Confession Help

[BrooklynBoy200]

I’m finally getting to confession next saturday, and i was wondering what i should do. I’ve never been before, so what should i say when i get in the confessional? If someone could give me a word for word that would be great. Like should i say bless me father for i have sinned, then explain my situation? Or what?

 

[Holly3278]

When you get into the confessional, say “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” while making the sign of the cross if the priest does not say it. If the priest does say it then be silent and make the sign of the cross yourself. Then say “Bless me Father for I have sinned.” Then, just make a list of your sins and when the priest prompts you, say an act of contrition. This can be a prayer of your own words or something like this:

“Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee and I regret all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell but most of all because they offend Thee my God who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of they grace to do penance and to ammend my life. Amen.”

Then wait for the priest to say the prayer of absolution and you’re done.

Also, make sure you do a good examination of conscience before you go to confession. Preferably right before you go to confession or within an hour of confession. Here is a link to an examination of conscience:

holyspiritinteractive.net/features/anexaminationofconscience/default.asp

 

[Teeliumtrozzle]

Before going to Confession, examine your conscience-that is- remember all the things you need to tell the priest.

When you go into the confessional, make the SOTC.

Then say ‘Bless me father for I have sinned.This is my first confession’’

Then tell the Priest your sins. (he is only listening for God.You can explain anything you need to, and the priest will listen and guide you.Try not to be scared of him.)

When you have finished, say’ for all the sins I have ever committed I am truely sorry.’’

The Priest will then perscribe pennance.(stuff to do to show God how sorry you are.usually prayers.)

when he has finished,say the act of Contrition-‘Oh My God I thank you for loving me.I am sorry for all my sins.For not loving others and not loving you.Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again, Amen.’

The Priest will give you absolution(forgiveness.)

Leave the confessional with a truely contrite heart.DO NOT FORGET YOUR PENANCE!

Then you can rejoice, because you are reconciled with God.

Good luck!

 

[BrooklynBoy200]

Is that all? because like i said, i haven’t been to confession before and i can’t give specific numbers. I know people are going to tell me to generalize or something but i really don’t feel comfortable doing that as i really have no idea. Is it possible i could just list my sins? Ex: I’ve lied (without saying the number of times i’ve lied)

 

[Kevin42]

You may want to call your parish, or contact your priest, and see if you can make a general confession. A general confession is for confessing the sins of our whole life (or at least a large part of it). This would probably be good for you, and if you explain your situation, I am sure the priest would be more than happy to guide you through the confession when you are there. I myself have come to the conclusion I need to do this sometime.

If you decide otherwise, or if you for some reason cannot do a general confession, take the advice given here. When saying what the sins were, if you cannot give an exact number, perhaps say on what level you struggle with this sin. (“I find I struggle greatly with this.” or “Usually I do not struggle with this sin.”)

Peace be with you, and Merry Christmas!

 

[DebChris]

Just as you’ve done here, tell the priest “this is my first confession.”
It is okay to tell him you are a little nervous and to ask for help. That’s why he’s there.

 

[baltobetsy]

Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. I am __ years old, and this is my first confession because ____________.

I have done X sin approximately 4 times a week for the last two years.

I have done Y sin approximately once a week since I was ten years old.

I recently murdered my mother. This is my first murder, and I don’t expect to have trouble with this in the future, unless my Dad marries someone really terrible and I have to bump her off, too.

I recently did Z sin, and I expect to find it difficult to avoid in the future, so I’d like your advice on that, please.

I am sorry for these and all the sins of my past life.

The priest will talk with you a bit, give you a penance ask for your act of contrition and give you absolution.

He may finish up by saying, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” If he does, the answer is “His mercy endures forever.”

When you leave, do your penance ASAP so you don’t forget what it was. Enjoy the light-as-air feeling and come back in a couple of weeks or a month.

Betsy

 

[Conservative]

Is that all? because like i said, i haven’t been to confession before and i can’t give specific numbers. I know people are going to tell me to generalize or something but i really don’t feel comfortable doing that as i really have no idea. Is it possible i could just list my sins? Ex: I’ve lied (without saying the number of times i’ve lied)

I would start with making the sign of the Cross while saying, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. Father, this is my first confession.” Most likely, the priest is going to ask you some questions - please don’t get nervous. My guess is even the priest will be nervous or caught off-guard unless he knows in advance that you’re confessing the first time. Hey, even priests are human beings - there’s two sides to that confessional window! So, dont get nervous - if you’re an adult - he will probably ask if you’re a new convert - or otherwise the reason for it being your first confession. Depending on the circumstances, I think the priest himself will help you with that in this case. Usually, children are taken/taught confession before their First Holy Communion. (and based on what children have to confess? I think I told the priest I had thrown an orange on the floor! Ah, for the good ol’ days!) Upon hearing this is your first, the priest needs to ask some questions, just so that he knows how to proceed and/or advise/absolve you.

Nice to see another St. Anthony devotee ! God bless you, and please pray for me during your Holy Communion, particularly if it’s a first. They say it’s a very special one, and intentions are granted to children when receiving First Holy Communion. Perhaps, God will hear your prayers and my needs. I’m asking first, so please remember me.
You’ll do fine !

 

[MarieVeronica]

Dear BrooklynBoy… I do an examination of conscience first… then, I jot my sins down on a slip of paper… and carry them into the Confessional. It is a great help.

As John Paul (II) the Great, reminded us so many times… “Be not afraid!”. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a personal encounter with Our Merciful Lord… and He loves us all…so very much! God bless.