Expert: Charlie B - 6/14/2010

Question
Hello. My name is Justine. I am 14 and is a Roman Catholic. For years now I have been having problems with masturbation and looking at porn. However, quite recently I have decided to stop. I wish to go to a priest and confess, but I am quite embarrassed about it. I know that the priest won't tell anyone, but I'm simply afraid of what he'll say to me afterwards. What should I do? Or since I have asked for forgiveness to God in my personal prayers, will that be enough? Do I have to go to confession? Many thanks.

Answer
Justine,
Thanks for your note!   First, you're to be congratulated on your admission -- it's time to rid yourself of the guilt, and go to confession.

Pornography is a HUGE issue in the world, and I applaude you for desiring and committing to turn away from it.  By the way, there's two superb audio CDs on the scourge of porn at http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.com/store/refer/1528 -- go the online store and search the titles.  They are VERY inexpensive and can be downloaded as MP3 file to your iPod or MP3 player (or computer).

Of course, you're going to be somewhat embarrassed talking to the priest in confession, but DO IT.  There's NO WAY he will say anything to you afterwards (or anyone else) as that would violate his oath as a priest to confessors.

Yes, God forgives you from your personal prayers, yet you want/need to go to confession.  The resulting feeling of being pearly white-clean again afterwards will be worth the temporary discomfort of confessing to your priest.  Here's my most important advice:  don't go back, refrain from ever going to view porn again ... please.  Feel free to write back after going to confession.  You're doing the right thing, Justine!
God bless,
Charlie