Help with Confession

[Seeking_Faith11]

Hello,

I am about to go to my first confession today. Can someone please help me with what I need to do? I am VERY nervous and really don’t want to go, but I know I need to. When I first go in, do I start right away or do I wait for him to say something? Also, do I simply list my sins, or do I need to give a description of each sin? How long does confession take (a few mins?) Lastly, would it be wrong to bring a pamphlet (Guide to Confession) with me to the booth? Thank you for your help!

 

[Simon_X]

Hello,

I am about to go to my first confession today. Can someone please help me with what I need to do? I am VERY nervous and really don’t want to go, but I know I need to. When I first go in, do I start right away or do I wait for him to say something? Also, do I simply list my sins, or do I need to give a description of each sin? How long does confession take (a few mins?) Lastly, would it be wrong to bring a pamphlet (Guide to Confession) with me to the booth? Thank you for your help!

Seeking,

1st, Do not be afraid, we all get nervous, but it will make you feel great when you are done. When you go in, kneel if behind the barrier or sit down in front of the priest if face to face. Usually you have an option and totally up to you. You can tell the priest you need help and it’s your first confession, and he will happily guild you along. Usually we start by saying, Bless me father for I have sinned, it has been so long (or this is my first) confession. List your sins starting with the most serious. Type of sin, number of times if you know, ect. The priest will ask for more details as needed. At the end, say For these and all the sins of my past life I am heartily sorry. He may give you words of advice and usually you need to make an Act of Contrition. Bring in a pamphlet or the prayer if you need to. Sometimes there is a small card already there with the prayer written down for you to recite. The priest will then give you a penance (like a few small prayers or a small act to perform in relation to your sins). Like being kind to others, nothing really too difficult. The priest when than pray over you and give you absolution and then you are free to go. I usually say thanks and leave. Usually 10-15 minutes if that long. Depends on the priest and the confessor. You will feel great and in God’s good graces…

Good luck, let me know any questions…

 

[whizkid43]

Hello,

I am about to go to my first confession today. Can someone please help me with what I need to do? I am VERY nervous and really don’t want to go, but I know I need to. When I first go in, do I start right away or do I wait for him to say something? Also, do I simply list my sins, or do I need to give a description of each sin? How long does confession take (a few mins?) Lastly, would it be wrong to bring a pamphlet (Guide to Confession) with me to the booth? Thank you for your help!

Seeking Faith, I just returned to the Church and recently went to my first confession in 30 years. I agree with everything Simon X said.

Good luck!