@mitchconner @KingOfWhiteAmerica >Catholics, having failed to understand that
Wrong. What did the early church do? Public confessions were a thing. Also apostolic succession to the same Apostles which Christ said (John 20:22-23) (22And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”)
Also Catholics pray to God directly including for forgiveness sins, but see above. A lot of confession is spiritual counseling. Catholics don't worship Mary. Much of what you think you know about Catholics is wrong, but that's not your fault.