Confession
Confession, formally called the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance, is the sacrament through which Catholics confess sins to a priest and receive God's forgiveness along with practical guidance for turning away from sin.
What Happens in Confession
A penitent confesses their sins honestly to a priest, who acts in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) to grant absolution after the penitent expresses genuine sorrow and a resolve to avoid sin going forward. The priest is bound by an absolute seal of confession and can never reveal anything heard in the confessional, under any circumstance.
Why Confess to a Priest at All
Catholic teaching holds that Christ gave the Apostles authority to forgive sins in his name, an authority passed down to priests through ordination, so confession to a priest is understood as encountering Christ's own forgiveness through a visible, sacramental sign rather than bypassing him. The sacrament also typically includes practical spiritual guidance suited to the penitent's actual struggles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a priest ever reveal what is said in confession?
No, never, under any circumstance, including legal pressure — this is known as the seal of confession, and a priest who deliberately breaks it faces automatic excommunication.
How often should Catholics go to confession?
The Church requires confession at least once a year if aware of serious sin, but many Catholics go monthly or more often as an ordinary part of spiritual life, even for less serious faults.