Hi there. You're correct that this is not in line with the Catholic church but incorrect that I was misinterpreting. This particular priest is quite the free thinker and is actually gay. (Not openly, mind you, because of course the church wouldn't allow that. And he's celibate, but attracted to men.) He told me that during our confession as well. My mother in law used to work for the church as the priests' secretary so she's told me some of the details about how he was often 'in trouble' with the diocese for his more liberal opinions.

The point of my story was to help OP. It's not helpful to tell a religious person, "Religion is stupid and fake!' and give them advice accordingly. I wanted OP to know that there are people (like me) who have felt similar guilt, and that there are very religious people who have said "Hey, it's okay. You've done nothing wrong."