The report is in – 70% of Catholics are not regularly going to Confession. But it’s not that bleak – in fact, if anything, it’s hopeful.
For a lot of Catholics, Confession feels a little like going back to the gym after not working out for two years.
You know it’s probably good for you. You know you’ll likely feel better afterward. But somehow the longer it’s been, the more intimidating it feels to walk back through the door.
A new national study on Confession in the Catholic Church — made possible through the support of FOCUS — found that nearly 70% of Catholics have not gone to Confession in the past year. But the most interesting part of the report wasn’t simply the statistic itself. It was the realization that many Catholics haven’t rejected the sacrament at all.
They’ve drifted away from the habit of going.
The largest group surveyed was Catholics who described themselves as “not having gone in a while.” Many of them also said they would actually like to return to Confession more often.
The study paints a much more human picture than many people might expect. Most people were not angry at the Church or dismissive of God’s mercy. Instead, they described feeling embarrassed, unsure of what to say, discouraged by repeated struggles with the same sins, or disconnected from the rhythm of regularly going to Confession.
The interesting thing is that, we all have felt that way at some point or another when going to Confession, whether we go weekly or once a year. Let’s dive into what else the study had to say, and how we can help our fellow Catholics to take advantage of this incredible sacrament.
Download and read the report here: https://catholicpulsereport.org/#download-section
The Biggest Barrier Isn’t What You Think
The report found that most Catholics are not staying away from Confession because they reject repentance or disagree with Church teaching. The biggest barriers were often deeply personal ones:
- embarrassment
- uncertainty about what to say
- discomfort with the process
- struggling with the same sins repeatedly
- and simply falling out of the habit of going
- (psst – check out this FAQ with priests and what they have to say about all of these hesitations)
One of the most common responses in the study was the belief that someone can ask God for forgiveness privately without going to a priest. Most people also admitted they still long for peace, healing, reassurance, and closeness with God.
That tension says a lot. Many Catholics are not spiritually closed off — they are spiritually hesitant.
Catholics Are Still Looking for Mercy
One of the clearest findings in the report was that Catholics are not primarily motivated by fear when they return to Confession.
They are motivated by mercy.
The strongest reason Catholics gave for going to Confession was the desire to receive God’s forgiveness and mercy. Catholics who regularly participate in the sacrament overwhelmingly described experiencing:
- peace
- healing
- reassurance of God’s love
- freedom from burdens
- renewed faith
- strength to change
- and encouragement to begin again
The study also found that many Catholics said hearing that it is normal to struggle with the same sins would make them more likely to return to Confession more often. Others said clearer explanations of how Confession works and more emphasis on God’s mercy rather than judgment would help them feel more comfortable returning.
Confession and Human Flourishing
One of the more fascinating findings in the study was the relationship between Confession and overall flourishing. Catholics who regularly went to Confession consistently reported higher levels of well-being across areas like:
- peace
- purpose
- emotional health
- relationships
- spiritual life
- and overall life satisfaction
The report is careful not to oversimplify this connection or claim Confession alone causes these outcomes. But the findings strongly suggest that regular participation in the sacrament is deeply connected to broader spiritual health and personal renewal.
That makes sense when you think about it. Human beings are not particularly good at carrying guilt, shame, anxiety, isolation, or spiritual discouragement on our own. Confession invites honesty, accountability, healing, and the experience of mercy — all things that can profoundly affect both spiritual and emotional well-being.
For many Catholics in the study, Confession was not simply described as a religious obligation. It was described as something restorative.
Many Catholics Haven’t Rejected Confession — They’ve Lost the Rhythm
One of the most revealing findings in the report was that the largest group surveyed was Catholics who had gone to Confession before but “haven’t been in a while.”
The study repeatedly notes that disengagement from Confession is often less about rejection and more about the gradual weakening of spiritual habits over time. Once the rhythm disappears, Confession can begin to feel emotionally heavier and more intimidating than it actually is.
That reality showed up throughout the report. Catholics who regularly prayed, read Scripture, engaged in devotional practices, or participated more deeply in spiritual life were also significantly more likely to go to Confession regularly. The sacrament appears deeply connected to broader patterns of spiritual habit and formation.
FAQ: What the Study Revealed About Confession
Q: Why are Catholics not going to Confession?
A: One of the most important findings in the report is that most Catholics are not avoiding Confession because they reject the sacrament or are hostile to the Church. Instead, the biggest barriers are personal, emotional, and spiritual.
The study found that the most common reasons Catholics hesitate to go to Confession include embarrassment or shame, discomfort with the process, uncertainty about what to say, struggling with the same sins repeatedly, and simply falling out of the habit of going regularly. Many also said they believe they can ask God for forgiveness privately without going to a priest.
Q: Are Catholics open to returning to Confession?
A: Surprisingly, yes. One of the most hopeful findings in the study is that many Catholics who no longer go to Confession still express openness to returning.
Among Catholics who had gone to Confession before but not within the past year, more than seven in ten said they are at least open to going more often today. Many specifically said they would actually like to return more frequently.
Q: What motivates Catholics to go to Confession?
A: The strongest motivation by far was the desire for God’s forgiveness and mercy.
Catholics consistently identified mercy as the primary reason they would go to Confession. Catholics also pointed to receiving God’s forgiveness, experiencing peace and healing, reassurance of God’s love, and strength to resist temptation and begin again.
Q: What would help Catholics return to Confession?
A: The report found that reassurance and clarity matter more than pressure.
Catholics said they would be more likely to return to Confession if priests emphasized God’s mercy more than judgment, if they heard it is normal to struggle with the same sins repeatedly, and if they better understood how Confession works and what to expect before going.
Q: Does Confession actually impact people spiritually and emotionally?
A: According to Catholics who regularly participate in the sacrament, yes — very strongly.
The report found that Catholics consistently described Confession as producing peace, healing, reassurance, encouragement, renewed faith, emotional relief, and freedom from burdens. Catholics who went to Confession more regularly also reported higher levels of overall flourishing and well-being across multiple areas of life.
A Hopeful Picture
Despite widespread concern about declining participation in Confession, the overall tone of the study is remarkably hopeful.
Many Catholics still believe deeply in God. Many still believe in mercy. Many still want healing, reconciliation, and peace. Even among Catholics who no longer go to Confession regularly, a large number said they remain open to returning under the right circumstances.
Ultimately, the study paints a picture that feels both realistic and hopeful: many Catholics have not fully closed the door on Confession. Many are simply waiting for reassurance that no matter how long it has been, they can still come back.
Additional Resources
We’ve got a ton of awesome resources on all things Confession here on the FOCUS blog. You definitely need to check these out:
How to Pray: The Act of Contrition
The Confession FAQ You’ve Always Wanted
Why Do Catholics Go to Confession?
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