Absolution but no confession?

Paul Infirdigno · #1 Jul 2, '11, 1:15 pm

Is it okay to recieve only Absolution and not confess if it is necessary? im not talking about "hmm im too scared ill just get absolution" no i mean its either that or not recieve forgiveness
and miss out on Holy Communion for a long time.
Can i just receieve Absolution? if i could Confess i would but because of actual reasons i cant. i would if i could, also what if you dont feel sorrow for sin,but your trying because you really wanna recieve Holy Communion? Is that an right reason to try to feel sorry?

Little One0307 · #2 Jul 2, '11, 2:36 pm

Hi,

For venial sins one can receive general absolution and not be required to confess them. [though many graces are won if one confeses their venial sins as well.] Taking communion also gains one forgiveness of venial sins provided they are in a state of grace.

Now if there are mortal sins that have not been confessed, Communion may not be taken without prior sacramental Confession. Even if you were to receive General Absolution, you are still obligated by Church Law to confess your mortal sins in Sacramental Confession.

I would counsel you to pray for the grace for contrition of your sins. I am glad that your wanting to take Holy Communion is prompting you to ask these questions. That desire is a good place to start for sure. What, if I may ask are the particular circumstances that are making it difficult for you to go to Confession? These may be able to be worked through.

God bless.

**puzzleannie** · #3 Jul 2, '11, 2:40 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Infirdigno

Is it okay to recieve only Absolution and not confess if it is necessary? im not talking about "hmm im too scared ill just get absolution" no i mean its either that or not recieve forgiveness
and miss out on Holy Communion for a long time.
Can i just receieve Absolution? ?

well you can only receive absolution from a priest and the normal time and place is in the context of sacramental confession. He has the option of absolving someone who cannot confess (they are too ill or unconscious for instance) or in a state of emergency, or with the proviso that you return for confession at the first possible opportunity, so that you can receive communion, but it is his determination, not yours. Like all specific individual confession questions, it can only be answered by your own priest.

Nobody, but nobody, has the authority to force you to receive communion, if your are not in the state of grace, or if you just don't wan't to this day.

stephen ondrick · #4 Jul 2, '11, 2:54 pm

I think you can receive absolution from others. For example, Did not our Blessed Lord say if you had done wrong, then go and make peace with your brother and then come back to the Altar? Does not the Our Father say---forgive us....as we forgive.

However, sacramentally with a priest, I do not think that it's an either, or. When you confess you get absolution. The great thing about this sacrament is that no matter what one has done; 'God will Forgive'. Let's not forget the 'Good Thief' as he is referred to. The person on the cross at Jesus' crucifixion; 'Jesus forgive me when you enter your kingdom-----'Today you will be with me in paradise'.

Also, satan will always make you think and say to yourself; 'Why go to confession........you are not really sorry..........why else would you be committing the same sins, etc.... Have faith and courage to recieve His abundance of mercy......HE WILL FORGIVE YOU!

Just remember if sins are serious.....than sacramental confession is required.
Blessings

smichhertz · #5 Jul 3, '11, 6:08 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Infirdigno

also what if you dont feel sorrow for sin,but your trying because you really wanna recieve Holy Communion? Is that an right reason to try to feel sorry?

Hi Paul Infirdigno!

Welcome to CAF! I hope you have a great experience here. These forums are wonderful resource to aid you in your spiritual journey.

As long as you are sorry for your sins, than your confession is valid. You might not have the best reason to be sorry, but it is enough to make your confession valid. I think the poster above addressed the first part of your question pretty well.

**thistle** · #6 Jul 3, '11, 6:19 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Infirdigno

Is it okay to recieve only Absolution and not confess if it is necessary? im not talking about "hmm im too scared ill just get absolution" no i mean its either that or not recieve forgiveness
and miss out on Holy Communion for a long time.
Can i just receieve Absolution? if i could Confess i would but because of actual reasons i cant. i would if i could, also what if you dont feel sorrow for sin,but your trying because you really wanna recieve Holy Communion? Is that an right reason to try to feel sorry?

Sorry but your post is not very clear.

Absolution from mortal sins can only be given by a priest after you have made a sincere confession of all the mortal sins you can remember having committed.
If you have committed mortal sins but deliberately do not confess them and the priest feels your confession is not sincere he can refuse to give absolution.
If you deliberately do not confess any mortal sins but you manage to fool the priest and he gives you absolution that absolution is not valid. You can't fool God.
If you have not committed any mortal sins then you do not require absolution.

You cannot receive absolution without confessing your mortal sins personally to a priest.