Convert Preparing for First Confession

[leigh2015]

Ok so I have a few questions here so please bear with me.

My RCIA director mentioned last week that since Lent was near (at the time) we should start preparing and make our first confession. So does that mean since it is now the season of Lent I can go ahead and make my first confession or do I have to wait until closer to the Easter Vigil? I have really felt lately like I need to go and I feel it is something that would help me grow even closer to Christ in preparation for Easter.

Also, I do not think my parish sets a time for all those converting to go to confession like some parishes do. From what I understood they just want us to go at one of the usual times they have confession. The times they have confession don’t fit with my schedule very well so I think I’m going to go to a parish in a neighboring town. I don’t know how long my confession will take since it’s going to be a lifetime confession. Will that be a problem? I don’t want to hold up the line and possibly keep others from being able to receive the Sacrament.

Another thing, I’m afraid I’m going to get in there and not be able to say my sins to the priest. I’m not very good at talking about myself (I know, something I need to work on and get over), so what should I do if this happens? I just have a feeling I’m going to shut down and not be able to say my list once I’m in there. Lastly, how important is it to say the number of times you’ve committed a sin? Is this even realistic when I’m going through 21 years of my life?

Sorry for my rambling, but I do hope someone can help me out with this! Thank you in advance and God Bless!

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

Is confession scheduled before Mass? If so, I would call the priest and explain the situation and ask if he can meet you in the confessional after mass to make your first confession. Also, if you go when scheduled, let the other people go ahead of you so they’re not waiting in line forever.

When I had been away for a long time I went to the regular evening confession time and went last while telling everyone I was returning to the church and very nervous. Everyone was so kind.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

My RCIA director mentioned last week that since Lent was near (at the time) we should start preparing and make our first confession. So does that mean since it is now the season of Lent I can go ahead and make my first confession or do I have to wait until closer to the Easter Vigil?

Ask your RCIA director. She knows exactly what she meant, those of us here do not. And it would be helpful for her to know that she wasn’t clear.

The times they have confession don’t fit with my schedule very well so I think I’m going to go to a parish in a neighboring town. I don’t know how long my confession will take since it’s going to be a lifetime confession. Will that be a problem? I don’t want to hold up the line and possibly keep others from being able to receive the Sacrament.

I would suggest that rather than going at the regular time, you make an appointment either at your own parish or another. That way you’ll have plenty of time and won’t either feel rushed or like you’re keeping someone else from the sacrament. Let the priest know that you’ll be making your first confession and he’ll help you through it.

After you get through the potential awkwardness of the first time, it should be much easier!

 

[johnnyc176]

Ok so I have a few questions here so please bear with me.

My RCIA director mentioned last week that since Lent was near (at the time) we should start preparing and make our first confession. So does that mean since it is now the season of Lent I can go ahead and make my first confession or do I have to wait until closer to the Easter Vigil? I have really felt lately like I need to go and I feel it is something that would help me grow even closer to Christ in preparation for Easter.

Also, I do not think my parish sets a time for all those converting to go to confession like some parishes do. From what I understood they just want us to go at one of the usual times they have confession. The times they have confession don’t fit with my schedule very well so I think I’m going to go to a parish in a neighboring town. I don’t know how long my confession will take since it’s going to be a lifetime confession. Will that be a problem? I don’t want to hold up the line and possibly keep others from being able to receive the Sacrament.

Another thing, I’m afraid I’m going to get in there and not be able to say my sins to the priest. I’m not very good at talking about myself (I know, something I need to work on and get over), so what should I do if this happens? I just have a feeling I’m going to shut down and not be able to say my list once I’m in there. Lastly, how important is it to say the number of times you’ve committed a sin? Is this even realistic when I’m going through 21 years of my life?

Sorry for my rambling, but I do hope someone can help me out with this! Thank you in advance and God Bless!

 

[johnnyc176]

Ok so I have a few questions here so please bear with me.

My RCIA director mentioned last week that since Lent was near (at the time) we should start preparing and make our first confession. So does that mean since it is now the season of Lent I can go ahead and make my first confession or do I have to wait until closer to the Easter Vigil? I have really felt lately like I need to go and I feel it is something that would help me grow even closer to Christ in preparation for Easter.

Also, I do not think my parish sets a time for all those converting to go to confession like some parishes do. From what I understood they just want us to go at one of the usual times they have confession. The times they have confession don’t fit with my schedule very well so I think I’m going to go to a parish in a neighboring town. I don’t know how long my confession will take since it’s going to be a lifetime confession. Will that be a problem? I don’t want to hold up the line and possibly keep others from being able to receive the Sacrament.

Another thing, I’m afraid I’m going to get in there and not be able to say my sins to the priest. I’m not very good at talking about myself (I know, something I need to work on and get over), so what should I do if this happens? I just have a feeling I’m going to shut down and not be able to say my list once I’m in there. Lastly, how important is it to say the number of times you’ve committed a sin? Is this even realistic when I’m going through 21 years of my life?

Sorry for my rambling, but I do hope someone can help me out with this! Thank you in advance and God Bless!

