[mike182d]

Psalm 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

Sure, you can confess your sins to the Lord but, according to John 20:22-23, the Apostles have the power to retain your sins despite your efforts. In order to receive absolution was must receive this Sacrament as ordained by Christ, through the hands of the Apostles.

[mike182d]

Correction to my last post:

It is not necessary to receive absolution from a priest for one's sins, as the mercy of God is without bounds, but Christ most certainly provided us with the proper means to do so on earth and it would do us well to both acknowledge and partake of that.