Catholics Embrace Confession's Shift Toward Grace

The sacrament has moved from recitation of sin to a quest for God's mercy and love.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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As the Lenten period of penance begins, Catholic priests are seeing an uptick in confession as the faithful across the United States embrace the sacrament anew. The focus has shifted from an embarrassing recitation of sin to a cathartic quest for grace, with priests emphasizing God's mercy and love over a strict adherence to rules.

Why it matters

Confession has long been a core Catholic practice, but its popularity declined in recent decades due to cultural changes and the clergy abuse scandals. The renewed interest highlights how Catholics are seeking a more therapeutic and grace-filled experience, moving away from the idea of confession as a "get-out-of-hell-free card."

The details

Priests say that while acknowledging sins and receiving absolution remain central, confession is turning more into a conversation focused on God's mercy and love. They try to bring the same mercy that the Gospels show Jesus showering on sinners, rather than a strict, rule-based approach. The 'seal of the confessional' remains absolute, allowing penitents to be vulnerable and honest as they seek healing and encouragement.

  • The Lenten period for penance started this week with Ash Wednesday.

The players

Father Patrick Gilger

A Jesuit priest in Chicago who says the fact that someone shows up to confession displays their desire for holiness.

James O'Toole

A Boston College professor emeritus and author of a new history of confession.

Father Thomas Gaunt

Leads Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate.

Father Mike Nugent

Ordained in 2023 and is parochial vicar at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church in Annandale, Virginia.

Father Brendan Hurley

Oversees the penance preparation program at the Pontifical North American College, next to the Vatican.

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What they’re saying

“They come to confession feeling as if they are terrible, but … they are displaying the fact that they want to be good.”

— Father Patrick Gilger, Jesuit priest (cruxnow.com)

“What sinfulness is in the Catholic Church's theological understanding is the intentional, willful distancing of oneself from God. The point of confessing your sins, of attending to sins, is only to allow the God who wants to be with us to rush back into the emptiness that those sins have created.”

— Father Patrick Gilger, Jesuit priest (cruxnow.com)

“Knowing that I'm loved even with my struggle, even with sin, even with the things that are challenging and shameful in my life, that I am still loved perfectly — my gosh, that is good news.”

— Father Mike Nugent, Parochial vicar (cruxnow.com)

What’s next

The Diocese of Arlington will start holding confessions on Wednesday nights at the same time as all other parishes starting at the end of the month.

The takeaway

This renewed focus on grace and mercy in confession highlights how Catholics are seeking a more therapeutic and compassionate experience, moving away from a strict, rule-based approach. It reflects a broader shift in the Church toward emphasizing God's love over judgment.