Do I Have to Confess My Sins to a Priest?

Catholics insist that a penitent must confess their sins to a priest rather than going directly to God. Why is this?

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[Dextamartijn]

as a protestant I couldn't agree more I talk to my pastor sometimes about a sin have I committed. just to let it out and be assured. As matter of fact John Calvin didn't want to abolish this practice. I just believe in 2 sacraments baptism and communion. keep up the good work explaining the practice of the Catholics church may God bless you.

[SteveAubrey]

The more I learn about the Catholic Church, the more my heart says YES! I was born & raised a protestant. By God's great mercy, He led me home! Viva Christo Rey! JA

[nukeplatine]

the sacraments are opporunities for us to meet Christ directly and face to face.. we should seize each opportunity to go meet Our Beloved God

[GratiaPrima_]

I think it’s a good teaching to keep evaluating yourself, confessing in a sacramental way, and keep growing ☺️

[niceatrya]

Strangely, I had this same discussion with a close friend of mine who is Baptist a few months ago. He would ardently state "You don't need to go to a priest to confess your sins!" And quoted (KJV - 1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;") I smiled and told him you are absolutely right. Confused by my statement he then inquired, "Then why do you go?" My response was simple. God has given us the sacraments, but is not bound by them. You are correct, I can confess my sins directly to Jesus, but I would not know if I am truly forgiven. By going to confession I am assured and know my sins have been forgiven, because Jesus himself told us so.



(NABRE -John 20:23 "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.")

[ToxicPea]

Every time I go to confession and get absolved, I literally feel an indeterminable location near my heart get vacuumed of guilt. I find this mystical experience very interesting. I must wonder, does anyone else experience this?

[WashingtonDC]

I love my Catholic Faith, and love my Catholic Beliefs. I am super grateful for my Faith. Thank you so, so much for the video clip. Peace, and love to all. God bless you.

[MLeoM]

1:55 to 2:38 It's amazing how you say everything with such accuracy and efficiency. God bless you Fr. Casey.

[munenex]

Another great video Fr. Casey. I have had this dilemma for long. Now it's all clear

[jeffparkinson]

I love this sacrament, , , I always explain it to my non catholic friends, as me go to the priest and ask him to pray WITH me, to guide my prayer to GOD, as I reach within, and go to that humble place I need to be in order to make a good confession.

[dcsmall]

Really great video clarifying confession and it's true purpose in the Church. It was nice to see you go beyond the persona that is used to generalize priests as just spiritual guides. Very inspiring Father, thank you :)

[michaeljoealvarez]

200k subscribers when I watched this video. Congratulations Fr. Casey! May your ministry continue to grow! May through this channel, many people will be lead to the love of our Lord Jesus Christ! God bless you always!

[anniekochera]

Thank you for this. I'm a cradle Catholic and my thought on Confession has mostly been that it makes us say what we've sinned out loud, and to be honest with ourselves about our failings. Because God already knows what we've done, and if we cant' be honest with ourselves by confessing out loud to the Priest, then how will be able to face God in the afterlife/Judgement day? Once again thank you for this. God Bless

[PalvoChekov]

I was part of the Act of Contrition, with the Bishop. The hardest part, as a Catholic who loved the Stations of the Cross (Way of the Cross... as well as St. Mary's version of the Cross), is how to serve. Father Groschel, Father Corapi (Speeches) and especially Venerated Father Bishop Fulton Sheen. A diverse aspect, I realize. Thank you for providing the insight and answers we were to scared to ask at the time. We're a lot more understanding of people's perception.

[tomsaltsman]

All the Sacraments are like getting a receipt that you can wave in the Devil's face. I do it all the time.

[civrn]

I love confession, it unburdens your soul.

[isaiah]

Wow Fr. Casey! I've been following your page for a few years now, but I just realised how many videos I still haven't watched. As of Lent 2021, your recent Confession Q&A post has a lot of Qs which I just realised you answered already. Thank you for all the content you create. Maybe you should create a confession playlist with all the relevant videos

[Quis_ut_Deus]

I recently understood that when we have to confess and repent we must meet Jesus as the Lamb of God who was slain to take our sins.

[websterlee]

Beautiful treatment Padre. Clarity is paramount! Well done!❤️🕊

[stevenchavez]

I'm brought to tears for two things for sure. There are other things but always the prayer of absolution and when taps is played at a military funeral.