Q. I went to a priest for confession who I understood was “retired.” I found out later he was not really retired, but rather “restricted” from the ministry. Due to his status, was my confession valid?
A. Validity has nothing to do with the priest being a “priest.” He is ordained or not ordained. Retired, restricted, or any other status does not apply to the sacramental status of his priesthood, but rather to the canonical status of his exercise of ministry. It is correct to assume that the priest who accepts you as a penitent is permitted to do so. You can be confident your confession was valid. We would go crazy if we burdened ourselves with trying to determine answers as to the status or canonical standing of the priests who serve us.
Q. It might sound crazy, but I have spent over twenty-four hours examining my conscience to prepare for confession. The worst thing is, I have confessed some sins before, but I realized I committed these sins in the presence of my children, and I failed to confess this necessary detail.
A. No, the worst thing is not that you missed a detail. The worst thing is the torment you are suffering in your practice of the sacrament. Do you believe all those minute details are required or expected for the celebration of the sacrament? There is no evidence for any such requirement or expectation. It is your scrupulosity “in the weeds,” having a good time while you are discouraged and confused.