A Catholic does not need to keep a priest right by their side. From the Baltimore Catechism:
403. How can a person in mortal sin regain the state of grace before receiving the sacrament of Penance?
A person in mortal sin can regain the state of grace before receiving the sacrament of Penance by making an act of perfect contrition with the sincere purpose of going to confession.
404. What should we do if we have the misfortune to commit a mortal sin?
If we have the misfortune to commit a mortal sin, we should ask God’s pardon and grace at once, make an act of perfect contrition, and go to confession as soon as we can.
In other words....New Testament Christianity.
It is what Christians have believed based on what John wrote......9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NASB
We can appeal straight to Christ for the forgiveness of our sins and expect He will forgive us of our sins.