor or respect Her as much as Her Son, Jesus loves Her. If you want to trash the Mother of God, go ahead. It doesn't seem very wise. God won't like it.
Remembering my first time back to confession after 10 years, it felt like this sense of weight on my shoulders just vanished and my soul felt lighter after, it was so relieving! I thank God for that moment every time I remember because He welcomed me back like the lost sheep🐑❤
Your story is very inspiring! It’s been 10+ years for me too, confession has been weighing very heavily on my heart and I plan to go very very soon 🤍🐑
That's how confession makes me feel as well!❤
I will pray for you, that you may also feel welcomed back and receive freedom from your sins through the mercy of God. It is truly a beautiful way to heal❤
Amen
Nice.Thx b to God!
Year ago I was the last example mentioned in this video. I came back to the church after 13 years. Not only that... Tomorrow someone I was praying for will go for her first confession after 13 years too just like me. I can't even describe how happy and grateful I am! Looking at my life at the moment I'm sure of one thing... I don't want to be away from God ever again.
The Holy Spirit prompted me to seek confession during Holy Week of 2002 but I couldn’t get an appointment. Finally on Holy Saturday afternoon went to my nearby parish but the wouldn’t either as they said they were too busy( I’d been away for 20 years!) At my wits end began calling around again and finally got a sweet priest that would hear it. There I was, on the Church steps with him and 2 Irish terrior dogs. It was the best Confession I ever had. So thankful that one priest took the time to do this. He is now deceased but I hope God gave him a “ get out of jail(purgatory) free or even a one way ticket to heaven immediately.
God bless and thank you for your testimony.
I love your story, just moving and beautiful
Getting an appointment to confess non you don't have to wait as soon as you realize you sin you ask the Lord for forgiveness. You don't wait for a sinner like you to confess.
I am a convert. I will never forget how nervous I was or how kind and compassionate the priest was who heard my confession.
When I came out, one of the other people who were going through RCIA with me, came out of confession in violent tears and crying, and then left, never to return. She had gone through a year, but either chose or wasn't allowed to continue. I always wondered what could have happened that her experience was so different from mine. I am grateful to God every day for my Catholic faith!
I thought you can’t do confession until your baptized? Doesn’t baptism also grant forgiveness for all past sins.
@@nekonetflux2258 if it’s a convert from a Trinitarian faith (Protestants) they are usually already baptized in the original faith which is in turn accepted by the CC.
My husband was raised agnostic so when he came into the Church he got the Big Dip! So did a fellow Confirmandi who was ex Mormon. (Mormons are not Trinitarian Christians. Meaning they do not believe in the absolute divinity of Christ.)
The parish had a large granite baptismal font and Father accidentally forgot to turn the heater on earlier that day.
It really was a true measure of how much these two individuals receiving baptism wanted it when they were climbing into a freezing cold pool of water with clothes on! Father did too, good sport that he was. It was a good reminder to turn the heat on next time!
I have cried violently after confession, but it was remorse and gratitude. I will pray for this woman of which you speak. 🙏
@@workin4alivin585 I’ve ugly cried myself. Confession really cleans the soul and body.
@@The.Artistic.Squirrel Amen!
I love confession, for us Catholics in lebanon we do it always. It’s a normal thing we don’t think about it twice. And i love my priests advise
Thank you Father. It has been many, many years since I have been to confession. I needed this.
God is the only holy father not the pop
@@love101a3 So how do you address a priest? Despite many friends calling them only by their name I still call the priests I know "Father"
Look at Mark 7:9-13..God Bless!
@@hemsty2 Correct.
huh@@love101a3
6:34 here in germany the most catholics only recieve the confession like 3 times in their life... (Including the Sunday-Mass-visitors) Please pray for the catholic church in Germany!
Hoping you're setting a good example over there for how kind, happy and loving the Christian life is! You are the only Gospel some people will read 🙂.
I found in Germany about only half the parishioners go up for communion, so at least there's that and they're not simply taking the eucharist in a state of mortal sin
I heard that the Church in Germany is imposing a 5%(not that sure on the percentage tho) tax on parishioners.. and that a lot of them are no longer attending mass including my boss' kids😥
@@roselyncadalzomamangun1708 yes the church tax is because of the past where monastaries were closed and stolen by the german state, which was before ww1. Today its, I think a payment for managing schools, hospitals, Kindergarten etc. The most of the catholics here have a protestant-atheist-marxist-humanist view on the church.
@@leonard3115: But how are they supposed to keep their faith alive like that? How are they supposed to endure? It is also dangerous because nobody knows when they will be called by the Lord, and sometimes there won’t be a possibility of making a confession.
I’m also afraid it’s not always the lay people’s fault, either. There is a “strange” tendency of the clergy to avoid having to listen to the confessions lately, at least in my experience over the last couple of years. I must mention I live in a missionary country with a very small number of Catholics and a big deficit of priests (Japan).
I’m definitely guilty of the “list” 😂
Edit: a little over a year ago, I was the “welcome home”. I bawled and it was an incredible experience ❤
Here tooo
I am an ex Muslim, not sure what I believe in now but the last part brought me to tears.
God bless you on your journey! Peace be with you.
Connect yourself to Jesus from your heart> He will lead you to peace and salvation. I pray for you.
Search for the truth, the trinity will not guide you away. Read, pray, read, and know you are searching for the truth. It will transpire. We are in this together, in truth, love, and paradise.
I was where you are, then Jesus showed me that there is no God beside him. And he doesn’t need anyone to intercede for him because he’s not dead.♥️
You're an honest person seek God truthfully and you will indeed find Him and His love in the Person of Jesus
I have a 30 minute drive to the church for confession. On the way I pray for God to bring to my heart what I should confess that day. I go every First Saturday. I'm blessed that we have a priest that celebrates that devotion with mass, adoration and hears confession. Thanks for the video!
So you pray to God.
To help you remember.
What sins to tell a priest.
So he can forgive you on God's behalf?
Why not just come directly to God for forgiveness of sins?
@@geordiewishart1683 , because we do what Jesus tells us to do, and Jesus told the apostles (the first priests of our faith) to forgive or hold bound our sins for us, so that we can receive counsel and absolution. God made us. He knows us. He knows what our human nature needs, and Jesus is there in the priest, giving us absolution as he instructed in the Gospel.
Thank you for your kindness and empathy in these videos. I hope to be as kind and thoughtful as you some day
Thank you father Casey. You explained the confession so well with the role play. Should use for catechism for kids and adults !!! Love from India 🇮🇳
I just went for the first time 1-29-21 and am so happy I went. I'm not catholic but was raise in the Nazarene church and it felt so weird telling someone my sins. I felt called to go to confession because of the crippling weight from my sin. As soon as I left I felt the weight lifted off my shoulders. God is good all the time and will help you and reward you for listening to him.
Can you receive absolution if you are a non catholic ? I thought you couldn't but glad you trust Catholic priest ☺️
God is calling you home.
@@Damaris972., the priest cannot give a valid absolution to a non-Catholic, but I agree with you, it is good that this person trusts the priest. I would encourage him/her to continue to seek God and to read about the saints.
@@tryingnottobeasmartass757 i'm technically still Orthodox but have been using Catholic sacraments for 2 years and have converted in my heart, do you think the priest's absolution is invalid in my case? it doesn't appear to be when looking at the Catechism.
@@candletabletop154, in the case of the Orthodox, the sacraments are validly bestowed.
I’m not a Catholic but found this beautiful! I realized my faith has a lot more in common with yours, and I believe a lot of the same things about repentance, even if the exact practice is a bit different. Thank you for sharing this!
Weekly confession is a great gift.
As for the list. I list my sins out beforehand because otherwise I'll forget them, I'm scatterbrained and have even forgotten mortal sins in the past only to remember them after I walk out of the confessional.
Feel the same way.
Do not be afraid.
The purpose is that you are turning towards God with your whole heart. If your *intent* is to reconcile for everything, then it is all forgiven.
I was once told that I could maybe mention it in a later confession, if I felt urged to do so (by my conscience or The Spirit's promoting), but that *honestly forgetting* while in the confessional is no barrier to Grace. God knows our hearts, even the parts we try to hide from ourselves. And He loves you.
Do not be afraid.
@@TomoyoTatar Yes, I get very nervous and often forget things, too.
You're not alone, Patrick. I have to list mine as well, and once penance is given, I have to write that down or I will forget it. Aging has its drawbacks. I do end mine confessions with something I heard a priest say (I think it was Fr Schmitz)... "and all the sins I cannot recall at this time". Christ does know all our sins, and if we've honestly forgotten or just can't recall, He understands. Once I do recall, I do add it to the 'next Sat. confession note to voice.
@@museluvr they actually have that in Polish confession every time at the end... ♡
I’ve been the OCD one in the past. Sometimes it’s hard to differentiate between mortal and venial sins, and thus, the sacrament becomes something out of fear and overthinking.
Same. I still kinda have this although not as severe as before. My friend told me to just look at an examination of conscience and to not really go farther than it require also try to distract yourself up to the point of confession because a lot of the time I would wait in line and then chicken out at the last minute and leave.
God knows your worry. Let me quote “Let go, and let God”.
@@emy1975 It may surprise you to know Jesus Christ / GOD is not particularly fond of pious people. You only have to read in the New Testament His choice of companions and His utterances/ criticism of seemingly pious pharisees etc..
Just go over the ygen commandments and ask yourself if you broke any of them. It's what I use to tell the kids in class to think about instead of over thinking.
@@LauraBeeDannon that's what I thought you were supposed to confess in confessional not some dalliance with a burst of negative emotions or other minor sin.
Thank you so much Fr. Casey. May you always God's priest who will bring to reconcile with our Loving Father.
OH,FatherCasey. I love this episode. Funny,relatable and instructional. God Bless you more.
This was absolutely WONDERFUL father Casey. Hilariously funny,but clear in its message of how to go to confession.
