Confession, also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is one of the greatest gifts Jesus gave to His Church. It is a powerful way to receive God’s mercy, heal our souls, and restore our relationship with Him. But for many Catholics, the idea of going to confession can feel intimidating.
If you’re unsure about what to do or need a refresher, here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to going to confession with confidence and peace.
1. Examine Your Conscience
Before entering the confessional, take time to prayerfully reflect on your thoughts, words, and actions since your last confession. Ask yourself:
- Have I loved God above all things?
- Have I treated others with kindness and respect?
- Have I sinned in my thoughts, words, or actions?
Use an Examination of Conscience, based on the Ten Commandments or the Beatitudes, to help guide you.
Scripture Reflection
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24
2. Be Truly Sorry for Your Sins
True contrition means having genuine sorrow for offending God and a desire to change. This includes two kinds of sorrow:
- Perfect Contrition – Sorrow for sins out of love for God.
- Imperfect Contrition – Sorrow for sins due to fear of punishment.
Even imperfect contrition is enough for confession, but we should always strive for true remorse out of love for God.
💡 Spiritual Tip: Before confession, pray: “Lord, help me to feel true sorrow for my sins and a strong desire to follow You.”
3. Make a Firm Resolution to Avoid Sin
Repentance means turning away from sin and making an effort to avoid it in the future. Ask God for strength to resist temptation and remove anything that leads you into sin.
📖 Scripture Reflection:
Go, and sin no more.
John 8:11
4. Find a Priest & Choose a Confession Time
Most parishes offer confession before Mass or at scheduled times. You can also schedule an appointment with a priest if needed.
💡 Spiritual Tip: If you haven’t been to confession in a long time, don’t be afraid! Priests are there to help and will guide you through the process.
5. Enter the Confessional with Faith & Humility
When you step into the confessional, remember that you are speaking to Christ through the priest. He is there to welcome you with love and mercy, not to judge or embarrass you.
🙏 Begin with these words:
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (state how long) since my last confession. These are my sins
6. Confess Your Sins Honestly
List your mortal sins first, then any venial sins. Be clear but brief—no need to explain every detail. If you’re unsure about anything, ask the priest for guidance.
💡 Spiritual Tip: If you forgot a sin, don’t panic! As long as you didn’t hide it on purpose, it is still forgiven. Just mention it in your next confession.
📖 Scripture Reflection
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
7. Listen to the Priest’s Advice
After confessing, the priest may offer you spiritual guidance to help you grow in holiness. He will then give you a penance, such as:
- Praying a certain prayer
- Reading a passage of Scripture
- Performing an act of charity
This penance helps us make amends and grow in virtue.
8. Pray the Act of Contrition
Before receiving absolution, you will need to say the Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow and commitment to avoid sin.
🙏 Act of Contrition:
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 occasion of sin. Amen.
9. Receive Absolution & Forgiveness
The most beautiful moment in confession is when the priest, in the name of Christ, grants you absolution:
“I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
At that moment, your sins are completely wiped away, and your soul is restored to grace.
📖 Scripture Reflection:
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
Isaiah 1:18
10. Do Your Penance & Live in Grace
After confession, complete your penance as soon as possible and continue striving for holiness. Make prayer and the sacraments a regular part of your life to stay close to God.
💡 Spiritual Tip: Go to confession at least once a month to maintain spiritual strength and receive grace to resist temptation.
📖 Scripture Reflection:
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Psalm 32:1
Final Thoughts: The Power of Confession
Confession is a sacrament of love, healing, and renewal. Every time we confess our sins, we experience the mercy of Jesus, who welcomes us with open arms.
If it has been a while since your last confession, don’t be afraid—God is waiting for you! Make the commitment to return to this beautiful sacrament and embrace the grace, peace, and joy that comes from a clean heart.
🙏 A Short Prayer Before Confession:
Lord Jesus, I come before You with a humble heart. Help me to confess my sins with sincerity, trust in Your mercy, and leave the confessional renewed in Your love.
Amen
📌 When was the last time you went to confession? Let this be your invitation to experience God’s mercy today! 💜
