Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 2/19/2010

Question
How come people go to there priest to confess there sins? I confess my sins to Jesus Christ. I mean if you can pray and talk to Jesus, why not confess to him your sins? I really don't understand this, and have wonder this for a very long time. When you sin you need Jesus to forgive u so why go to the priest, he is not the one that needs to forgive you. Does this make any sience? I want to make sure that, because I don't go to a priest I go to Jesus to confess, that Im doing the right thing.

Answer
Peace



Yes, indeed one must confess ones sins to Christ. However you also must confess your sins to the others you have sinned again. The priest stands in the place of those you have sinned against, the Church and individuals (especially when u cant confess to them) you have wronged. He also is the voice of Christ, that says you are forgiven.


Other reasons why confess to a priest. If you go regularly to same priest, he can perhaps give advice on how to avoid the same sin in the future, if he sees a patten to it. Also he could help you a make proper amends if doing so would harm innocent people.

                                              your servant but Christ's first
                                                               George

ps. just a side note, all priests including the pope has to go to confession like the rest of us, when we sin.