Sacraments - Reconciliation

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The Sacrament of Reconciliation

How do we go to Confession?

Often it has been so long that we stay away from the sacrament because we are embarrassed or we simply don’t remember how to “go” to confession or what we learned as a child just doesn’t make sense and we don’t know what to do as an adult. Here are some suggestions:

1. How do I prepare?

In your mind and heart, consider how you have been living as a disciple of Jesus Christ. We call this an examination of conscience. We know that we are called to love God and to love our neighbor. Think about how you have been doing this ‘loving’. In what ways have you been faithful to this commandment to love God and to love your neighbor? In what ways have you been unfaithful? The more important question to ponder is the WHY question? Why have you been faithful? Why have you been unfaithful? Therein lies the root of sin – it is this that we want to confess and/or discuss with the priest. It is this that we want God to forgive. It is about this that we ask God for strength to change. You might also consider the Ten Commandments, the eight beatitudes and the laws of the Church. In all of these it is important to ask ourselves why do we not follow these directives.

2. What if I can’t remember how long it has been since I went to confession?

Just say honestly that you can’t remember.

3. What if I can’t remember how many times?

Do I have to say the number of times I have sinned? Number is important only in confessing mortal or very serious sin. More importantly is the direction our life is taking. Is it going towards God and the Catholic way of life – that is living out the Gospel command to love God and to love our neighbor or is our life going away from God and the Catholic way of life and WHY?

4. What do I do in the confession?

Greet the confessor (priest). Say in these or similar words: “Father, it’s been … (awhile or 3 months, 6 years, I can’t remember) since my last confession. I really struggle to be a good Catholic in this way… in these ways…I am sorry. I want to celebrate God’s forgiveness and ask God for strength to do better or to change.” The priest will help you if you are uncertain.

5. What if I don’t remember the Act of Contrition?

The Act of Contrition can be one that you remember from your childhood such as “O my God, I am heartily sorry…” or the confession of sorrow that is a prayer from the heart in your own words which includes a statement of sorrow and desire to change. You can bring a copy of an Act of Contrition with you if you so desire. There are many formulas and any one of them is fine.

6. What about saying/doing my penance?

The priest will ask you to do something – called satisfaction or acts of penance. Such actions can be in the form of prayers, reading from Scripture or actions to be carried out.

7. What do I do ‘after’ confession?

After you celebrate confession, you leave the confessional and go to a pew to offer a few words of thanks to God and to ask for the grace to be faithful to living out your Baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ.