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Confession is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in his love and mercy to offer sinners forgiveness for offenses against God and against your sisters and brothers. Confession brings reconciliation between God and the penitent, between the penitent and others, and to the individual penitent.
Mar 4, 2024 · Confession is based on the belief that all humans are prone to sin, and through this sacrament, they can seek God's mercy and grace to restore their relationship with Him. The Catholic Church views Confession as a means of spiritual healing and renewal, allowing individuals to experience God's forgiveness and love.
In its ministry of Confession the Church makes present that redeeming power of Christ’s love, and proclaims forgiveness for sins committed after baptism. This Sacrament is the privileged moment in which the Church guarantees God’s pardon to the sinner who truly repents. Confession should never frighten us.
- Overview
- Before Confession
- During Confession
- After Confession
- Rosary Prayer
Confession can be a little intimidating, but it’s worth it to receive God’s grace and forgiveness. Remember that the priest is there to help, not judge, and that there’s no reason to feel afraid or ashamed. Whether you’re a long-time Catholic who’s gone a bit too long without visiting the confessional or are receiving the sacrament for the first time, we’ll guide you through what you need to do before, during, and after your confession in order to receive forgiveness. Let’s get that weight off your shoulders.
Visit your church during a designated confession time or call your priest to schedule a private confession.
Examine your conscience and make a note of any sins you can remember, and which you’ll confess to the priest
Begin your confession with, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [this long] since my last confession,” then explain your sins to the priest.
Find a confession session at your local church.
Most churches hold designated times for confession. Call or visit your local parish’s website to find the schedule, or call you priest to schedule a private session.
Many churches announce confession times on a sign outside the church or as part of the church bulletin, which can almost always be found at the entrances. Some are even up online!
Private sessions are a good idea if you have a lot to talk about. A normal confession may last about 5-10 minutes. If you think yours will last a lot longer, feel free to ask for a private session.
Examine your conscience and identify your sins.
An examination of conscience is a mental review of your wrongdoings that you perform before confession. Think back on any sins that you’ve committed since your last confession, and make a mental note of them, or write them down so that you don’t forget them when you enter the confessional.
Enter the confessional and begin your confession.
When the priest is ready, take your place in the confessional—someone else will exit the confessional, or the priest will motion you in). Sit down either across from him or behind the screen—it's totally up to you whether or not you prefer to remain anonymous. The priest will begin with the sign of the cross, and then you say:
"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [however many weeks, months, or years] since my last confession."
Sometimes the priest will then make some conversation about your faith or your personal life. This is an opportunity to relax and make yourself comfortable before you dive into confessing your sins.
Spend some time in the church and reflect on your confession.
Take a moment to offer a prayer to God, thanking him for forgiveness. This is a great time to unwind if you find that confessing your sins made you a bit anxious—that’s a natural reaction! Relax and revel in your restored grace, and contemplate on how you plan to avoid sin in the future.
Whatever the priest suggested you do for penance is best completed as soon as possible. Whether that's while you linger in the Church or later by
from a loved one, seek to fulfill your commitment to penance as soon as you can.
Just because you’ve been forgiven for your sins, it doesn’t mean God expects you to never sin again. We’re only human, after all. But it’s important to keep going to confession to keep being forgiven and to foster your grace and spiritual connection to God. Try to go to confession once a week or so.
There’s no set schedule for how often you should confess. God will accept your confession and offer forgiveness even if you go years without confessing, but it’s best to confess more often than not.
What if a forget how to say the Act of Contrition because I am nervous?
Don't worry! The priest will understand and help you recite the prayer. They've performed the sacrament many times, and know how nervous you might be.
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If you are not a Catholic , can you confess? And what and what will you say? Or is there a particular statement to recite?
CONFESSION: You begin by mentioning how long it has been since your last confession, and then confess the sins that are on your conscience. The priest may ask you a few questions to be sure that he understands what you are saying, or to determine the seriousness of the things you confess. He may give you some words of advice or encouragement.
The basic requirement for a good confession is to have the intention of returning to God like the "prodigal son" and to acknowledge our sins with true sorrow before the priest.
Once you have had time to reflect on your sins, simply go to the confessional and celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation in the following way: Go into the confessional and say, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
