How do I arrange for a long confession?

[Maria]

I have been raised Catholic and attend Mass every week but realized for the last ten years I have not been a good Catholic and have become unclear and sometimes rebellious about what the Church teaches during that duration. I have not been to confession in ten years and realized that I have a lot of sins to confess including a very serious one. I just realized after trying to learn more about being a Catholic that I should not have been receiving the Eucharist all this time and have stopped. I do not even remember some of my sins from ten years ago because I wrongly assumed that I was forgiven through prayer. (I realize now this is contrary to Church teaching.) My sins before this period were minor compared to now and confession was usually quick.

I am scared of going to confession and will probably get very emotional. For confessions such as this can someone write their sins down in a letter or list and give or read it to the priest? Also is it advisable to make an appointment rather than going during regular confession times when it may be long and tearful?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Yes, it would probably be best to make an appointment for a confession that will take longer than usual and may need to include spiritual direction. You can call your local parish to set up the appointment. It is fine to make a list of your sins to either read or to hand the priest. I recommend though that you make sure to destroy the list after the confession to make sure that your confession remains private. When people have been away from confession for a long time, it is also helpful to ask the priest for assistance in making a good confession. He can help you to remember any sins that must be confessed.

Recommended reading:

Little Catechism on Confession