I'm lucky beyond words, that my Godfather who is a priest in the RC Church, is infact my spiritual director, advisor confessor and guide as it were, So my path is very smooth in that direction, and he'll usually tell me at once if he thinks what I'm trying to confess is unnecessary. So a lot of heartache and fear is removed
immediately.
And YET, I normally go to confession about once a month to 6 weeks, as the time for me to go into the confessional gets closer, I'm swamped with guilt, and nerves, and I very often dry up entirely.
I ALWAYS say my OWN version of the act of contrition, by which time I'm shaking like a leaf. So your illustration of the different types of confession that you hear, was useful because some of the misconceptions that I had about confession have been adressed.
That was sn amazing video you made there Father.
All I can still say is Benedicite.
I loved this! "Bless me Father for I have Sinned, I was here 3 hours ago!!" LOL
Wow. That's sad.
NOT funny.
I have an appointment with Father Carlos next week as it's been 30+ years since my last confession. I'm going to share Breaking In the Habit with him, especially this episode, I'd have had that poor man stuck for hours!!!! God Bless you, Father Casey!
I was not ready to be called out harder than in a rap battle watching this video. Well done!
I appreciate this video so much. This definitely confirmed me as scrupulous. My mom would make us go every week for confession as a requirement so I got used to confessing venial sins. I end up feeling horrible and I know it comes from fear and PTSD. I told myself that God loves me and instead of weekly , I began doing it bi-weekly. To remind myself it’s okay and God still loves me.
He does! I go twice a month and it is usually exactly right.
Back in the 70s mom also told us to go to confession every Sunday right before mass. Children confessing venial and even made up stuff. I’m glad I didn’t become too scrupulous because of it. I now go once every two weeks or once a month because the examination of conscience makes me realize where my trouble spots are. It’s good for me and I don’t stress about it.
Love the old Sat evening confession.
I love Confession!
It’s challenging going in but it’s so amazing to feel relief from my burdens
My Franciscan Brother in Christ, thank you for this! I just have my own opinion on one of your statements, that some sins are insignificant. All sin blemishes our soul. If a venial sin becomes a habit, it can lead to indifference and apathy towards holiness. One may think, 'If everyone one is doing it, it's OK no big deal'. Venial sin should be confessed so the person can receive the grace they need to root it out, especially if it is a habit or becoming one. Yes the Mass forgives it, but if claim the sin, verbalize it and hear the words of the Priest absolving them of that sin, it gives hope and courage to overcome it. If all Catholics in the world went to Confession, our holiness example would radiate to the world and change it. Many Saints went to Confession often, I believe St. John Paul II went everyday and he was Pope. Pax et bonum!
Hello I am curious about your faith. Could you provide a few scriptures from the Bible to explain the names for the diffeent times of sins and the justification of going to a priest to have forgiveness of sins? Don’t we have the ability to enter into the presence of God through the merits of Jesus Christ like it says in the word? Thank you friend 😊
I thought St JP II went every week??
@@blackpuma180 , you don't know your bible like you think you do, if you can't find these passages for yourself. They're very plain and right in front of you. Maybe you simply don't want to see them because they don't fit what you think is true. Friend.
@@blackpuma180 I don't know what your faith is, though I would assume Christian based on your comment. Please understand, though this may be scandalous in your opinion, that the Catholic Church believes that all divine truth has been revealed through Scripture and Tradition. Scripture refers to the Bible as compiled by the Church around 400 A.D. Tradition refers to what is not found in Scripture but has been believed by the Church and taught by her since the very beginning. Of course doctrines have been defined and refined over time. This would apply to the concept of mortal and venial sin. Of course in the early Church it was understood some sins were particularly grave, but the concept and three requirements mentioned by Fr. Casey were not definitively put forth immediately. As for a Scriptural support, off the top of my head, I remember Jesus said to the Apostles, "Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven, and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained." This power was passed by the Apostles to their successors. If we could go to the presence of God in every circumstance needing forgiveness, why would Jesus give them this power? And why would the Apostles appoint successors with said power if Jesus did not want them to? Keep in mind that at the end of, I think it was John's Gospel, that it says it is impossible to write down everything Jesus said; that there are some things never mentioned in Scripture. I know this is a long explanation, but I am trying to present it as logically and clearly as possible. If you have any more questions, I would like to try and answer them, though I can not claim to know everything an may be stumped. This is a friendly invitation if you are interested. Not a challenge. God bless.
@@blackpuma180 See 1 John 5:16-17 for different categories of sin. Understand that the words we use for categories are exactly what is referred to there. "Mortal" sin is "sin that is deadly", and venial sin is "sin that is (easily) forgivable".
For going to a priest, you can look directly to John 20:21-23, and then read history books and the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. Contrary to the claims of some people, we. *do* have a clear record of what The Apostles taught. There is no "300 year gap" in the historical record of Christianity. We have the writings of Ignatius of Antioch, Clement of Rome, Polycarp of Smyrna, among others. These were all people who learned directly from the Apostles, and they are much clearer about these things.
Seek and you shall find.
Peace, brother.
As I understand, it is very efficacious to confess even your venial sins, because you receive the graces in confession to overcome them. You will become a better person, become stronger in virtue and come into closer union with Christ.
Yes, I don't know whether it's better to confess venial sins, or to ask for help with them when receiving the Eucharist? I have tried it both ways. I usually depends upon other factors, such as, who is hearing confessions (I have a problem with certain priests), and whether going is convenient for me. Currently, I try to go quarterly. The Pandemic has had a lot to do with receiving the sacraments, too (like, how enclosed is the Confessional?). Of course if it's really bothering me, I guess I would both go to Confession and also, ask for help within receiving the Eucharist. Whichever I am able to do, I have to trust that God understands my situation.
@@LS-ei7xk I understand having a problem with certain priests. Is there another priest that you can go to? However, the graces to overcome your sins lie in the power that the priest has, since he is "in persona Christi". . Having said that, though,, some priests are just not blessed with the charism of being a good confessor, and are not good with guidance and understanding the efficaciousness of confessing these sins. Don't let the fear of Covid-19 hold you back. There are tons of high profile doctors, and whistleblowers from big pharma that are blowing the lid off this false Covid-19 narrative, but are being heavily censored by big tech. I'm not saying that Covid-19 isn't real. It is!
Father Ripperger and Scott Hahn have said confess to confess venial sin. I find that when I confess venial sins I get help overcoming those issues.
I'm in RCIA and I have my first confession during our retreat this weekend. I was so nervous about "doing it right" and what I should or need to confess. This video was extremely helpful and put me at ease. Thank you for sharing!
Welcome home! ❤️
40+ years I finally came home. My first confession back I started as a lister got so nervous I forgot to pull list from pocket. I did a little babbling then I sandwiched some big sins in the middle of venial ones. I believe I even forgot some mentionable sins. I checked all the Tik Tok boxes in one visit. LOL But my heart was in the right place and I am certain God forgave me and the preist was patient.
God bless you!
Haha. I did the same thing! I was a fallen away Catholic and cried and babbled like you, and, probably forgot some of the really bad sins. It was a comfort to see what you wrote; God knew my heart and I was truly sorry for any mortal sin I didn’t say, but I still beat myself up for my past. Maybe that’s part of my punishment.
Thanks, as a coming convert, this was needed. 🙂
Edit: I am actually crying, now.
Welcome home!!
What joy awaits you!! 🙌 God bless you
That's okay.. I must have sobbed every mass my months prior to being baptized, and then thereafter. I still do. When the holy sacrament is given, what our Lord did for us broken children, still hits me hard at times and I'm sobbing as others about act indifferent (thats sad in and of itself).
I often find myself crying in confession. It can be embarrassing. But I feel so good when I leave.
I am a young priest too... Sometimes i feel so grateful when i hear confessions... sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes funny.. everytime blessed.
The “Welcome Home” was me a few months ago. The Holy Spirit set my soul on fire and gave me this profound feeling of what the true state of my soul was. I went to three churches on a weekend to find a confessional because I had been away for so long that I forgot there is a certain time for reconciliation. I almost gave up but my conscious told me to go downtown. There are always old little churches open all the time and when I got there I did not immediately see the confessionals. I was expecting a sign that read “confessions are here etc”. I watched the people praying, decided to take a few moments to pray after 10 years of being away. I said “Jesus please, please let there be a priest here for confession.” I got up and was about to walk out when the little room with the door opened and it was like “that’s it! That’s the little room I was looking for.” Anyways, I went and it was during the act of contrition that I lost it. I could not stop crying because I felt the pain I had caused our Savior but I also felt his love and I was so overwhelmed. I felt bad for the priest who heard me cry but he was so kind and push some tissues through the little slits of the confessional window. I was so light after that. I am back Home and everyday I grow in my faith and never want to be away from Christ again.
So glad you shared your story. It's been 40 years since my last and only confession as a child (in fact, I don't even remember it) God has called me back home to the Catholic church and I want to make a confession but I am scared. I chickened out on Friday. This video was helpful and I teared up in the Welcome Home part too.
@@naturelover-f6h It is scary and embarrassing at first. Had I not gone when I did I may have walked away for good and been lost to the world. I was having a hard time telling if my desire was from the Holy Spirit or if I was being irrational. I thought “if you are calling me Lord show me a sign.” It was like in the movies where at the last second something incredible happened. I will pray for your courage. Christ loves you. Come home. :)
Aww, that is such a great testimony!! God bless you on your journey.
Thank you for this way to confession it is the Holy Spirit who brings us back to this beautiful Sacrament. Even when I become fearful of going it is coming back to Jesus and coming to be forgiven from the heart. Thank you again.
Friend I think the Holy Spirit was urging you to confess your sins to God, not to man
My fave confession story: I was waiting in line and I heard voices in the confessional grow steadily louder. Then a shout. Then the door opened and the priest, Fr Won, burst out in a state of anger and disappeared into the sacristy. A few moments later a man, the penitent, emerged, sheepishly said, 'he's crazy,' and exited the church. No more confessions were heard that day.
