"Bishops and priests declare absolution.
Q: So why do Catholics have to confess their sins, offenses against God, to a priest?
Q: Why not confess directly to God?
Establishing a relationship with a confessor can also help mend ourrelationship with God and community. The sacrament draws upon sixth-century practice where the confessor was a spiritual director; confession was embedded within a process of spiritual guidance. Penances were designed, within a genuine relationship, to help individuals learn how they might be Christ for others. Ultimately, Catholics confess to a priest in order to be better transformed into the body of Christ."
U.S. Catholic