Why Confess My Sins to a Priest?

If you’ve ever been in a conversation where you had to defend the Catholic Faith, people have probably asked you this question. It can be a tough one to answer, but Fr. Mike lays out many reasons why confessing our sins to a priest makes perfect sense. Confession isn’t a man-made tradition of the Church but rather a valuable gift given by God and rooted in Scripture.

Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension:

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SOCIAL MEDIA

[CarlosRodriguez-dhmm]

As a protestant Christian, this was insightful. Father Mike is often a welcome source of information for my own misconceptions about the Catholic Church.

[reniaesaddler]

Confession didn’t make sense to me until I started doing it. It’s truly a gift from God.

[jennybarrier]

I go today to Confession for the first time in 31 years. Woohoo! I can get the Eucharist again!

[loreleireiter]

I’m Protestant & I have been a Christian for 10 years (was raised Muslim). And Confession & the Lord’s Supper are the two sacraments I’m suddenly craving 😭😫. Learning here from you. Thank you.

[mrsk]

I always cry when giving confession. It’s so emotional for me and a huge release.

[kirstenmichelle]

I came into the church at Easter Vigil 2010 from an evangelical background, and I still consider the sacrament of confession to be one of the Church's greatest gifts. For me, the regular practice of it keeps me humble and honest, and I find the words of absolution tremendously healing.

[marieotoole]

Thanks so much Father Mike! You just answered questions I had. I was raised Catholic, but spent 25 years away. So much to re-learn. So many tanks for your down-to-earth and biblical explanations.

[urfavebookworm]

I grew up Protestant and I came into the church this Saturday, and was baptized. I haven’t received the sacrament of reconciliation, so I’m back to this video again! Please pray for me as I receive the sacrament!

Update: I have received reconciliation, and I am so glad I did. It was such a gift to me, and I felt like the clutches of sin finally released their grip on my heart and I could breathe again. Praise Jesus for the gift of forgiveness.

[matthewmifsud]

Going to Confession for the first time in over 3 years! I needed this, thank you Father!!! God is doing amazing things through you Father ❤️

[kleinschmitterling]

Its hard to hold back the tears when father was saying those words, that I hear when I go to confession : "I absolve you of all your sins". Words cannot describe the feelings in that moment, every time. Confession is indeed a place not of defeat but of Victory!

[gcdiver]

I was away from the Catholic Church for many years and when I finally returned, made a 3 hour confession to my priest. It was amazing! I greatly appreciate this sacrament (of Mercy) and feel it is the greatest gift to us after the Eucharist. When I’m in sin, i cannot wait to get to reconciliation and know that my sins are forgiven through the ministry of the church. I am so grateful that Jesus continues to tug on my heartstrings and calls me to himself all the time. ✝️

[gailakraeszig]

As one born and raised in the Catholic church, this very issue has always been a thorn in my side and ONE reason I chose to exercise my faith in a different church. This was the best explanation I have ever heard for confessing my sins to a priest. Honestly, it's the first time I've heard a priest admit that going to God first is a good idea, and that it isn't the priest himself who "grants" me forgiveness but God through him. I'm not sure I'll ever fully return to the Catholic church but I do appreciate the clarification I got from this video. Fr Mike, I wish I was closer to your location, I believe we could discuss and break a lot of barriers today's Christians have against the Catholic church.

[oliviarapavi]

HOW. Fr Mike, I am literally in the middle of writing a talk about confession and forgiveness to present at a retreat I'm helping with in a couple weeks. I can't believe the timing of this video! Praise God and thank you so much!!! ❤

[marfish]

I’m come from a southern baptist background and I always love your videos for being open, honest, and informative! Although we differ on things, I appreciate this channel and you yourself! Thank you for the desire to teach and make things clear

[mariachijazmin]

Father Mike I greatly enjoy your videos! I have been watching them for over a year. I belong to the Church of Christ. For some time now though I have been drawn to the Saints and the Catholic church. I have decided to convert. I am in a loving relationship with a faithful Catholic man. He did not ask this of me rather it came from my heart. Thank you for your videos!

[ddelarosa]

As an agnostic who was only ever a Protestant, I never understood the reason Catholics went to confession, and this video certainly helped! Thank you!

[hittingthewall]

Confession is like a shower for the soul. It makes us all squeaky clean. It is such a joy, such a liberation, to hear the words "te absolvo!"

[forgamztalkzz]

Father, you’re the only one that makes me happy on YouTube. You’re full of love. God bless you

[Metalcomedienne]

Thank you Fr. Mike. I'm a newly Catholic this will help. 🙏🏾

[Damian]

The beautiful gift of confession. It’s sealed.

Confessing to friends is rewarding but you never know if that is going to be used against you down the road or revealed to someone else. Some people love gossip.

The seal of confession assures your privacy