Table of Contents
Do Catholic priests go to Confession?
A bishop, priest, or deacon will confess at the Holy Table (Altar) where the Gospel Book and blessing cross are normally kept. He confesses in the same manner as a layman, except that when a priest hears a bishop’s confession, the priest kneels.
Can you confess to a pastor?
Not necessarily. The legal principle is called priest-penitent, and protects the confession from legal discovery, but there are aspects of this law that in some cases can allow for disclosure of the confession.
When can a pastor break confidentiality?
A minister’s duty of confidentiality is breached when they disclose confidences to anyone, anywhere. However, there may be times when it is appropriate to share confidential information, under extreme circumstances where people may be killed or severely injured.
Can priests help the penitent without revealing the content of confession?
If the penitent is not willing to cooperate, there are sometimes situations in which priests can find ways to help the authorities without revealing the content of a person’s confession.
What happens if a priest breaks the seal of confession?
A person who falsely accuses a priest of breaking the seal of the confession incurs a mortal sin and perhaps other canonical penalties, including excommunication. Clearly, the Church regards the seal of confession as sacred. Every person whether priest or laity must take the obligation to preserve the secrecy of confession absolutely seriously.
What happens if a serial killer confesses to a priest?
If, for example, a person confesses that he is the serial killer who is being sought by the authorities, and the priest recognizes his identity, he cannot contact the police and reveal it. This is true even if the person indicates that he intends to commit another crime.
What is the standard of secrecy protecting a confession?
The standard of secrecy protecting a confession outweighs any form of professional confidentiality or secrecy. When a person unburdens his soul and confesses his sins to a priest in the Sacrament of Penance, a very sacred trust is formed.