YOUCAT*: The secret of the confessional is sacred. It cannot be violated for any reason, however weighty. [2490]
Come on, you know you’ve thought about it — will the priest share my confession with his buddies, or worst yet, people who know me? As a teenager, it did cross my mind. My friends and I were always worried that the priest would tell our parents what we were confessing. Yikes!
The “secret of the sacrament of reconciliation” can never be broken or dishonored. It is forbidden for a priest to betray, in any way, what you say in confession. It has to be kept sacred.
So no worry about that — go confession — you’ll be happy you did.
“Never repeat a rumor before you have verified it. And if it is true, hold your tongue all the more.” (Selma Lagerlof)
*Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
Lisa Gomes is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry