How often should one go to confession?
How often should a baptized person go to confession : once a year, once a month, or every week? The answer depends both on the teachings of the Catholic Church and on each person’s spiritual life. Let’s explore with Hozana some guidelines for knowing when it might be a good time to go to confession. If you’re not sure exactly how to do it, find out how to go to confession.
Go to confession at least once a year, and ideally more often
Number 1457 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church addresses this question: “According to the Church's command, 'after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year.'” (no. 1457). Although the Church requires confession at least once a year, it is recommended to receive this sacrament more frequently—for example, once a month—according to one’s own heart’s desire or according to a schedule established with a spiritual director.
Good to know: There are liturgical seasons that are particularly favorable for going to confession, such as Advent and Lent.
What are the benefits of going to confession regularly?
Going to confession regularly—for example, once a month—has many benefits:
Taking regular stock of one’s spiritual life
To be reconciled with God and with the Church
Finding peace and consolation
Growing in humility
Strengthening one’s resolve in the spiritual battle
Must one confess every sin?
A person who has committed a mortal sin (one involving a serious matter, committed knowingly and deliberately) must go to confession before receiving Communion. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
“Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession.” (no. 1457)
On the other hand, a person who has committed venial sins may receive Holy Communion without first going to confession, since the Eucharist wipes away venial sins (nos. 1394 and 1458). However, the Catechism specifies that “confession of daily faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church” (no. 1458).
Consequently, when considering the question of how often one should go to confession, we understand the importance of going to confession regularly.
Is it good to go to confession very often?
Going to confession regularly is a good thing, but it is important to find the right balance. Some confessors warn against the risk of scruples—that is, the tendency to worry excessively about one’s sins and to want to confess everything, even very minor offenses.
While it is good to go to confession regularly, the official website of the Catholic Church in France explains that “it is not advisable to go to confession every day, because we are not following a ‘hygienist’ approach to confession—where one must remove a stain as soon as it appears—but rather seeking to deepen the quality of our relationship with God.”
Let’s pray with Hozana!
Hozana offers you numerous prayer communities throughout the year to help you deepen your life of prayer and faith, such as:
