Where is Confession in the Bible? In John 20:21-23 Jesus gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins. The Divine power and authority has been faithfully passed on in The Catholic Church in the Catholic priesthood through the centuries and will be so until the end of time.  

Why do I need to confess my sins to a priest? Jesus, who is God, extended His authority to His apostles to carry on His mission (Jn 20:22). How would they know which sins to forgive or retain, unless they are told to them? Also, in 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, this reconciliation is only available by the power of God and through the ministry of The Church instituted by Christ Himself. In Matthew 16:19, Peter was given the keys to the Kingdom, to bind and loose sin. This authority was over Heaven and Earth CCC 1441-1442.