Read the Catechism in a Year image
Read the Catechism in a Year

Catechism in a year: Day 194

Part Two: How We Celebrate the Christian Mysteries
- Section Two: The Seven Sacraments of the Church
-- Chapter One: The Sacraments of Healing -- PENANCE and RECONCILIATION
Question 235: Can I make a confession even if I have not committed any serious sins?
Confession is a great gift of healing that brings about closer union with the Lord, even if, strictly speaking, you do not have to go to confession.
In Taizé, at Catholic conferences, at World Youth Day celebrations – everywhere, you see young people being reconciled with God. Christians who take seriously their decision to follow Jesus seek the joy that comes from a radical new beginning with God. Even the saints went to confession regularly, if possible. They needed it in order to grow in humility and charity, so as to allow themselves to be touched by God’s healing light even in the inmost recesses of their souls.
Question 236: Why are priests the only ones who can forgive sins? 
No man can forgive sins unless he has a commission from God to do so and the power given by him to ensure that the forgiveness he promises the penitent really takes place. The bishop, in the first place, is appointed to do that and, then, his helpers, the ordained priests.
Dig Deeper: Corresponding CCC section (1458-1466) and other references here.
Recommended Listening: No Turning Back by Fr. Don Calloway