Returning Catholics FAQs: Confession and Secrecy

O n Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics , a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.

I don’t like the idea that another human being, even a priest (or especially a priest) knows what I’ve done.

Our priests are entrusted with being Christ’s representatives—not god...