Confession

[Abyssinia]

I have not been to Confession for a really long time, since I had my communion which was about 10 years ago. I have just felt too embarrassed, but I really feel I have to go because I have some sins I have to confess. I just feel so embaressed to do it. I can not even remember how to confess. We are going on holiday soon and I know that there will be a Church that does confessions in English, would be a perfect opportunity because I would like to confess to a Priest that does not know me. How do I confess?

Is it possible that I can talk with somebody in Private message about a particular sin?

 

[marica_mandic]

I have not been to Confession for a really long time, since I had my communion which was about 10 years ago. I have just felt too embarrassed, but I really feel I have to go because I have some sins I have to confess. I just feel so embaressed to do it. I can not even remember how to confess. We are going on holiday soon and I know that there will be a Church that does confessions in English, would be a perfect opportunity because I would like to confess to a Priest that does not know me. How do I confess?

Is it possible that I can talk with somebody in Private message about a particular sin?

Please do not feel the shame.
On heaven is much bigger happiness of one convert then the hundert righteous.

 

[trials]

Go to a different priest if that will make you more at ease. Also, tell the priest it’s been a long time, you’re nervous, and ask him if you could make a General Confession, that means that you want to go through as best you can all the sins you have fallen into over the last 10 years.

The practical side of Confession is:

“Bless me Father for I have sinned, it’s ___ years since my last Confession.”

Then name the sin and the amount of times it was committed, you may know this, or may just be able to give a rough idea. If it was a habitual sin over the ten years, then say so, or that it was committed countless times.

Then it’s freedom - he absolves you, and you will be asked to say an Act of Contrition - there are a number of different versions you can find on the web, the one I use is the following:

“O my God, because you are so good, I am very sorry for having sinned against you and with the help of your grace I will not sin again.”

Then he gives you your penance. And you move on and move closer to God.

Look, don;t be embarrassed about any particular sin, I made a general Confession a few years ago after a long absence and nearly died with fright before I went into the COnfessional. The sooner you get it done the better, you will feel wonderful after it. I promise. I posted at the time of my General Confession, 2 years ago I think now and you can read my embarrassment, fear and shame on this thread. I got some great advice here though so I hope it helps you also:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=358379

Honestly, no sin is beyond the bounds of God’s mercy.

 

[IrishRush]

I went to confession after being away from the Church for 35 years. I can’t begin to describe how scary it was. It took numerous tries before I actually got into the confessional. In fact, the day I actually made my confession, I left for the church at the time confessions start (4:15 at my parish), saying to myself, “If there’s a long line I’m not going in” because there is ALWAYS a long line at our parish. So I drove over, ever so slowly, and when I got to the church I took a couple of minutes to build some courage. Then I walked in to the church, looking for that ever present long line and amazingly there was NO LINE AT ALL! I took this to mean that God was saying “Enough already! Get in there and do it! I’ll be right there with you.” So I went in, knees shaking.
The last time I had confessed, I was probably around 12 years old. And with such venial, trivial sins I used to get multiple Hail Mary’s and Our Father’s for penance. All I could think was that the priest was really going to rip in to me - not just for the length of time since my last confession, but for the horrible sins I had committed as an adult.
So I went in and knelt down, and started with shaky voice, “Forgive me Father for I have sinned, it’s been…” And stopped. I apologized to the priest, told him it had been a long time since I had done this. He was so kind, told me to take my time and just start when I was ready. So I took a deep breath and started over again. “Forgive me Father for I have sinned, it’s been 35 years since my last confession.” And the priest actually celebrated me back home! He actually said, a little on the loud side I thought, welcome home! And he praised God for bringing me back. He actually made me cry - lol.
He asked me how I found myself coming back to the church and we talked about the whole procrastination thing, and then he lead me through my confession when I told him I was unsure how to proceed. He suggested first we would go through my sins against God, then through my sins against my fellow human beings. It was very hard, especially getting to the part where I had to actually say the word sex to a priest. But I did it. And I survived!
It took me a little while to truly feel the forgiveness, but I found myself going back a few months down the road. And each time after, it got a little bit easier. I now try to go about once a month.
I’m sorry this was so long, but I wanted to share this with you so that you know, there are so many people who haven’t gone in a long time. You are not the only one. And you WILL be welcomed back.
God bless you and give you the strength and courage to do this.

