Has it been a while since you’ve gone to Confession?
Sometimes people are concerned because they don’t know what to say. Always remember, the priest went to school for this…he knows how it is supposed to go if you get a little lost.
But honestly, the most important thing in going to Confession when you haven’t been for a while is: just go. I can’t tell you how many people walk in and say something like, “I haven’t been to Confession since second grade…”. So we talk and the priest walks them through it.
It really isn’t complicated. I mean, it’s like this: when you have the inkling to get to Confession, it is usually connected to something that you know you’ve actually done. So you already know what you need to say. And God already knows what you need to say. And the priest won’t remember what it was that you needed to say after you’ve said it and he gives you absolution…so why worry?
But if you are still a little nervous, here are some steps:
- Step One: Start here with a good examination of conscience.
- Step Two: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you be honest with yourself as you read through the Examination of Conscience.
- Step Three: Find out when and where the next available Confession is held.
- Step Four (optional): Write down what you want to confess. It is helpful if you have figured out what the sin is “called” and include the estimated number of times you committed that particular sin.
- Step Five: Show up at Confession location during Confession time.
- Step Six: Walk in, let the priest know what you’re up to (You can say, “Bless me, Father. It’s been _________ long since my last Confession. Here are my sins…”. Or, if you get all deer-in-the-headlights and totally forget, just say something like, “I totally blanked. How do I start?” Or, if you have no idea what to do, just say that: “Would you be able to help me through this?” All of those are totally legit ways to do it.)
- Step Seven: Listen to the priest and don’t be upset if his advice isn’t the most profound thing you’ve ever heard. (He will give you something to “do”. We call it a “penance” and it is supposed to help you take your next steps forward after the Confession is over.)
- Step Eight: Leave the “Confession space” and do your penance and be joyful! After all, you’re sins are gone! How does that sound?
Does the thought of going to Confession still make you a little wary? Wonder what it’s like from the priest’s perspective to hear someone’s confession? Read Fr. Mike Schmitz’s “My Side of the Confessional: What Is It Like for a Priest?” to learn more.
