Why Confess to a Priest?:
The Diocese of Alexandria, Virginia has developed this helpful video to explain the Sacrament of Reconciliation and why go to a priest.
Q: Why is Sacramental Confession necessary for Catholics?
A: Catholics believe that Confession is necessary for the forgiveness of post-baptismal sins because Christ instituted the Sacrament of Penance for this purpose (John 20:22-23). Church Canon Law states: "All the faithful who have reached the age of discretion are bound faithfully to confess their grave sins at lease once a year." (CIC, 989). Catholics who confess their sins have the assurance of Christ Himself that their sins are forgiven (Matt 18:18; John 20:23).
Q: How often should one go to Sacramental Confession?
A: The second precept (or law) of the Catholic Church states: "You shall confess your sins at least once a year. This ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness" (2042). As a matter of devotion, monthly Confession or Seasonal Confession (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost) is recommended. Children and RCIA Candidates are to go to Confession prior to their receiving First Holy Communion. (CIC, 914), (RCIA, 482). Pastoral Counsel: "If you commit a mortal sin, go to Confession as soon as you can and certainly before your next Holy Communion. For spiritual growth, go to Confession regularly or seasonally."
Q: "I understand that it is not necessary to go to Confession before we go to Holy Communion unless we have committed a mortal sin. If we are not guilty of mortal sins, do we still have to go to Confession during the Easter Season?
A: You are correct in stating that if we have committed a mortal sin it is necessary to go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion. However, if we have not committed a mortal sin it is not necessary to go the Confession during the Easter Season. A worthy Holy Communion is the requirement at Easter Time. If, during the Easter Season, a person is in the state of grace, not in mortal sin, no Confession is necessary. (CIC, 920-1-2; 989). The main event of going to confession is the reception of God’s forgiveness. Don’t let the mechanics of making a confession discourage you.
Q: What is the Easter Duty?
A: The Easter Duty is the obligation to receive a worthy Holy Communion during the Easter Time, i.e., the time between the first Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday, a period of about a hundred days. If we are not in the state of grace, then we must go to Sacramental Confession before receiving our Easter Duty Communion.
Q: Is it a sin if Catholics never go to Confession?
A: "Never say never." The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "Children must go to the Sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time." (CCC, #1457), (CIC, Can. 914) Also: "Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to Communion." (CCC, # 1385 and 1457), (CIC, Can. 989), (1 Cor II:27-29) And: "…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." (CCC, # 1457), (CIC, Can. 989).
The Sacrament of Penance is part of the "Catholic Sick Call" that prepares the sick person for death. Holy Communion (Viaticum), Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction) and the Apostolic Blessing (Papal Blessing) are also parts of the sick call (CCC, # 1525). So, apart from these times of necessary Confession, a person without mortal sin need not go to Confession. "Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is, nevertheless, strongly recommended by the Church." (CCC, #1458), (CIC, Can. 988 #2). Jesus and Sigmund might well say together: "Keep in touch; Confession is good for peace of soul and peace of mind."