How often should a Catholic go to Confession?
Under the Precepts of the Church, every Catholic who has reached the age of discretion is strictly bound to confess mortal sins at least once a year, and must always confess before receiving Holy Communion if conscious of having committed a mortal sin. Beyond this bare minimum, the Church highly recommends frequent confession of even venial sins (e.g., monthly or bi-weekly). Regular confession deepens self-knowledge, fosters Christian humility, uproots bad habits, and supplies sacramental grace to resist future temptations.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1457-1458
- 1 John 1:9
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.