Guide to Confession
-
-
Confession probably isn't what you think it is.
If it's been a while since the last time you've been to Confession, it can definitely be nerve-wracking! Nobody likes talking about all the ways they've messed up. But we want to assure you of a few things:
- The priest is excited that you're there, especially if it's been a while! This is one of their favorite parts of their ministry, getting to extend Jesus' mercy to others.
- They are not judging you, and they've heard everything. You are not the first person to tell them about these particular sins.
- Not only can they never reveal what you say in confession to anyone, they also probably won't even remember. Our priests hear dozens of confessions each weekend.
- Don't worry about the specifics. If you forget a particular prayer or freeze, just tell the priest it's been a while and he'll be more than happy to guide you.
The most important thing? It's like any other apology - come to God being truly sorry, ask for His forgiveness, and then do your best to do better. (And the graces of the Sacrament actually give you the tools you need to do that!)
-
-
how to attend confession
-
Prepare
It's highly encouraged to complete an examination of conscience prior to going to confession. An examination of conscience is a guided meditation to review your life and where you might not have fully loved God through your thoughts or actions. Here is a great examination of conscience to get you started.
-
enter the confessional
Our confessionals are located along the back lefthand wall of the church. You can join the line behind the first pillar and enter the confessional once the person in front of you exits (the exterior light will change from red to green when you can enter). You are encouraged to kneel on the kneeler in front of the screen if you are able.
-
beginning the confession
You'll start by making the Sign of the Cross and then say “Bless me Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was… (say the approximate last time you went to confession) ...and these are my sins."
-
confess your sins
This is where you will say out loud the sins that you've committed since your last confession. You don't have to get into specifics; simply state the sin (i.e. lying) and about how often it has occurred (i.e. once, a few times, every day). Once you have stated all of your sins, conclude with "I am sorry for these and all my sins."
-
-
-
Counsel and penance
The priest will then share a bit of advice and encouragement based on what you shared. He will then give your penance, typically something to reflect or pray on following your confession.
-
act of contrition
You'll then be prompted to say the Act of Contrition. This is a prayer that helps you to say you're sorry to God, ask for forgiveness, and resolve to do better in the future. You can find the Act of Contrition here. There is also a copy in the confessional.
-
absolution
The best part! The priest will pray the prayer of absolution, forgiving you of your sins in Jesus' name. Following absolution, he'll typically say "Go in peace," at which point you can leave the confessional.
-
penance
It is encouraged to do your penance as soon as possible after confession. You are welcome to stay in the church and do your penance there. And rejoice! Your sins have been forgiven.
-
-
confession faqs
-
-
This is the most common reason people don't go to confession - after all, it's uncomfortable and awkward telling another person about your sins. Why can't we just tell God we're sorry?
That's actually exactly what you are doing when you go to confession. The Church follows Jesus' instructions here, in which He gave the apostles (and their successors) the ability to forgive sins in His name. That's why we believe that although you are confessing your sins out loud to the priest, it is actually Jesus who is working through the priest to offer forgiveness (called absolution). The priest's sole role in the sacrament is simply to act on Christ's behalf, in the same way he does when He celebrates the Mass.
This is a fantastic article that explains a bit more about why Catholics confess to a priest.
-
-
-
In order for a confession to be valid, you must confess all of the mortal sins you've committed, and you are highly encouraged to confess any venial sins as well. Don't worry - if you forget a sin, your confession still counts. It is only affected if you purposely do not confess a sin. And remember - the priest has heard everything. Don't be embarrassed!
-
-
-
As often as you need! The Church recommends at least once per month, but requires confession once per year and as soon as possible after committing a mortal sin. (But if it has been longer than that, don't stay away out of fear! Just come!) There are so many graces in this Sacrament - you are encouraged to avail yourself of it whenever possible.
We should note that being overscrupulous about your sins and feeling the need to go to confession frequently out of fear could be a sign of scrupulosity. If you feel anxiety about needing to go to confession often, worry about not being forgiven, etc. definitely speak to one of our priests. He will be happy to counsel you through this.
-
-
-
Any time we sin against the commandments God has given us, we injure that relationship, just in the same way we do when we hurt a loved one. However, there are some sins that are considered more serious in that they completely cut off our relationship with God. These more serious sins are known as mortal sins, and "lesser" sins as venial sins.
In order for a sin to be mortal, it must be grave, the sinner must know that it is a sin, and the sinner must deliberately and with full use of reason choose to do the sin anyway. By committing a mortal sin with full knowledge, we essentially say to God that we don't want to be in relationship with Him anymore, and because He has given us free will to choose whether or not we will love Him, He allows us to make that choice.
If you fall into mortal sin, it is advised to receive the Sacrament of Confession as soon as possible, as mortal sin destroys our relationship with God and affects our ability to be in heaven with Him should we die before confessing it. We don't say this to scare you, but because we want to see you in heaven!
The good news? Christ died for us, including when we fall into mortal sin. That's why the Sacrament of Confession is so incredible, because it reinstates our relationship with God.
There are many more nuances between mortal and venial sin; you can read more about the differences in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and of course, you can ask our priest in confession if you are unsure.
-
-
-
RECEIVE CHRIST'S MERCY.We cannot overstate how incredibly powerful God's mercy is. Like the Parable of the Prodigal Son, He is waiting for your return before you even decide to make the journey.
-
-
sign up for updates
-