Confession

[x^2]

Hi Fr. Joe,

I have a question concerning the confession of mortal sins. If a
penitent makes an honest examination of conscience but forgets about a
mortal sin (either because of the anxiousness one experiences before
confession or because of the length of time since their last
confession), it is my understanding that the person is still absolved
of that sin. Is this correct? I've read several websites on
confession, some saying that this is true, others saying that the
person is absolved even if they forget, but that they still need to
'mention' the sin at their next confession (I think this one was on
newadvent.org) as soon as they remember it.

I realize this question is a bit specific in nature, but a person I
know asked me this question and I just want to be sure I'm giving them
the right answer.

Then there is the question of me. My understanding has always been
that if I truly did forget a sin in confession, I thought I was still
absolved. In the case of the latter scenario, would I have to try and
remember any sin that I had forgotten in confession and mention it at
my next confession?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

[Father Joe]

The basic rule is that we are obliged to confess all mortal sins in
confession. If we forget to mention a serious sin, yes that sin is
still absolved. However, if we deliberately refused to confess it,
then we commit a further serious sin of sacriledge.

If we recall the mortal sin that we forgot to mention (although
forgiven) at a later confession, then yes we should mention it to the
confessor.

Similarly, mortal sins that are forgiven through general absolution,
should also be mentioned when we have the opportunity for auricular
confession.

We are not obliged to confess all venial sins.

Hope this helps, peace!