Confession Time

Bless me Father, for I have sinned, it has been way too long since my last confession.

We are required as Catholics to "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year" (CCC 1457) In other words we must go to Confession once a year to confess any mortal sins. So if we are not committing mortal sins, how often do we have to go?

Maybe we should be asking how often should I go, or how often can I go?

I used to be very good about making it to Confession twice a year at the parish penance service for Lent and Advent. I was not a slacker, that is twice the minimum and I hadn't even committed any mortal sins. Maybe that is why I didn't feel the need to go: I hadn't killed anyone, I get to Mass most Sundays, never robbed a bank, never had an affair and didn't lie about anything really serious. I was thinking I was being a pretty good person. Besides, making an extra trip up to church was terribly inconvenient when I didn't really need to confess anything.

Then I heard that Pope John Paul II went to Confession about once a week. I didn't consider myself a bad person, but I knew I wasn't in the same league as HIM! (And yes, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis do the same.) Something was not quite right with my reasoning and also probably with my attitude.

Prayer and some reflection and some advice from an adviser helped me figure out that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is not just a giant magic eraser for sins. It not only cleanses you from your sins, it gives you grace to grow and improve. By not going to Confession frequently I am not taking advantage of God wanting to shower me with His grace. I started to to try to go once a month and quickly became addicted. It started feeling good admitting that I am a sinner and need help and that I was getting help through God's grace. My examination of conscience improved; I started to realize that things like making smart comments, mentally zoning out at Mass, and occasionally stretching the truth, though technically “just” venial sins, were hurting others and also myself. My penances became more thoughtful and sincere. No longer do I just rattle off three Hail Mary's mindlessly. Not only was I going more often, but I was not rushing through, either.

The past few years I have been pretty good about getting to Confession at least every four to six weeks. I am certainly still a sinner, but I find that I am more willing to admit my faults and ask for help. God in his great mercy cares for me and I have learned to let him take charge of my life.