Fr Won was a loving servant of God whose favorite quip when meeting someone for the first time was, 'Hi, I'm Fr Won; I can't lose!' 🙂 Still confessing to him in heaven. I love you, Fr Won.
Umm yeah no.
You are confessing to God through brother in Christ. Not through man to God.
Priests shouldn't have attitude because they are there to listen, guide and absolve. Not to scold or have tantrums.
Absolutely wonderful video! Let us continue praying for priests that they may grow holier with each confession they hear. Thank you Fr. Casey!
I haven’t been to confession in two months. Just life with five kids, third trimester of pregnancy (one week to go!!), and the time never seems to work out for the hour and a half my church does it. Finally taking the time today to go and I’ve been worried since it’s a new priest at our church.
I cried at the welcome home one. It may only be two months compared to many many years for some, but just knowing I’m going to get to talk to God and have my sins forgiven and KNOWING the weight that takes off me, there are no words to express that feeling. ❤️.
Thank you for helping me to feel less worried about walking in today.
I want to go to confession but I am so scared! Makes me emotional to think that I can’t get past this hurdle. This has been on my mind and conscience for years but I just can’t get myself to do it. I need someone to take me by the hand and say “now’s the time, let’s do this”! That’s what it’s going to take! God please help me!!
I am going tomorrow and I'm feeling anxiety and shame. I trust the Holy Spirit, who called me to come home, to get me through it.
I hope you ended up going. If not, reach out. I know we will both feel so much lighter and joyful once we tell God how sorry we are about the awful things we've done as sinners.
You are not alone.
@@LMC444111 I’ll take any and all advice based on your experience. Please let me know. I want to do a thorough examination of conscience and try to go to confession asap…
Now is the time. You can do this! I know it’s the internet, but maybe if someone knew your diocese, they would be able to potentially reach out personally.
@@slow9573 thank you for your comment! I have had a lot of support! I am scheduled next Tuesday, 12/13, at 5:30 PM. I am scared and excited at the same time! I truly believe this will be the best gift I have ever given myself! I’ll keep you posted!
@@paulgilbert8029 So happy to hear this for you. I'm in a similar vein right now. I've been Catholic of a sort since baptism as a baby, but its never quite felt "mine" as much as my parents' and the way I was raised. It's been a strange and difficult and awful journey these past few years in college with I think maybe 2 total confessions in 3 years, and one (almost 2 years ago) was the only real confession I've ever had in my life. The rest were because "I probably should" or "I have to" and I didn't feel anything. Whelp, fast forward to now, I didn't do so well sticking with it after that first real confession and its now its been years and boy, have I sinned. Unquestionably. Confession has always been just uncomfortable and "useless" for me when I didn't have an appreciation for it, and now that I'm starting to, it's embarrassing as hell, not to mention making me anxious and avoidant. There have been many times where I've intended to go and then chickened out at the last moment because I'm so shy! I will always wish that there was a way to just write them down and confess, I'm good at that. Anywho, the point of this comment is in solidarity with you and to make myself go haha. I actually tried today but I must have gotten the time wrong or the priest wasn't there. But I have a plan set upon for tomorrow and I am NOT (emphatically trying to convince myself here) going to chicken out again. So hopefully the both of us can find the courage to get the mercy we need after being away for years!! God bless.
thank you so much for this video
it was exactly what i needed, as a “welcome home” person. i recently went to confession after 20 years, but felt very disoriented because i felt like i didnt know what i was doing. your video makes me feel at peace with my seemingly haphazard confession. i plan on returning to the sacrament much more regularly now.
Thank you so much! The last one spoke to me so perfectly. as a fairly recent convert, studying the Bible mostly in English, I have been deathly afraid to attend mass in other languages, and especially going home to my country and doing it in my native language. This video has helped me jump over that hurdle. So grateful!
Tomorrow is my first confession before I'm confirmed. As much as I have yearned for this day, I am a bit worried to face my sins so presently. This video helped me make a little light of my fear from one of my favorite Catholic creators and priests. Thanks Fr. Casey.
Just did my Rite of Welcoming, I can’t wait to give my first confession before First Communion and Confirmation 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Awesome! Make sure the priest is aware you're new to the faith.. I forgot to inform the 1st priest I had confession with and spooked him abit, as I am older and when I said 'my first confession" his poor mind must've been 'what!' (Apparently, the confession hour was his first time taking confession, so I spooked him for a few there).
What is Rite of Welcoming
I went through the same experience two and a half years ago, and I'm thankful that I returned to the church and to the sacraments. I made an appointment with the local parish priest and asked for a face-to-tace confession, and it was very powerful. Over the many years, I never stopped praying or reading the scriptures, but I just couldn't bring myself to attend mass any longer. And then something happened that was emotionally powerful for me, and I realized I was longing to return to the teachings of my youth. So I did. And I have no regrets. The Holy Spirit will guide you. God bless you on your journey.
