Anxiety with Regard to Confession and How to Overcome This

[Spyridon]

Try writing down your confession verbatim before you go, then just get in the confessional, swallow your nerves, and read it off to Jesus.

That’s what I do, and it helps cut down the nervousness big time.

It’s normal to be nervous - it’s a humiliating experience having to confess your inmost depravity, heinous crimes, and sins to Jesus in person. It really helps you realize how hideously ugly sin really is.

But it’s good - it’s a holy humiliation. Not a mocking type humiliation, but a virtue and humility building humiliation.

I assure you of my prayers.

 

[pianistclare]

Dates are not necessary. All that is necessary is state iyour sins and express genuine remorse.
You will be fine. You’re right, children do this. And they never give dates and specifics.
Christ is merciful, and the priests are kind.
Believe me, Jesus does not want you to go through this anxiety. Perhaps, as everyone else has stated, a more informal visit with your priest is in order. You’re doing your best, and that is the important thing. If you need to amend your way of confessing, he’ll tell you. It’s the prince of lies putting doubt in your head.
Be at peace, and welcome home! I pray that at your next confession you experience great joy and relief. God bless you

 

[2towers]

if none of this helps, make a list, hand it to him, then shut your eyes.

Seriously.

 

[Anne1964]

When I first returned to the Church after an absence of 30 years I was terrified of confession.

What worked for me was to arrive early and spend time praying in the Adoration Chapel. I would ask Jesus to hold my hand and go with me into the confessional.

As one other poster said, I am more comfortable with face-to-face confession. However, if that isn’t possible I will certainly confess behind the screen.

It took me awhile to find a priest I was comfortable with for confession but once I did it made a big difference.

 

[marylg]

Thank you all for the advice. I’m hoping to call and make an appointment tomorrow as I have several days off the next couple of weeks. I would like to try to go to confession this Saturday, however, so I can receive the Eucharist this weekend. It’s been too long, things aren’t going well generally, and honestly, I just really need to receive Him right now.