[oremus]

As Catholics we have the gift of the Sacrament of Confession, which is a vehicle of grace and a healing Sacrament where we meet Jesus, in the person of the priest (in Persona Christi), and have our sins absolved, and receive graces to help us avoid sin and/or improve. It is not a priest we confess to, but Christ himself. A priest of his own power cannot absolve sins - only Christ can.

However, one must be SORRY, and have a firm purpose of amendment - meaning - you intend NOT to repeat the sin. Doesn't mean you won't, out of weakness or whatever, but that's the idea. Without being truly sorry for that which you are confessing, you are committing a sacrilege in making a "bad confession." Therefore, confession and a few Hail Mary's is no guarantee for heaven. Those conditions must be met.

[Bump in the night]

Therefore, confession and a few Hail Mary's is no guarantee for heaven. Those conditions must be met.

Ahhhhh. Okey dokey. Well that's good to know, because that whole idea sounded pretty wacky to me. Thanks for clarifying!