Confessions - Preparing for for first confession

[mmldwheel40]

Hi All,

As I’ve only recently got confirmed into the Catholic Church last month, I would like to hear about how others had prepared for their first confession, and what it was like them. Thank you.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Given that you’re asking about a first confession and were confirmed a month ago, I presume you were also baptized last month; is that accurate?

If you search “examination of conscience”, you’ll find many options for spiritually preparing yourself. There are differing opinions on whether or not you should make a written list of sons to take into the confessional with you, and the only real concern with that is someone else getting ahold of the list. You can also print out the order of the rite to take with you as well (again, available from many online sources). Many confessionals I’ve been in have this available, but not all. Normally, I wouldn’t advise taking anything but would recommend instead speaking from the heart, but as a first time thing, you’re likely to be more nervous than necessary, so an aid or two isn’t a bad idea.

Try not to get wrapped up in the mechanics; let this be an experience of knowing the Lord’s mercy and grace. I’ll pray you have a wonderful sense of the Holy Spirit to guide you and allow you to soak in the awesomeness of this sacrament.

Edit to add: This ministry is dedicated to the sacrament of confession/penance/reconciliation (use the name of your choice ). www.fathersofmercy.com Look in their store section for an examination of conscience; you should be able to download the PDF free.

 

[mmldwheel40]

Given that you’re asking about a first confession and were confirmed a month ago, I presume you were also baptized last month; is that accurate?

Yes, I was baptized last month. I was baptized and confirmed at the same time.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Yes, I was baptized last month. I was baptized and confirmed at the same time.

The reason for asking was to confirm my notion that you won’t need to go into a great lifetime litany of things, but instead your examination of conscience will focus on your life since the baptism. (It’s always nice and somewhat meritorious to be remorseful of past sins already absolved, but generally, confession is for the time period since your last confession - or baptism in the case of the first time.)

 

[Le_Bonvivant]

I would say do not OVER think about it and just honestly tell what’s on your mind and what you feel sorry/bad about. And see it as if you are talking directly to Jesus, what would you say to Him if you were confessing to Him?

 

[EricF]

“Forgiven,” is a series of incredibly well done teachings on n the sacrament. It is produced by The Augustine Institute. It’s worth looking up.

 

[pianistclare]

The reason for asking was to confirm my notion that you won’t need to go into a great lifetime litany of things, but instead your examination of conscience will focus on your life since the baptism. (It’s always nice and somewhat meritorious to be remorseful of past sins already absolved, but generally, confession is for the time period since your last confession - or baptism in the case of the first time.)

This. Be at peace. Simply speak about what you need to improve upon. Mention failings, and things you believe were sinful and let the priest help you. He knows it’s your first time.
Congratulations, and welcome home. God bless you!

 

[BoomBoomMancini]

I would say do not OVER think about it and just honestly tell what’s on your mind and what you feel sorry/bad about. And see it as if you are talking directly to Jesus, what would you say to Him if you were confessing to Him?

I think this is generally good advice. Confess everything there is to confess and don’t omit anything, but also don’t spaz out if you do honestly forget something. It’s not about hitting every technical wicket.

Also, keep in mind that the priest doesn’t necessarily need to hear everything in forensic detail. You can’t be so vague that he doesn’t know what you’re getting at, but you don’t have to dictate a novel in the confessional.

 

[MrsAngelala]

When I was preparing, I found all kinds of crazy examinations of conscience, but the most helpful were the shortest. I carried this one around with me for the first few months.

If you want to go even simpler, pray over the 10 commandments, plus Love your neighbor as yourself. You don’t need to make an exhaustive list of venial sins. Just ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and to help you make a good confession. He will. Also, if you get stuck, ask Father to help. He will, too.

If you want to push the envelope… while you’re preparing ask, Jesus, what do you want to hear me say to you? In the beginning, I found this helpful because it was a very firm reminder of who I’d be talking to in there – it took care of a lot of anxiety. As I moved forward, the answers to this question have often resulted in seismic shifts in my relationship to God and his Church. It keeps things interesting.

Most of “what it was like” for me won’t be relevant for you, because I was making a 15+ year confession, and you only have to look back a month. But the priest was kind and patient, and I trust you’ll be able to expect the same. A couple dozen confessions later, 1. I’m still going!, 2. the words of absolution are always an enormous relief, and 3. receiving Communion when you’re fresh and clean like that is awesome.

I’ve prayed for you, that the Lord will help you make a good confession, and give you abundant assurance of his mercy.