How to Go to Confession
How to Go to Confession: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, commonly known as Confession, is a beautiful encounter with God’s mercy and love. It’s an opportunity to receive forgiveness for sins, experience healing, and grow in holiness. Whether you’re preparing to go to Confession for the first time or it’s been a while, here’s a simple guide to help you through the process.
Who Can Go to Confession at a Catholic Church?
Any baptized Catholic can go to Confession, no matter how long it has been since their last confession or how far they feel they have strayed. The sacrament is open to all Catholics seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. This includes children preparing for their First Confession and those who have not yet been confirmed. If unsure about receiving Confession, speaking with a Catholic priest can provide guidance and support.
Can a Non-Catholic Go to Confession?
Confession is generally reserved for baptized Catholics, as it is closely tied to the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. In rare cases, non-Catholic Christians (like Eastern Orthodox members) may receive Confession with a priest’s approval. Non-Catholics interested in Confession are encouraged to speak with a priest for guidance and pastoral support, even if they cannot receive the sacrament.
Now let's begin...
Step 1: Examine Your Conscience
Begin by reflecting on your life since your last Confession. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize your sins, shortcomings, and areas where you’ve strayed from God’s will. Use the Ten Commandments or the Beatitudes as a guide, or consider using an examination of conscience specific to your age or state in life. Reflect honestly and identify the sins you need to confess.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Have I put God first in my life?
- Have I taken the Lord’s name in vain?
- Have I missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation without a valid reason?
- Have I been unkind, dishonest, or hurtful toward others?
- Have I engaged in sinful thoughts, words, or actions?
Examination of Conscience for Adults
Examination of Conscience for Children
Step 2: Go to the Confessional
Find a Catholic church offering Confession and enter the confessional when it’s your turn. Most parishes have regular Confession times or offer Confession by appointment. If you’re not sure where to go, ask the parish office or check the parish bulletin or website.
In the confessional, you have the option to sit face-to-face with the priest or remain anonymous behind a screen. Choose whichever option makes you most comfortable.
Step 3: Begin Your Confession
Start by making the Sign of the Cross and saying, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” Then tell the priest how long it has been since your last Confession (e.g., “It has been two months since my last Confession” or “This is my first Confession”).
Step 4: Confess Your Sins
Confess your sins openly and honestly. Begin with any mortal (serious) sins, and then mention your venial (less serious) sins. Be as specific as you can, without going into unnecessary details. If you’re unsure whether something is a sin or need clarification, feel free to ask the priest for guidance.
Example: “I have lied several times, spoken badly about others, and been impatient with my family. I missed Mass on Sunday without a good reason, and I struggled with anger and resentment.”
Remember, the priest is there to help and guide you, not to judge or criticize.
Step 5: Listen to the Priest’s Guidance
The priest may offer some advice or spiritual guidance based on what you’ve confessed. Listen attentively and consider how you can apply his advice to your daily life. The priest will then assign you a penance—an act of prayer, sacrifice, or service to help you begin your path of reconciliation and spiritual healing.
Step 6: Make an Act of Contrition
After receiving your penance, you’ll pray an Act of Contrition to express your sorrow for your sins and your resolve not to sin again. You can use the traditional prayer or speak from your heart. Here’s a common version:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
Step 7: Receive Absolution
After your Act of Contrition, the priest will extend his hand and pray the Prayer of Absolution, granting you God’s forgiveness:
“God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son, has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Respond, “Amen.” You have now received God’s mercy and are forgiven of your sins!
Step 8: Complete Your Penance
After leaving the confessional, take a few moments to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s forgiveness. Then complete the penance assigned to you by the priest as soon as possible, whether it’s praying certain prayers, reading Scripture, or performing an act of charity.
Tips for a Good Confession:
- Be Honest and Sincere: Approach Confession with a genuine desire to reconcile with God and grow in holiness.
- Don’t Be Afraid or Ashamed: The priest is there to help you, not judge you. God’s mercy is greater than any sin.
- Go Regularly: Make Confession a regular part of your spiritual life. Monthly or bi-monthly Confession is a good practice.
- Pray for the Grace to Avoid Sin: After Confession, ask God for the strength to overcome temptation and to grow in virtue.
Going to Confession is a powerful way to experience God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness. It brings spiritual healing and restores us to full communion with God and the Church. If you’ve been away from the Sacrament for a long time, don’t worry—God is always waiting to welcome you back with open arms.
“There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
A Sample Script for Confession
Confession can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time or if you’ve been away from the Sacrament for a while. Understanding what to say can ease your nerves and help you focus on receiving God’s mercy. Below is a sample script to guide you through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Before You Enter the Confessional
- Make a good examination of conscience beforehand.
- Reflect on your sins and be truly sorry for them.
- Prepare yourself with an Act of Contrition, which you’ll say during the confession.
Entering the Confessional
Penitent: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [state the length of time] since my last Confession.”
- If it’s your first Confession, you can say: “This is my first Confession.”
- If you’re unsure, say: “I don’t remember how long it has been, but I’m happy to be here.”
Priest: “Welcome. May God bless you as you make your confession. Take your time.”
Confessing Your Sins
Penitent: “Since my last Confession, I have… [List your sins. Mention any serious (mortal) sins first, followed by any lesser (venial) sins. Be specific but brief.]
- Example:
- “I have missed Mass on Sundays without a good reason.”
- “I have spoken disrespectfully to my parents several times.”
- “I lied about an important matter at work.”
- “I have had impure thoughts and viewed inappropriate content online.”
- “I have held a grudge against someone who hurt me and refused to forgive them.”
- “I’ve been envious of others’ success and material possessions.”
If you’re unsure how to express something, ask the priest for help, saying: “I struggle with this, and I’m not sure how to describe it…”
After you have finished confessing your sins, conclude with: “For these and all the sins of my past life, I am truly sorry.”
Receiving Guidance and Penance
The priest may offer some spiritual advice and encouragement based on what you’ve shared. He may help you reflect on what led you to commit these sins and how you can avoid them in the future. Listen attentively to his words.
Then, the priest will give you a penance to perform after your confession. This penance could be a set of prayers, a Scripture reading, or an act of charity. If you are unsure about how to complete your penance, feel free to ask for clarification.
Priest: “For your penance, please pray three Hail Marys for the grace to resist temptation in the future, and take a moment today to thank God for His mercy.”
Making the Act of Contrition
After the priest assigns your penance, he will ask you to make an Act of Contrition. You can use this traditional prayer:
Penitent: “O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.”
Receiving Absolution
The priest then extends his hand (if it is a face-to-face confession) and prays the Prayer of Absolution:
Priest: “God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son, has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Penitent: “Amen.”
Priest’s Final Words and Dismissal
The priest might say a few final words of encouragement or offer a simple blessing.
Priest: “Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace, and may God bless you. Remember to complete your penance and try to come to Confession regularly. Have a blessed day.”
Penitent: “Thank you, Father.”
After Leaving the Confessional
- Spend a few moments in prayer, thanking God for His mercy.
- Complete the penance assigned by the priest as soon as you can.
- Reflect on the grace you have received and strive to make changes in your life, relying on God’s help.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful opportunity to encounter God’s mercy and love. Don’t worry if you’re nervous or feel unsure about what to say—the priest is there to help you and guide you through it. Go with an open heart, and trust that God’s forgiveness is always waiting for you.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)