Topic: Can I Confess Without Saying What "It" Is?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: July 19, 2004

Moderator who originally posted this source: K. Martyn

Question:  I was wondering if there is any way to phrase the sin of masturbation without having to actually say the word in confession to be forgiven for the sin. I have been avoiding confession for a while, because it seems a waste to go and not confess everything. Would it be okay to say 'sexual impropriety' and have that cover masturbation and pornography, so that I can get rid of those sins and start new. I really want to stop, but I feel like since I am never going to be able to confess these sins, I will go to hell anyway. I know I should humble myself and that this is pride, but my inability to do so is really causing a problem. So, do you think it would be possible to confess this way, receive forgiveness, and pray for the strength to be humble.  Thanks, William

Answer:

Hello and thank you for your question.

To participate fully in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, "Penance requires...the sinner to endure all things willingly, be contrite of heart, confess with the lips and practice complete humility and fruitful satisfaction." (from the Catechism of the Catholic Church - 1450) "The confession (or disclosure) of sins, even from a simply human point of view, frees us and facilitates our reconciliation with others. Through such an admission man looks squarely at the sine he is guilty of, takes responsibility for them, and thereby opens himself again to God and to the communion of the Church in order to make a new future possible." (1455)

You will not be the first human being to confess the sin of masturbation, nor will you be the last. I am relatively confident your confessor will have heard this before in confession.

It is my opinion, that unless you can be honest there is not much point in going through the motions and camouflaging the real issue here. Our all loving and merciful God LOVES you...all aspects of you. Give God a chance here. Be true to yourself and God.

God bless.