Hello. I am a 33yo male who is as yet unbaptized. I have reached a stage in my life now where I have started to think more about who I am, where I’ve been, what I’ve done, where I’m going and what life is all about. I have also begun to think more about god and religion. Although I am unbaptized I do believe in God and I do believe that Catholicism is the original and purest form of Christianity. I have been having thoughts about joining the church for a while now but I have one slight area of worry. From resources I have read I believe that all sins must be confessed before I could be received into the church. I find the whole idea of having to confess all the bad things I’ve done up to this point in my life in front of someone deeply embarassing. I have done some things in my past that I am deeply ashamed of and repentent for but the thought of having to list them in front of someone/people seems extremely intimidating. Is this a process that is unavoidable in order for me to have any chance of joining the Catholic church?
What an abundance of grace God is bestowing on you at this time as He calls you to Himself! “I say to you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon ninety-nine just who need not penance.” (Luke 15:7)
I am thrilled to hear of your desire for Baptism! I’ve linked five threads below for you because of the resources in each. The first two will set your mind at ease about the need for a lifetime confession and the following three will help you to regularly go to Confession after your Baptism even if you feel embarrassed or ashamed of your sins. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly. Welcome home!
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