First Reconciliation Tomorrow

[DakiniArtist]

First. Thing. In. The. Morning.

I have 40 years of sins to confess. I’m nervous, to say the least. I know it’s going to be a great thing.

How do I word this? “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. This my first confession I pretty much ticked off all the boxes in the ‘examination of conscience cheatsheet.’”

:bigyikes: :bigyikes: :bigyikes: :bigyikes: :bigyikes:

Thoughts? Stories? Experiences?

Thanks!
DA

 

[AllieT]

Congratulations! I would suggest making up a list of your mortal sins to help you stay focused and on point - don’t go into too much detail or wander off into explanations unless the priest asks for more info - stick to the sins and the number of times or general frequency if you can. If he needs you to clarify or explain any situations, he’ll tell you. I had to make a Confession after a long absence from the Church and was mortified the weeks leading up to it, but the priest was very kind and understanding - really put me at ease. Needless to say, I now go every 2 - 4 weeks…makes life much easier!!! I suggest doing that, too! Remember, they have heard it ALL already. Good luck!!!

 

[fencersmother]

When I had my first confession, I, too, could have checked off pretty much ALL those boxes (though some would not have been mortal sins, since at the time I committed them, I didn’t realize they were sins!).

Those sins of, um, the flesh, were the most difficult for me because I was so ashamed (because I realized just what I had done). So, whatever it is that you’re most ashamed of, or that you find the most embarrassing, get that out FIRST THING. Just blurt it out.

Father has heard all you have to say and then some, and won’t be shocked (OK, assuming here you are not a serial murderer).

Now that I have been a Catholic for some years, I find weekly confession to be of extreme value; keeps me on the straight and narrow and none of that searching of my past to figure out what I had thought, said, or done.

Another recommendation and this may take a while: find a regular confessor. One even with whom you can confess face-to-face (maybe this horrifies now, but trust me, it’s great).

 

[book_and_bead]

Congrats, DakiniArtist!

I had my first confession last year after 34 years away, so I can relate. I was very nervous and joked to my friends that Father might need to bring a snack. You’ll be fine.

Allie has some great advice about making a list, wish I thought of that because as kind and gentle as my priest was, I’m sure I missed some things.

I have to say that when I was praying my penance afterwards, I felt such a sense of relief that I couldn’t stop the tears. It was cathartic.

Best of luck!

 

[mrsjennymulhall]

Congratulations, my friend!!

in the morning, you’ll be washed as clean and bright as a new minted soul! How wonderful!! As to your sins; go to God as a little boy to his Dad, tell your sorrows simply, in humility and in perfect faith. Oh, wow! I’ll just bet you skip out of the confessional to say your penance and that your feet don’t touch the ground all the way home!!!

Don’t worry a bit! You’ll do fine! And WELCOME HOME!!! :thumbsup:

 

[CommonWeal]

Umm, am I the only one concerned about this person’s profession of faith? OP, are you Buddhist or are you Catholic? You should not be going to confession if you have not accepted the Catholic Faith and been baptized.

 

[bwhite06517]

Welcome Home!!!

Priests have “heard it all” - be honest and open and serious about your life and your sins and be receptive to the penance the priest gives you. Spend time before the Blessed Sacrament before and after your confession - and let God wipe away your tears and your sins and wash you in His love and grace!!

 

[casslean]

Umm, am I the only one concerned about this person’s profession of faith? OP, are you Buddhist or are you Catholic? You should not be going to confession if you have not accepted the Catholic Faith and been baptized.

The exception being if you have been baptized into a non-Catholic Christian faith and are being received into the Church through the RCIA program. Such candidates are ordinarily required to attend confession just prior to their confirmation.

 

[DakiniArtist]

Thanks to everyone! Went through Rite of Sending/Elect this weekend, by the way. Very exciting.

Reconciliation was fantastic! Amazing. Thanks for the bolstering and tips.

I had a cheat sheet and Father led me through. He sat in a chair near me and was incredibly wonderful. He’s older and very stern-seeming but was gentle and way nicer to me that I have been to myself! We started with the Commandments and talked about that. I cried buckets. Went to chapel for penance. I feel like a huge, huge, huge weight was taken off me. I swear when I stepped out of the church office the world looked so much prettier.



Hubby is lapsed cradle Catholic and I cannot wait to tell him about this when he gets home. Wow. I just don’t have words. I feel so much relief that I am postponing getting some work stuff done and I’m going to take a nap!

Thanks, friends!