 

[lauralh4]

Hey Abyssinia! Well, I went to Confession around mid-2010 (first heartfelt Confession, seeing as I had gone to Confession years ago as a young kid) after probably more than 10 years since my last Confession (and 7 years of being an ‘atheist’). I was a nervous WRECK. You have no idea how many times I said ‘ok, I’m doing it!’ and ended up backing up. The day in which I finally decided I’d do it, I talked to a friend priest of mine (he’s the director of the orphanage my boyfriend was a full-time volunteer at) and asked him if I could go to Confession with him, he said ‘of course!’ When it was time for me to go…I didn’t. Instead, I went to the little chapel in the orphanage and cried my eyes out, feeling I just couldn’t do it. Soon enough, my boyfriend found me and came to talk to me. I had gone into the-heck-with-this, completely stubborn mode AND to top it all I was terrified and had decided to NOT go to Confession. After a while of crying, feeling terrified, hyperventilating, and feeling like I couldn’t do it…I went to look for Padre Hugo (the priest). I was in Confession for over 2 hours, and it was one of the most beautiful 2 hours of my life. I cried, told him things I hadn’t told anyone before, and truly poured my heart and soul out.

It’s not an easy thing to do. In fact, it’s terrifying…but it’s so worth it. It was after that first Confession that I understood what it’s about. It’s not a “lame rule” that we, Catholics, have to follow; there is a purpose for it. You know, Padre Hugo asked me, once Confession was over: “So what do you think happens now?” I said “I don’t know…for some reason I can breathe better. As if all that stuff was just washed away. I feel clean and light. As if Jesus had taken away the weight I was carrying.” To which he replied “That’s exactly how it goes. He takes away all your burdens, allowing you to go feeling happy and free.”

The most important thing is…don’t feel ashamed! And don’t be insecure about Confession. The first thing I said on that first Confession was “Um…I haven’t been to Confession in over 10 years and I, uh, have no clue how it starts or what to do or…anything.” The priest smiled and told me “well, you are in Confession already! So let’s start”. He made it all very easy and comfortable for me…which is why I ended up there for like 2 hours!

Quick side-note: if you’ve never heard Healing Begins by Tenth Avenue North…do so! And check out this video: youtube.com/watch?v=QF1X9VvQbD4 I love it, and I watch it every time I start wondering/having doubts about Confession.

The best of luck to you, and know that it’ll all be well! Feel free to message me anytime, too. I don’t have much experience, but I’m happy to help with whatever I can. Love and blessings are being sent your way!

 

[puzzleannie]

I h
Is it possible that I can talk with somebody in Private message about a particular sin?

confession is always private and confidential.
simply tell him exactly the way you stated here, and then just say the sin. Jesus already knows it, and it is to him you are confessing in any case. What kind of person would approach confession and not be embarrassed about their sins? We should have that kind of remorse so don’t apologize.

 

[MishellaLee]

i’m sure heaven is rejoicing that you are coming back :]

 

[Highwayhound]

I have not been to Confession for a really long time, since I had my communion which was about 10 years ago. I have just felt too embarrassed, but I really feel I have to go because I have some sins I have to confess. I just feel so embaressed to do it. I can not even remember how to confess. We are going on holiday soon and I know that there will be a Church that does confessions in English, would be a perfect opportunity because I would like to confess to a Priest that does not know me. How do I confess?

Is it possible that I can talk with somebody in Private message about a particular sin?

Do not be afraid. On days when we have confession I always ask that my class go first. The students spirits are always brighter after confession and it makes for a great time in the classroom. The explanation I give the kids is that confession is similar to cleaning up your room or cleaning off the kitchen table. It looks better and you are better able to use it. So why wouldn’t you want that for your soul?

May God bless you.