Which statement about confession and mortal sins is true?

Which statement about confession and mortal sins is true?

• A. All mortal sins must be confessed in number and kind.
• B. Confession is optional.
• C. Only venial sins need to be confessed.
• D. Confession to a layperson suffices.

Answer: (A)

In confession, mortal sins must be confessed in number and kind. This means you name each mortal sin and indicate the kind of sin and roughly how many times it occurred, to the extent you know them. This precise disclosure helps the priest assess culpability, ensure true contrition, and grant valid absolution. It also guards against omitting serious sins and teaches honesty before God. Confession is not optional for grave sins, and it isn’t satisfied by confessing only venial sins. A layperson cannot validly substitute for the ordained minister in this sacrament, so mortal sins must be confessed to a priest. So the statement that all mortal sins must be confessed in number and kind is the correct understanding.

In confession, mortal sins must be confessed in number and kind. This means you name each mortal sin and indicate the kind of sin and roughly how many times it occurred, to the extent you know them. This precise disclosure helps the priest assess culpability, ensure true contrition, and grant valid absolution. It also guards against omitting serious sins and teaches honesty before God.

Confession is not optional for grave sins, and it isn’t satisfied by confessing only venial sins. A layperson cannot validly substitute for the ordained minister in this sacrament, so mortal sins must be confessed to a priest. So the statement that all mortal sins must be confessed in number and kind is the correct understanding.