Q420 – Is it a good practice to try to confess all venial sins, or should one focus only on the more serious or frequent ones?

Interview Organization: Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima

Interviewer Name: Christopher P. Wendt

Date: January 13, 2026

Bishop Schneider explains that the primary purpose of confession is to confess mortal sins. Venial sins can also be confessed to grow in holiness, but it is not necessary to confess all. One should not hide sins and should focus on those weighing on the conscience, guided by prayer and self-examination.

If you like what we do and want to regularly support our mission to build the Reign of Mary and/or assist the episcopal ministry of Bishop Athanasius Schneider, please consider becoming a Servant of Mary.

It is not necessary to confess all venial sins, because the primary purpose of confession is to confess mortal sins. Yes, mortal sins are the main focus. Venial sins are not the primary object of confession, but confession allows us to confess venial sins and to progress in our Christian life, to purify our souls more. This is the principle.

We must not consciously hide any sin, because that would be wrong. But when we concentrate on the main sins or on venial sins that weigh on our conscience, that can be sufficient. As soon as your conscience tells you about certain venial sins, you simply confess them. It depends on your examination of conscience. You can pray and say to the Lord, or to your guardian angel, to show you your imperfections. Then you can bring them to the Lord, purify your soul more, and recognize what you need to confess.

Question/ Title

Q424 – What advice can you offer for evangelizing to a Muslim friend who is open to learning about Catholicism but has not yet converted?

Q423 – If someone prays multiple rosaries daily, is it necessary to pray the Hail Holy Queen after each one?

Q422 – Is it acceptable to attend Mass at an SSPX chapel, even though some believe the Society does not fully recognize the Pope?

Q421 – If a priest thinks a confessed sin is not actually a sin, is the penitent still absolved, or should they confess it again to another priest?

Q420 – Is it a good practice to try to confess all venial sins, or should one focus only on the more serious or frequent ones?

Q419 – If one has no mortal sins, what types of venial or daily sins should be confessed?

Q418 – Is it appropriate for a woman to serve as a lector in the sanctuary during Mass, or should this role be limited?

Q417 – How could a community find a priest willing to come and offer the Traditional Latin Mass when the local bishop does not allow it?

Q416 – What practical warnings or guardrails should the faithful keep in mind when using AI like ChatGPT?

Q415 – Could you recap the Church’s traditional teaching on just war, and possibly illustrate it with a current example?