First Confession nervousness

[Montie_Claunch]

Hey guys I was wondering if ya’ll could help me out something. In R.C.I.A. class First confession is coming up this month and I am scared half to dath of it. You know, going over all your sins and someone hearing it. Scary (at least to me). Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get over this Pre-First-Confession Jetters? Thanks and God bless.

 

[Toni]

After all these years I still have the jitters sometimes my knees shake so bad I feel like I am going to fall off the kneeler.

I find that if I pray to the Holy Spirit and do a really good examination of conscience it is much easier.
But really for you its not so bad since you have never been the priest already expects to hear all kind of stuff.

But once you clear all that and you are done it is the best feeling in the world. What a beautiful Sacrament.

I tell myself this over and over till I get brave enough to ask our priest once again for Confession.

The priest always tells me know one should feel good about the sin they have committed in their lives.

I will pray for you.

 

[carol_marie]

I prefer the behind the screen type thing… I can can pretend that I’m confessing everything to God. (and yes I know that I actually am confessing everything to God - I just mean I pretend the Priest isn’t even there). I would have a hard time if the Priest could see me. I was all nervous also - but honestly, it’s no biggie. You’re in & out in no time. And besides, could your sins really be worse than anyone elses? I doubt it. Don’t worry.

 

[turboEDvo]

Just remember that the priest won’t judge you. He is more overjoyed that you are entering the church. The priest is there to give you absolution. Keep your eyes on the prize! You’ll come out sin-free. Yes, confession can be a bit embarassing, especially if you confess the same sin again and again. But, just remember that it is worth it.

But also, as cool as confession is, don’t freak out about it. You pretty much just go in the confessional, say your bit, say you are sorry (and mean it), and life goes on.

Oh, by the way, don’t forget your Act of Contrition, you’ll be in biiiig trouble if you can’t recite on a moment’s notice

(ok, so I’m kidding, I get the feeling most people don’t know their Act of Contrition since every priest I go to ALWAYS asks if I remember mine. If you can dream it, the priest has probably heard it).

Actually, one more thing. If you get out and realize you forgot something (I forget something every time), just remember that it has been forgiven too. :yup:

Eamon

 

[Ani_Ibi]

Montie Claunch:

Hey guys I was wondering if ya’ll could help me out something. In R.C.I.A. class First confession is coming up this month and I am scared half to dath of it.

It’s normal to feel scared. Your RCIA team is praying for you.
Montie Claunch:

You know, going over all your sins and someone hearing it. Scary (at least to me). Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get over this Pre-First-Confession Jetters? Thanks and God bless.

Prepare well in advance. Make lists. Speak to God before you go to the church.

After you make your confession you will literally feel like you are walking on air. You will be overjoyed to know that God loves you so so much.

 

[LilyM]

I think all adults who have their first confession after conversion or reversion feel nervous about it. Confession goes against our human instinct which is to cover up our weaknesses. But that’s the very reason TO do it - being honest with God and ourselves is what gives us the grace to start fighting our sins and in time overcoming them.

Bear in mind there would be few things you could confess that would genuinely shock a priest - perhaps pick an older priest who’s more likely to have ‘heard it all’? And they may ask a few questions - please don’t think they’re judging you, it’s simply to get a better idea of areas where you may need extra help or advice.

Apart from that, writing down your sins and/or an Act of Contrition to take in with you is an excellent idea - first few times I went I didn’t and I was always forgetting things. All the churches I’ve been to have little cards in the confessionals with an act of contrition printed on them, but best to be prepared I’d say.