First confession in ten years

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Struggling1

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So although I am struggling to believe for the first time in ages I have an appointment setup for confession. So when trying to figure out all the sins to confess it’s hard because it encompasses such a long time since I have been. I’m also super embarrassed and have committed sins that jokingly I’m sure would make st. Augustine blush. How specific should I be, do I need to know each specific time so I said a grievous misuse of gods name? Cause I don’t know I did that 78 times or whatever. How do I approach this one? Please pray for me that I continue to make steps towards god and hopefully will have faith in gods existence restored in me.
 
You don’t need to give specifics like dates or “how many times”. Your priest might ask or might not. It’s okay to give a ballpark estimate and it’s also okay if you don’t remember. It’s fine to bring a list if that helps you!

Priests have heard it all.

You’ll do fine!
 
Hey don’t worry about the priest being aghast at what you say. You mention you’ve done things that would make St. Augustine blush. Well, almost every priest has heard things that would make a sailor blush. Don’t sweat it.

But as for numbering your sins, we are supposed to number mortal sins we have committed if we can remember how many times we’ve committed them. You, obviously, cannot remember. Therefore, just round it off. “A lot”, “some”. That should be fine.

But good luck mate! If you have any questions just poke around the forum or ask it yourself. You might get some horrible answers but I guarantee you will get some great ones.

Pax!
 
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Struggling1 said:
Please pray for me that I continue to make steps towards god and hopefully will have faith in gods existence restored in me.
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OK I will. Because I was in a similar situation a few years ago.Just remember, priests aren’t easily shocked. They’ve heard it all before. Better to be completely open. I’d focus on the big ones especially. These are the ones that separate us from the wisdom and truth of God’s love.
 
It’s okay. No reason to be scared. Just remember to confess it next time you go. 🙂
 
To follow up on what anikins said, all your sins are forgiven during confession, even those you forget. If you remember later, you just need to confess them later. Note: You are still forgiven though so you don’t have to worry about that.
 
You are seeking absolution for ALL sins…it’s ok to forget. I went well over 40 years! It felt GREAT to lift that burden!

Praying for you to find peace in the Lords compassion and forgiveness!
 
I think you need to start by telling the priest of your doubt of God’s existence. Do not worry he has heard it all before and he will be overjoyed that you are there.
 
You just be yourself with the priest as you are here.
Its an honest “conversation” with the priest/God not a torture chamber!
He will explain how he wants you to do it if you ask his advice.
The main thing is to get everything out your conscience is telling you to get out.
Its being honest with the depths of your conscience - the priest is there to help you do that.
If you get some wisdom from the priest all the better but don’t count on it if its a young one.

The main thing is you are doing this for God and you can be confident of re-establishing a decent relationship with Him after absolution and confession.
Good on you.
 
Wow. Pope Francis got closer to God through a long needed Confession, a priest I heard in an interview did the same, I did the same… I’m starting to see a pattern.

You don’t need to even list times really if it’s been so long I guess it is assumed you can’t remember how many times you did x but if you want you can’t say “I can’t remember how many times” or “often”. Oh I’m so excited for you. Go for it!
 
Try to divide your confession into parts like school, working life, family life etc

How have I sinned against God?
How have I sinned against my family, friends, other people?
How have I sinned against myself?

The 10 commandments (explained) are a good start.

We converts to the Catholic faith joke about how many years of sin we have to confess when being received into the Catholic Church. “You are lucky. You only have 40 years while I have 60!”

Remember that priests go to Confession as well. They say that a year after they were ordained they have heard it all.
 
Struggling1 said:
What if I forget a mortal sin? I’m so scared.
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What you forget is forgiven, so long as you are not intentionally hiding it.

About 14 years ago, I also went to Confession having been away for over 10 years. I had many sins to confess and many that I couldn’t remember. The priest stopped me part-way through my list and gave me a general absolution.

Just go in there and spill it all, and keep spilling until Father tells you to stop.
 
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Most important thing, is that you are going to confession! God is Mercy. His arms are open to you.
 
You could do an examine based on the 10 commandments. http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-wor.../penance/upload/Examination-of-Conscience.pdf

Then, you say "Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been 10 years since my last confession.

Over that time I have sinned against the 1st commandment many times.

Against the 2nd commandment many times

Against the 3rd Commandment for the course of that 10 years."

Etc. through all 10

Father will stop you and ask for more details if he wants it.
 
All Catholics should hear Father Larry’s confession presentation.
 
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I remember I went to confession after like 14 yrs or plus. I told the priest this and he was super helpful he asked me questions so I would just answer back if I had committed the sin or not. I would advice to just tell your priest it’s been a very long time and you have no idea where to start and he will help I’m most certain. Good luck!
 
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