“Now this is the message that we have heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us”.
1 John 1:5-10
Confession, not to be intimidated
When we think about our sinfulness, we might feel embarrassed or alone. It’s not something we want to share with others. We may feel intimidated or reluctant to share our sins with the priest.
If you’re nervous or uneasy about going to confession, remember these three things:
- It doesn’t matter if it’s been a long time (or a short time), God is still happy you’re there.
- Our God is a God of mercy. God wants to forgive us.
- God, not the priest present in the confessional, is the one actually absolving your sins.
Priests are bound by a canon law concept known as the “seal of the confessional,” which forbids them from sharing confessions under any circumstance.
If you’re worried about inconveniencing or bothering the priest, take comfort in the beautiful description of the sacrament from Pope John Paul II:
“[Confession] is, without doubt, the most difficult and delicate, the most exhausting and demanding, but also one of the most beautiful and consoling ministries of the priest.”
In other words, it’s hard but rewarding work–exactly what priests are called to do.
USCCB.ORG
How to Confess as a Catholic
Time needed: 15 minutes
How to Go to Confession: A Step by Step Guide
- Enter the confessional and greet the priest.
Begin by making the sign of the cross and say “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It’s been [however many days/months/years] since my last confession.”
- List your sins.
Mention venial (everyday) sins and mortal sins, which are more serious. Try to be thorough, but it’s OK if you don’t remember every single sin. It may be more of a conversation, as the priest may ask questions or comment. It doesn’t have to be a non-stop laundry list of sins. When you’re done, conclude by saying “I’m sorry for these and all my sins.”
- Listen to the priest.
When you’re done confessing your sins, the priest may offer some guidance and suggest ways to avoid sins in the future. He’ll then give you a penance, which could be a form of prayer, a service or some work of mercy. Often, you’ll be able to complete your penance while still at church.
- Pray the Act of Contrition.
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.
- Receive absolution from God, via the priest.
The priest will say the following prayer to absolve you of your sins: God, the Father of mercies, through the death and the 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. Make the sign of the cross and close with Amen.
- Depart and fulfill your act of penance.