What is a "General Confession" and how is it different than my monthly confession?

-- LorriAnn (latornay@aol.com), February 29, 2000

Answers

Hello, LorriAnn.
"The Modern Catholic Dictionary" by Father John Hardon (an outstanding, orthodox priest) tells us this:
"The term 'general confession' has two meanings. It's most common meaning refers to a private confession in which the penitent confesses all past sins, not just those since one's last confession. A general confession is sometimes done by individuals entering a new state of life - the priesthood, religious life, or marriage.
"The term also refers to one of the three forms/rites of the sacrament of penance, involving general absolution. There are strict limitations on when general absolution may be given, usually involving a danger of death or some other serious necessity."

[I am sure that Father is right about a rare linkage of the term "general confession" to "general absolution," but I must say that EVERY time I have heard/read the term "general confession," it has taken on the first meaning that Father mentions.]
God bless you.
JFG

-- J. F. Gecik (jgecik@desc.dla.mil), February 29, 2000.