As a Catholic, can I have a valid confession without a priest under these circumstances?

Question

I want to wrap up my Lenten journey by going to confession, but with the coronavirus going around, churches are cancelling Mass, and with social distancing, it doesn't seem like seeing a priest would be allowed. I believe that a priest needs to hear a confession in most circumstances for it to be valid, but without the ability to do so, would a confession just between me and God be enough? (Asking because confessions are a Lenten tradition for me and, if possible, I want to be able to receive the Body of Christ on Easter.)

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

No nope Nope NO HELL NO! Some priests will only hear confession if a person is dying. Others will hear by appointment, and that is not a grievous impediment. Other priests are getting creative and offering drive-thru confession. Several of the Psalms include the phrase "Do Manfully." Ask your own priest and do manfully.

Pearl L · Answer

i think that would be enough, its not like god will cause you to have the corona virus

? · Answer

Call the priest's residence and make an appointment one-on-one, or however your parish has arranged for confession.

Anonymous · Answer

Roman Catholicism is not true Christianity. Roman Catholicism has a false works-based gospel that leads to hell (in addition to many other false doctrines). Get away from Catholicism.

Because we have all sinned against a perfectly holy and righteous God, we all deserve eternal separation from God in hell (Rom. 6:23). However, God loves us so much that He sent His only Son Jesus to die on the cross as our Substitute so we don't have to go to hell. Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the grave three days later (1 Cor. 15:3-4). He gives eternal life freely to anyone who simply believes in Him for it. No one can be saved by doing good works. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Eph. 2:8-9).

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life" (John 6:47).

DP. · Answer

Look you need to wise up, smell the coffee and find truth!

There's no point in putting your faith in the magic voodoo offered by a priest, no matter what the Catholic church tells you!

READ THE BIBLE

DEVELOP A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST

and then ONLY then will you have "the way, the truth and the light"

Confession... what does God say?   "Confess your sins to one another!"  Not a priest and infact nobody special.... to one another!In other words... you don't need a priest!

Anonymous · Answer

I guess it depends on who you actually worship. If it's the Pope, then you have a major problem, but if you worship God, do as he says, confess to him in prayer.

tentofield · Answer

Ask your parish priest. Some are using Skype for confessions.

Mayflower · Answer

Phone your parish priest for an advice. 
I hear mass thru the TV...I may have to wait for the Holy communion when things get better.

As a Catholic, can I have a valid confession without a priest under these circumstances?

8 Answers