First Confession Jitters help

[CatholicRoseGrl]

So last nite in RCIA we were told of the 1st opt to go to confession and i got approval from my boss to leave work early so that i could get there in enough time to be able to do my 1st confession before the regular confessions start. The Director of RCIA told us that they had some difficulties in scheduling in the confessionals for the RCIA people and he also told us that the 2nd one would be on a thursday before the RCIA class which wouldn’t be possible for me at all. Im nervous as heck my first confession is on Nov 7th any advice would be awesome.
Thanks

 

[PJM]

NO SWEAT [I co=taught RCIA for 3 years]

BE SURE TO BEGAN BY TELLING FATHER YOUR IN RCIA & THIS IS YOUR 1ST CONFESSION; HE’LL TAKE IT FROM THERE

First Confessions Can and Do vary greatly, depending on the priest. BUT it is common for the priest to guide you by asking questions, that you are required to answer fully and honestly.

The Priest CAN opt to just speak to you about Sin and Forgiveness [a “General Confession”] and determine if you are TRULY sorry for ALL of your past sins without enumerating them in detail which is an impossibility, and known to be such,

IT IS A big DEAL, BUT NOT AT ALL DIFFICULT

Pray very much and don’t sweat this, God is on your side!

Blessings,
Patrick

 

[anna]

When I made my first confession I was in second grade and scared to death, but once I got into the confessional I was not afraid anymore because I remembered what the Sister had told us, she said that once we said " Bless me father for I have sinned’ that Jesus Himself would be there and that always stayed with me. So really there is nothing to be nervous about, you will do just fine, and father will guide you if need be. I am marking November 7th on my calendar and will remember you in my prayers. God Bless.

 

[casslean]

First, breathe. It helps, trust me.

I was baptized through RCIA, so I didn’t have to make my first Confession until several months after I was baptised. I was very anxious, and these were some of the things that helped me.

• Make a list. You’ll get in there and forget everything otherwise.
• My parish offers pamphlets that walk you through the whole process of Confession. If yours does, find one and take it with you. You probably won’t need it, since the priest will help you through everything, but it can be a comfort. Even now, though I’ve been to Confession quite a few times, I still carry one of those pamphlets in my journal. (If you don’t have one, I’d be happy to scan it and send it to you).
• Tell the priest it’s your first confession. Mine already knew, as it was my pastor hearing my confession, but it’s still good to say it. If you’re very nervous, tell them that too. They can help you through.
• Don’t worry about how you confess. I got hung up on whether or not I had the right formula or words or if I was saying things correctly. It doesn’t matter. Just say it. I remember telling a priest that I “wasn’t good” at Confession because I was sure I was saying all my sins in the wrong way. He smiled and said, “It’s not something you’re supposed to be “good” at.”
• Pray. Pray a lot. Ask God for strength, if that’s what you think you need. Tell God about your worries and anxieties about Confession. I spent so much time before my first Confession just praying. I think if you spend time fostering that relationship, Confession becomes less intimidating because it’s just another conversation with God.

It really is an amazing experience. I have never left Confession where I didn’t feel like a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders or where I was just astounded by the insights I received. I often go back, over and over, to the advice I received when I find myself struggling. Know that this side of it might be uncomfortable, but it is SO worth it.

 

[Entwhistler]

Hey, don’t worry. Being nervous is normal. I’m a cradle Catholic and I still get nervous when I go to confession. As everyone else has said, don’t sweat the small stuff. If you just tell Father that this is your first time, he will understand. And usually, even if it isn’t your first time, Father will be all too ready to help out. And remember, as long as you are truly sincere, you will make a perfect confession. And did someone mention to pray? I think so.

 

[josh987654321]

Jesus to St Faustina -

"Daughter, when you go to confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your soul and ennobles it. Every time you go to confession, immerse yourself entirely in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity. The torrents of grace inundate humble souls." Diary, 1602.

"Write, speak of My mercy. Tell souls where they are to look for solace, that is, in the Tribunal of Mercy [the Sacrament of Reconciliation]. There the greatest miracles take place [and] are incessantly repeated. To avail oneself of this miracle, it is not necessary to go on a great pilgrimage, or to carry out some external ceremony; it suffices to come with faith to the feet of My representative and to reveal to Him one’s misery, and the miracle of Divine Mercy will be fully demonstrated. Were souls like a decaying corpse so that from a human standpoint there would be no [hope of] restoration and everything would already be lost, it is not so with God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full." Diary, 1448

"Tell me about everything, be sincere in dealing with Me, reveal all the wounds of your heart. I will heal them …" Diary, 1487

God Bless You

 

[Debbie_Kono]

I too was a nervous wreck before my first confession, but Father was very helpful and kind. A good examination of conscience is key and praying beforehand. I like to pray to St. Padre Pio now too. If you don’t know who he is, look him up. He was a great Saint who could read souls. God bless…you’ll be fine, it gets easier.