When A Catholic Has Not Gone to Confession for Many Years

The sacrament of Reconciliation, commonly referred to as Confession, is one of the most beautiful and profound gifts of grace in the Catholic Church. It is an opportunity for a sinner to experience God's boundless mercy, be reconciled with Him, and receive spiritual healing. However, for various reasons, many Catholics find themselves distanced from this sacrament, sometimes for years.
If you are one of these Catholics, this article is for you. It offers guidance, encouragement, and reassurance for those who have not gone to Confession for a long time and are considering taking that important step back to God's loving embrace.
Why Do Some Catholics Avoid Confession?
There are many reasons why Catholics may stay away from Confession for an extended period:
1. Fear or Shame: The thought of admitting sins, especially grave ones, can feel overwhelming. People often fear judgment or shame.
2. Lack of Understanding: Some may have forgotten how to go to Confession or may not understand its importance.
3. A Sense of Unworthiness: Feelings of guilt or believing that God cannot forgive certain sins may keep individuals away.
4. A Break in Practice: Some Catholics drift away from regular Church attendance and sacramental life, including Confession.
Understanding these reasons is important because it helps us realize that we are not alone in our struggles and doubts.
What Does the Church Teach About Confession?
The Catholic Church teaches that Confession is a vital part of our spiritual journey. In John 20:22-23, Jesus gave the Apostles the power to forgive sins:
"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
The sacrament is a moment of profound grace where a penitent confesses sins to a priest, who acts in the person of Christ, and receives absolution. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of the importance of Confession:
"Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against Him and are reconciled with the Church." (CCC 1422)
Steps to Take If You Haven’t Been to Confession in Years

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[johnduffy]

THIS... was extremely helpful!...After 53 years away, I want to come home. I need to come home...I will come home.THANK YOU

[jimfreyler]

After being away for 60 years I got the courage to go. Priests are very good. When I told him it had been 60 years he said, "well, that's a long time". After 60 years no one expects a detailed list of sins. A good way is to just say that you've been good with some Commandments, and not so good with others. This was 3 years ago. I've been a good Catholic (hopefully0 since. Being in a state of Grace is very comforting.

[mikenovember]

Just went for the first time in 39 years. I felt so much better about my life afterwards!

[nevilledsouza]

God is always compassionate and merciful. Amen ❤

[angeladonovan]

Confession is GOOD for the soul! We all feel the better for it!

[ossier]

When I was away from the church for years and returned in 2019 and confessed all of those sins I felt a lightness that I’ve never felt before. I’ve been going regularly since then.

[melgubatina]

So sad for the seniors citizen can’t go to the church for confission, they could hardly walk straight to the church, like me I have to attend the the Livestream mass on line, God knows, that’s why there’s an on line mass in our place so that Seniors and other with health problems could Hear masses everyday through on line Mass😇🙏

[drraimondo]

At the very beginning of the Mass, people are to ask God for the forgiveness of their sins and to ask angels, saints, and the community to pray for them. I suggest you go to Mass and listen carefully.

[margaretceline]

Just had a good confession done on Christmas Eve mass and New Year mass, and if we can make once a month its better, its not only confession its sometimes we can talk to our parish priest wat hardships were facing, they always have the time to listen to us, its up to us 🙏

[Marycesario-hw]

Wonderful Video !! I Thank God and You for Your Ministry …

[louiscornale]

I pray daily and always ask for His forgiveness God hears all

[sidborromeo]

I am 80 years old. Growing up, we had all the opportunities to go to confession anytime of the day due to the many churches in our city. Now however, it appears that the priests are hiding in their holes instead of attending to the public who want to confess. Churches now ask for appointments for confession or set 1/2 hour before or after mass. This is ridiculous. Our bishops are also sitting on their laurels and not correcting this problem. As a Catholic Filipino Canadian, I find this totally unacceptable and hope that our Catholic hierarchy fixes this problem immediately.

[fleur]

I confess every single time I pray . GOD can read my mind & HE knows everything . Seeing the default of priests turn people away .

[michaelcappuccio]

AMEN.. thank you God thank you Jesus🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏✝️

[scubajeeper]

The truth is the truth, no need to change anything brother.

[marysalvato]

Amen l have not been for awhile but l pray God knows my sins

[Saba-ykr]

🎉THANK YOU, WELL DONE MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY AND I WAS GROWN IN MIDDLE EAST NOW CATHOLIC CANADIAN. HAVE MERCY ON ME O LORD..B

[HelenRomero-zo]

Once a month at St Anne they have anointing, priest says our sins are forgiven during this. Also. We can go directly to God and confess our sins daily. Sometimes priest aren't very interested . I am a practicing Catholic. I love God, and going to mass. I miss receiving the blood Christ. Thank you. 🙏

[VictorCalderon-sj]

This is why Jesus went to the cross died and rose from the grave and veil was split in halve veil to the holy of holy . So we could go straight to God the Father in Jesus name and confess our sins to him or to praise or just to talk ! Thank you Jesus!

[Benita-pj]

After a long time not going for comfetion I'm ready to go I go to church but not doing my comfetion.amen give me strentgh Lord amen