Bad Experience in Confession? Here’s What to Know | Fr. Patrick Briscoe & Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress

June 13, 2026

What If You Have a Bad Confession?

Confession is one of the greatest gifts Christ has given His Church. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our sins are forgiven, our relationship with God is restored, and we are strengthened by grace to continue the Christian life. But what happens when a confession doesn’t go as expected?

In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick Briscoe and Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress tackle a question many Catholics quietly wonder about: What if I have a bad experience in confession?

Whether a priest seems distracted, offers advice that feels unhelpful, or leaves you feeling disappointed rather than encouraged, the friars explain why the validity and power of the sacrament do not depend on your emotional experience. They unpack what actually makes a confession valid, how God’s mercy operates through the sacrament, and why Catholics can trust Christ’s promise of forgiveness even when human weakness is present.

The conversation also explores the difference between confession, spiritual direction, and pastoral counseling, helping listeners understand what they should—and shouldn’t—expect when entering the confessional. Along the way, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony offer practical guidance for processing difficult experiences, seeking trustworthy counsel, and maintaining confidence in God’s grace.

The episode concludes with a thoughtful discussion about the rare but serious cases of misconduct in the confessional, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to accountability, healing, and support for those who have been harmed.

If you’ve ever left confession feeling confused, discouraged, or uncertain, this episode is a powerful reminder that God’s mercy is greater than human weakness and that Christ remains faithful in every sacrament.