Which statement about confession is true?

Which statement about confession 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)

Mortal sins must be confessed in number and kind. This requirement means when a grave sin is confessed, the penitent should name the specific sin and indicate roughly how many times it occurred. This precise disclosure helps the priest judge the seriousness, assess genuine contrition, and grant absolution properly, while also representing a complete turning away from sin before God. Venial sins may be confessed for spiritual benefit, but they are not required. Confession to a layperson does not suffice for absolution, since the sacrament is administered by a priest. Confession being optional is not correct in the Catholic understanding.

Mortal sins must be confessed in number and kind. This requirement means when a grave sin is confessed, the penitent should name the specific sin and indicate roughly how many times it occurred. This precise disclosure helps the priest judge the seriousness, assess genuine contrition, and grant absolution properly, while also representing a complete turning away from sin before God. Venial sins may be confessed for spiritual benefit, but they are not required. Confession to a layperson does not suffice for absolution, since the sacrament is administered by a priest. Confession being optional is not correct in the Catholic understanding.