Frequency of Reception
The Code of Canon Law requires all Catholics who have attained the age of discretion to confess serious sins at least once a year, although frequent reception of the sacrament is recommended. Traditionally, the sacrament has been received during the liturgical seasons of Lent or Advent, or prior to special times in life such as confirmation or marriage. Canon Law 920 requires all Catholics to receive communion during the Easter season. This implies that serious sins, if any, be confessed at least once a year. This is commonly known as the second precept of the Church.
Frequent confession has been recommended by Popes. Confession of even venial sin, while not strictly required, is "strongly recommended by the Church." (CCC 1458) According to Pius XII and Pope John XXIII, "We particularly recommend the pious practice of frequent confession, which the Church has introduced, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, as a means of swifter daily progress along the road of virtue." Paul VI said that frequent confession is "of great value."
John Paul II who went to confession weekly and who stressed the universal call to holiness as a characteristic mark of Vatican II, enumerated these advantages of frequent confession:
- we are renewed in fervor,
- strengthened in our resolutions, and
- supported by divine encouragement
Because of what he considered misinformation on this topic, he strongly recommended this practice and warned that those who discourage frequent confession "are lying."
Read more about this topic: Sacrament Of Penance (Catholic Church)
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