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“What about the Mass leads you to believe it involves idol worship?”

I found the tradition to be very interesting, I love history.

Its been a while so I don’t remember all the details. I do remember being led to pray to the figurines of Mary and Peter. Among other things. Praying to any man (or woman) who is not the Son of God is not my ideal.

I’ve also had numerous discussions with Catholics about how you have to go through a Priest to be forgiven or to be saved.

Actually, we Catholics do not pray to figurines. The Catholics worship in a full-bodied way, that is consistent with the Incarnation and also a reflection of the Heavenly Liturgy described in the Book of Revelations. There was a time before television and mass media, and stained glass and statues were the way people -- many of whom were illiterature -- were able to learn the narratives of the Bible.

As for Confession, the Catholics follow Christ in their approach to Confession. Jesus gave to the Apostles and their successors the power to forgive sins, reconciling sinners to God for sins committed after Baptism.

On numerous occasions, Jesus exercised the power to forgive sin.

Mk 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Child, your sins are forgiven."

Lk 7:47 So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.

Jesus scandalized some Jews of his own time by claiming to have the authority to forgive sins.

Mk 2:7 Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?

Jesus clearly stated that he had the authority to forgive sins.

Mk 2:10-12 "But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth"-- he said to the paralytic, "I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home." He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone.

Jesus gave the same authority to Peter.

Mt 16:19 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Jesus later gave the same authority to all the Apostles.

Mt 18:18 Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

The Apostle John, an eyewitness, recorded more directly the words of Jesus giving the power to forgive sins to all the Apostles after the testimony of the Resurrection.

Jn 20:23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.

Many Christians ask why confession of sin is required for forgiveness. The Church responds that the need for personal confession of sin is required in order for forgiveness because that is the only way a confessor can judge whether to forgive or retain sins. A judgment cannot be made unless the sin in question is known and the disposition of the penitent is also known.

The New Testament speaks of confession of sin.

Ja 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

1 Jn 1:9 If we acknowledge (confess) our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.

Other New Testament scriptures bear witness that the Apostolic Church acknowledged the use of the power to forgive sins.

Acts 2:38 Peter (said) to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit."

1 Jn 1:9 If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.

1 Jn 2:12 I am writing to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven for his name's sake.

God bless.