I'm a convert I was baptized and confirmed in 2020. I am a baby Catholic and am still learning. I admit I do the list and start with the worst (mortal) sins if any and then list venial sins.
Welcome you may have a clearer focus so do not sell yourself short. Grow in your relationship with the Lord.
You’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Examination of conscience. Sacrament of penance is a big deal.
Had mine last December after 20 or so years..Honestly , don't remember my last confession. Thanks to all the priests here in you tube whom I followed and pulled me to the right path. Anyway, my confession was a mess ( jumping from one sin to another and I was nervous too ), Bless to the priest who was very patient with me:)
Good job.
Yay! God bless you on your journey!
Listen to Fr Don Calloway on YT He is treasure.
I’m in my 50s and have issues with making lists and obsessively praying; restarting if i get distracted or do it “wrong” thank you for guidance about this. I haven’t been to reconciliation in 8 years. I’m getting closer tho!! Thanks Padre
Hey hey, I have struggled and still do sometimes with the same thing. Its a clear sign of OCD or some other anxiety disorder. And its trying to get in between you and God. Dont be ashamed, its not your fault! But do consider psychological help and pastoral help. It really helped me a great deal and now I am less obessing during prayer. The habit only comes back in stressful periods. But this does not have to be permanent!
Yeah… examination of conscience… who needs it?
Thank you! It's been 25 years since my last confession and I've been procrastinating going back because I was unsure of where to even start. This really helped me search my heart and find what I need to be focused on.
Love this. Thank you for reminding me that the Eucharist alone can take away venial sin.
I was the last one on the list just a few days ago.
I felt nervous, worried and ashamed before I finally sat before my priest to confess. Just like was outlined in the video I had no idea what to do or where to start and I had a lifetime of sins to confess.
But what my priest said to me is something I will never forget.
Before we began and before I opened up he looked at me and said “Before you begin I just want to make it very clear that you have NOT come here to be judged.. you have not come here to be judged.”
Reminding me instantly that no one judges us but God alone and that I need not be afraid to open up.
Powerful stuff.
I’ve never felt better after going through the sacrament of reconciliation.
Slip in the "cheat on my wife" cracked me up I had to watch it 3 times to make sure I heard it right 🤣🤣. Love your videos as always ❤!!
Same! I had to rewind it over and over..lol 😅
Helpful, instructive video, to the point, no guilt trip or excess fluff. Thank you. God's blessings on you and your ministry.
I am returning to Catholicism after 40+ years and want to receive communion. Although I remember the prayers, a lot has happened in these past years that I "think" I should confess but wasn't sure how to go about it in that space of time. Thank you for posting this! Now I feel much more confident about what I should confess. I don't want to be a lister! 😊
I think you’re missing the “painfully uncomfortable/ avoidant”- one who may not have been gone for 20 years but generally finds confession to be almost unbearably uncomfortable, embarrassing and generally avoids it. Having been Catholic for 2 years, I’ve gone to confession only 2 times- both during Lent (not like im a saint the rest of the yr)…yeah, I really need to work on that, ive been thinking about going to confession for awhile and this video has made me resolute to go this week. Thank you Father.
I would recommend Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits by Dan Burke for help on overcoming emotions. He goes through the 14 rules of St Ignatius with modern examples to help understand how to become more attuned to God’s plan for your life.
I’m not Catholic yet but if you commit a mortal sin and die out of a state of grave, don’t Catholics teach you go to Hell?
@@imjustheretogrill4794 It depends, really. If the person who died in mortal sin was remorseful and or planning to go to confession, they’d probably end up in purgatory
@@imjustheretogrill4794 not necessarily, if you are baptized, then you are cleansed from original sin. Before the institution of Confession/Penance, converts did put off baptism until the last minute for fear of committing a sin. One of the things I have heard about mortal sins is how you know something is gravely wrong by the presence or absence of Christ in your life. I like to think of it like when I broke my arm 7 years ago on March 1st. Yesterday, I slipped on the ice in the exact same way, and it caused a jolt to my humerus bone. What could it be telling me about the dangers my body faces? Putting my boots on the ice at night could be cause a spill if the traction sucks, for one, and, two, I could have been carrying some heavy bags over a slick patch or even perhaps pregnant or slightly older that could hurt a baby or bust a hip. Our sins are not private and personal as King David’s sin with Bathsheba can teach us.
The good news is that you don’t have to go to a priest to receive forgiveness! Jesus died and tore the veil in two into the heavenly place, so we can enter into the presence of God through the merits of Jesus Christ😊
when we were kids we were given a list and we went to confession every week. The list included making our parents mad, not obeying our parents, etc. We were taught to confess every little thing we did or caused another to do.
As you should. He is arguing against Church teaching when he says we only have to confess mortal sin and not have to be habitual about coming in. Countless Saints have said the complete opposite and Church teaching is to confess as often as possible.
@@boogerandfriends Well technically, he's correct.
@@boogerandfriends The obligation according to the Church is to receive the Sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist once a year, preferably at Easter, but we are encouraged to receive both much more often.
I’m 47 and converted from Protestantism to Catholicism last year. making my first confession ever to a priest here soon. Prayers appreciated as I am nervous! So very different than how I was raised for sure lol
God bless you, dear brother in Christ, and welcome!
I bet the priest helped you and welcomed you, and that you will no longer be so nervous.
Priests, bar tenders and medical workers. All kidding aside, this was a great video. Big take away is that far to few people know how to express themselves and your insight really can help those who choose to make those changes. There are far too many people in this world that just need an ear just to listen to them …and god bless those who give their time to do so.
I’m not Catholic but this was an awesome video especially the end. Thanks for sharing this!!
As I grow older my confession is far more conversational than a monologue. I begin by sharing what God is calling my attention to and the areas in my life that I sense I'm failing, or ignoring! I think this opens me to God's grace as revealed in the Sacrament in a new and living way.
Thank you, Fr.Cassey
My last confession went well because I watched your previous video on examination of concience.
Since then, I have watched every video you post.
You have a gift of the Holy spirt.
You probably changed many lives all over the world.
I wish I could meet you or speak with you by phone.
This was a great help to me! I’m making my very first confession on Saturday. As a Protestant I’ve been a tiny bit nervous. Now I know what to focus on. Thank you!
its a beautiful thing!!! happy for you and I want you to realize that God is upstairs rejoicing with angels over your confession! when we have tripped and fallen, confession is his way of running to us, bandaging our cut and helping us up with love. It’s like a big hug and relief.
I'm old enough that (and I hate to say this) you looked so young to me that I wasn't prepared to the amount of wisdom that came out of this video. Thanks very much!
I was for sure "The Rambler" at my first Confession after Reverting. But I still feel great to Absolved of all the filth I put myself through do so many years.
All you need do is confess before Jesus. He is THE great high priest
@@chryspersons2336 Who do you think is there in the confessional?
Welcome home!
ughhh i started tearing up. i hadnt gone to confession in 12 years. last summer was the first time. i struggle still. but im better than i was. your words at the end are the hope i felt and feel whenever i go. i will go again soon.
I'm an atheist, raised atheist, and all I ever knew about confession is the common "just say you're sorry and God forgives you" but I am learning a lot about the truth of confession from this video! Thankyou. Honestly, I would love to hear your perspective on things in my life I am struggling with (but I don't want to waste your time as a non-believer)
I'm almost 70 but I recently converted to the Catholic faith. My advice is to start reading the Bible (I like the NIV), cover to cover, one chapter per day. Ask the Creator of everything to speak to your heart as you read. Then find a Catholic church and start attending at least on Sunday. Eventually you will meet a priest and you can ask if you can make an appointment with him to discuss personal issues. Maybe you can move from identifying yourself as an atheist to to a truth seeker. 🙏💝🌿
Please, do not think that way. He, or any other priest will be happy to talk to you about things that are bothering you. ☺
a very good start is Mere Christianity by Cs lewis - he wrote the narnia series. and youtube for all your questions!
Love your respect!
The first time I went back after many years was to write down my sins one by one on index cards so wouldn't forget anything. It really helped it go more smoothly and to overcome the embarrassment of searching for the words. I still use notes sometimes- even though I can hardly see them in the dark -but it helps me organize my thoughts!
I used notes when I was doing general Confession from whole my life. One wise priest suggested in his book
to do this at least one in our lifetime. He said when we very young we go to confession but we do not feel sorry for our sins or not enough. Also he predicted that soon there will be not enough priest to confess and people will
be waiting in long queues.
I have severe anxiety. Going to confession, no matter how irrational I know this feeling of anxiety is, I'm still a mess of emotions. I'm afraid of forgetting what to say, how to say it, how to respond. Watching your channel and others, is a bright light.
Make an appointment for confession outside of normal confession time. Let your priest know about your anxiety and your worries. He will gladly help you.
Same
Also, say Binding Prayers, Satan tries to keep people fearful and anxious. Fr. Rippeger has a great book, Deliverance Prayers for the Laity. I do the Auxilium Christorium Prayers daily and it's MUCH HELP.
The last section was something I really needed to hear. I am the "Welcome home" type, as I haven't done confession since my first one nearly twenty years ago. It really put a smile on my face, and made me a bit less unenthusiastic at the idea of going back.
What a wonderful video. The whole welcome home part was very emotional for me.
Have a great day Father.
I felt so called out by this video. For years, I was sort of a "lister", for fear of forgetting sins that I need to confess, not making a confession count if I forget a sin. 😬
I'm the same
Same! Thought that's how we're supposed to do it all along, but now we know 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
I’m a lister too. INTJs unite!
I always bring a small list in with me! I don’t trust my memory. But it’s important how you treat the list: I write it with the question “How have I hurt you, God?” in mind (I don’t usually struggle with scrupulously), and then I really use the list to see the big patterns. I still confess the list, but acknowledge the patterns and deeper motivations. The list can lead to more heartfelt contrition.
Exactly. I’m a lister because I like to through an examination of conscious because I’m not a trained theologian with every sin memorized. So the reflecting part happens ahead of time and I write them down.
Part of this is the fact in modern times confession is available once a week for an hour. We have to rush because we’ve all been there when the priest had to cut off the line because he had to get ready for mass. I’d hate for my rambling to cause someone to not get absolved.
When I came back to the Church last year after over 50 years, I went to confession. I didn't know when the traditional confessions were heard. (I'm in Israel) but I went to the Church which is Carmelite and asked for a priest. He put on a stole but was not in clericals and we sat in the parlor and I told him my story. I did tell him there were some serious sins but he told me that God knows and I didn't need to say them out loud, then he gave me absolution. Since then I've found that there is always confession during the Arab and English Masses on Saturday night. I prefer the Arab Mass so I get there a bit early and say my Confession. The other night, I got a priest who doesn't speak English and I don't speak Arabic but we both speak Italian. 😊I didn't know the Act of Contrition any more but he led me in it. This was a true mortal sin that took me a while to be convicted of because at the time I did it, there was some controversy in the Church about it. I really prefer the traditional way in the Confessional.
If you grew up before Vatican II, as I did, you were taught over and over if you missed even the tiniest sin, you were going straight to Hell. When my 2nd grade class (mostly 7 year olds) was preparing for our First Confession and First Holy Communion, the nun teaching us (Our all-day, all subject parochial school instructor, ironically named Sister Geronamo (I know, Italian, not Apache) told us if we were on our way to Confession, were crossing the street in front of the church hit by a bus and killed, we would be condemned to Hell because we didn't confess our sinsfirst. And you wonder why so many look on Confession with a jaundiced eye? I do go, but it's still a somewhat upsetting experience. The new face to face style many parishes have adopted is even more disconcerting.
How terrible! Those toxic ideas about God can be hard to shake off, too.
I was taught that way, too, and we were terrified of accidently missing something. Which is probably why there's a whole generation of seven year olds who confessed to adultery.
I did too. But wasn’t taught like that. Not all sisters were the same it seems. I seem to remember that many might not get to heaven, but not us!
But Jim, I’ll guarantee you, that a higher percentage of Catholics frequented the Sacraments before Vatican II than do now.
If it was fear that drove them to the confession, then so be it.
Better than today, where most Catholics feel they have no need for it.
Wow. I teach 7 yr olds in catechism. To get them ready for confession we make sure they understand what sin is. Ten commandments help. Anything that breaks your relationship with GOD, doing something you know is wrong but don't care how it hurts anyone is a simple way to say it.
I listed my sins on a piece of paper once. I listed them because I'm forgetful, and I really am sorry for everything that I've listed. After confession, the priest asked me to tear or burn the paper so as not to break the seal of confession. When I got home, I went to our front yard, took a lighter and burned it. There's something moving about watching my listed sins be reduced to ashes. Shortly after, a breeze blew, and I just felt God's love at that very moment.
Didn't know this... I write sins on scrap paper, but they just lie around somewhere. I don't think it's breaking the seal of confession if you live alone and can't even remember where the scrap of paper is afterwards! I guess it depends. Who's going to read it? But next time, I'll try to remember to tear it up (don't want to ignite any fires).
What a kind priest. Perhaps also, the listed sins are forgiven so it's appropriate to dispose of the list. I imagine that if I kept a list, I'm planning to commit them again! God bless
A shredder works good too when u hear them being ground up.
As a convert, i never reall got into confession. But after 30 years i had a life changing event. I started to get much more involed in my faith and prayer life. I started attending mass more often and started going to confession every month or two. Then last fall i discovered latin mass. St. John cantius church of Chicago. Confession is offered before and during every mass. I have now made it a practice to go to confession before evey mass. And i find it so helpful as i struggle with various thorns in my side. Thank you Father for these tips.
From the age of 4 to 10 I went to school in a convent, I will never forget the way mother superior told us about lists of sins.
A boy went to confession, unfolded a paper with a list of sins.
"Forguive me .......
- I didn't do what my parents asked me,
- ...
- ...
.
.
.
- I kicked my sister... ups, I don't have a sister, this is not my list."
Yes it is filled with things you’re not truly sorry for but rather just venial sins
Haha good one!
lol
😲😳😵😂🙏
this made me laugh, then crouch under my desk with embarrassment, then finally I shed a tear. ok several. thank you, father.
"Why today?" That struck my heart so hard. I know there's a lot in here that I've been keeping ever since my last confession. It's comforting when you remind me that in the Holy Eucharist, venial sins are cast out. Now, I can narrow down on the real guilt. Today is my confession. I need to be ready. Thank you.
I've honestly come to love confession over the years. I've had some okay experiences with some priests, but I've also had experiences with priests who have showed extreme compassion towards me, making me feel SO loved, as they should! One priest would always say "praise God that you're here" and would always have me leaving the confessional with the biggest smile on my face. It truly is such an intimate, beautiful, loving encounter with God.
Fr. Casey, I really want to thank you for this. I was planning to go to reconciliation this Lent, but was very apprehensive about it. This video has really softened my heart. God bless you Fr. Casey.