The Catholic Faith - I've lost it
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The Catholic Faith - I've lost it
| Mon, 01-31-2005 - 9:41am |
I have been catholic all my life. Granted I'm not an avid church goer, but I do believe! Recently I've been having some depression issues and have found thru my counselor that most of it is due to the guilt over my past. She suggested I go to confession. But I've just learned that the catholic faith has turned to face to face confessionals. Just don't think I can do that and be able to look my priest in the eyes again. This guilt weighs heavy on me. I pray nightly that God has forgiven me, but how do I know he has? I feel like I'm losing my faith. I know they say "ask and ye shall receive", but how do I know? I'm so confused right now. Anyone with some words of advice would be greatly appreciated!
Chris

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HI there, sorry to hear you are going through this! I don't know if I can offer any advice to you...just my own experiences and thoughts (which I hope won't influence you negatively!)-- One of my big problems with the Catholic Church is confession. I just don't understand it, don't like it, and at this point...don't care if I need it for God to forgive me or not. If I don't feel it necessary in my heart, than I am okay with that.
Anyway, I think this might help a little more...but again I'm not sure b/c I don't know where you are geographically and what it's like there, but again, here is my experience: though most confessionals are now face-to-face, I DO know of churches that still have the traditional confessional. You might want to take a look and see if there is another church in your area that offers this.
The other thing is that the priest isn't supposed to judge, etc. I know it must feel extremely intimidating to confess face to face, but if you think that going to confession is going to be freeing to you, maybe you should try it out! If you can't find a church where you don't have to go face to face, you might want to go to a different church, that way when you're at Mass (if you go), you don't have to feel that your parish priest knows all your business, etc.
And I don't know if this would help, but guess it's worth a shot-- what about seeing the priest as a counselor, rather than God's spokesman? I don't know if that goes against your beliefs, though...but if you look at the priest as someone that is trying to help you, rather than judge you, that might help (?).
Well, best wishes to you!
~V
Carol
Thanks for all the replies. I have checked into some surrounding churches and they all do the same thing. Although I don't go to these churches, I do know the priests and they know my family (small towns). I know they are not supposed to judge, but I can't help but feel they will. I pray for forgiveness but just don't know that I've been forgiven. I pray for signs that I am. Nothing! I guess I just want someone to tell me I am. I'm just confused about the whole situation. I'm having trouble with getting over some things in my past and I feel like if I knew I was forgiven it would be easier to move on. That's all I want is to move on. I know God is "all forgiving", but how do we know that? Okay, now I'm just rambling. Sorry!
Chris
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Mom to furangel, Chelse
You are so right. Maybe it is a matter of ME just forgiving myself and letting it go. Just found out last night that our church is having this "Parish Mission" for five days. It's more or less a lesson in what Catholics believe. It says it is a new spiritual awakening, bringing about a deeper love for God and revitalizing personal relationships. Think I should go? It starts this Sunday.
Chris
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Mom to furangel, Chelse
I agree with Virgogirl. Go with an open mind and just see what you get out of it. Pray beforehand asking for clarity, then be open to whatever answers you get.
Good luck!
Hi
I was just lurking. I am a member of a 12 Step group. One of the steps is that we admitted to God, to ourselves AND TO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING the exact nature of our wrongs. I can tell you that it helps. Please call a local church...ask if you could have an old fashion, not face to face confession. The priest may agree.
Beth
Hi luvdchelsea, I've been lurking for a bit on this board and wanted to respond to your post.
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