Have you been Baptized? You must be Baptized before receiving the other Sacraments. Also Baptism will forgive you of all sins.

 

[Catholic1954]

Ok so I have a few questions here so please bear with me.

My RCIA director mentioned last week that since Lent was near (at the time) we should start preparing and make our first confession. So does that mean since it is now the season of Lent I can go ahead and make my first confession or do I have to wait until closer to the Easter Vigil? I have really felt lately like I need to go and I feel it is something that would help me grow even closer to Christ in preparation for Easter.

Also, I do not think my parish sets a time for all those converting to go to confession like some parishes do. From what I understood they just want us to go at one of the usual times they have confession. The times they have confession don’t fit with my schedule very well so I think I’m going to go to a parish in a neighboring town. I don’t know how long my confession will take since it’s going to be a lifetime confession. Will that be a problem? I don’t want to hold up the line and possibly keep others from being able to receive the Sacrament.

Another thing, I’m afraid I’m going to get in there and not be able to say my sins to the priest. I’m not very good at talking about myself (I know, something I need to work on and get over), so what should I do if this happens? I just have a feeling I’m going to shut down and not be able to say my list once I’m in there. Lastly, how important is it to say the number of times you’ve committed a sin? Is this even realistic when I’m going through 21 years of my life?

Sorry for my rambling, but I do hope someone can help me out with this! Thank you in advance and God Bless!

Peace be with you; all will be well! If your class does not schedule confession for the group and you feel you are ready, this is a good time for you to go now on your own. You may go to any priest, at any time. For now, you need only to confess all of the mortal sins you can remember; it might be helpful to set aside some quiet time to review and it’s ok to write them down and read from a list (be sure to bring it with you when you leave the confessional!), you can give an estimate of the number of times. If you feel you need the extra time, then it would be best to schedule an appointment with a priest, be sure that he knows this is your FIRST confession; he will be able to walk you through the rough parts.

 

[ClearWater]

Ok so I have a few questions here so please bear with me.

My RCIA director mentioned last week that since Lent was near (at the time) we should start preparing and make our first confession. So does that mean since it is now the season of Lent I can go ahead and make my first confession or do I have to wait until closer to the Easter Vigil? I have really felt lately like I need to go and I feel it is something that would help me grow even closer to Christ in preparation for Easter.

Also, I do not think my parish sets a time for all those converting to go to confession like some parishes do. From what I understood they just want us to go at one of the usual times they have confession. The times they have confession don’t fit with my schedule very well so I think I’m going to go to a parish in a neighboring town. I don’t know how long my confession will take since it’s going to be a lifetime confession. Will that be a problem? I don’t want to hold up the line and possibly keep others from being able to receive the Sacrament.

Another thing, I’m afraid I’m going to get in there and not be able to say my sins to the priest. I’m not very good at talking about myself (I know, something I need to work on and get over), so what should I do if this happens? I just have a feeling I’m going to shut down and not be able to say my list once I’m in there. Lastly, how important is it to say the number of times you’ve committed a sin? Is this even realistic when I’m going through 21 years of my life?

Sorry for my rambling, but I do hope someone can help me out with this! Thank you in advance and God Bless!

I avoid getting into detail.

usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/penance/examinations-of-conscience.cfm

When I have gone to confession, I have used an examination of conscience.

Then, I list the sins…estimate a number of times…1…10, 100, 1,000, 10,000, million. Well, it’s also to give the priest an idea. A one-time sin isn´t the same as a one-million sin.

You don´t need to confess venial sins, only if you have the time and inclination.

I can normally confess in about 5 minutes, because I go down a list…this sin…x…number of times…that sin…x-number of times.

I give detail if a priest asks, but often, they don´t want, or need, detail. I’ve had 2 priests compliment me on the way I do confession…on my thoroughness (once doing a general confession after about 10 years away), and another, on my brevity. He actually thanked me for having a “simple” confession.

One thread on CAF was talking about how one priest, seeing a long line, got on the microphone, asked people to be brief, and then be gone! lol

I used to be one who used to feel it necessary to spend a lot of time in the confessional to do a good confession, but no. A good confession, to me, is where you do your best and also try to repent.

If you were to even forget some sins, you are still forgiven, would just need to say them in the next confession.

I think it gets easier with time, and practice, like anything else.

Insofar as longer, general confessions, it can be helpful to do those by appointment, so that you don´t feel so pressured.

Oh yeah, and I heard of one priest who said he actually LOVED confessions where a person hasn´t be in, say, 30 years! He called those “the big fish”!

Just do your best, and that´s all God, or anyone, can ask of you. Please don´t worry over this. I think Christ gave us the sacrament to help put us at ease, help us. He told us somewhere NOT to worry in any case.

Good luck, and God speed!

 

[felsguy]

Very sound advice in the posts above.

 

[MissRose73]

I agree with the posters who say that you should make an appointment, and read a good examination of conscience prior - many good ones found online. You will feel a huge spiritual burden lift when you are done which feels wonderful. All the best to you and God’s blessings.