How do YOU make your confession?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cyceri
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
I have actually been teased about how quick some of my confessions are.
I like face to face confession. I do follow the standard, “Forgive me Father for I have sinned.” Before stating my sins, I may mention some situations I am facing in my life, the areas of temptation. I do not use a “grocery list.” Following the advice of a priest, I will focus on the area in my life in which I am having the greatest struggles. If you are going to confession on a regular basis, it is unlikely that you are actually committing any mortal sins. Obviously those need to be confessed.
I may go into the confessional thinking that I will be there a long time and I find that I have been in the confessional for practically no time at all. On the other hand, one day I went to confession thinking that it would be a quick in and out. I was probably in the confessional for at least half an hour. It was the longest I had ever spent. There was nobody else in line.
Much has to do with the confessor. A good confessor will lead you into areas that you may not expect or he may reassure you that what you have committed is not all that uncommon. The long list becomes short and the simple in/out single sin is thoroughly examined. Maybe you will find actions that need to be taken, other than the assigned penance, to directly deal with a life situation.
 
i’m prettynew at this but i go face to face as it’s more humbling for me i haven’t said the bless me father as i have only gone to the same priest he welcomes me shakes my hand and then to the confessing part (which i find the hardest as i’m so embrased) and after that same words of advice then he leads me through the act of contrition as i haven’t memorised it yet then the absolution

i think this sacrament is one of the best things about being a catholic knowing your sins are forgiven 😃 i longed for it as a protestant though i didn’t know it then
 
Varies. Almost always FTF.

When I attend the Dominican or Roman parish: FTF, seated, in the FTF confessional.

When I attend a byzantine parish: FTF, standing, either in the nave, right in front of the icon of Christ Pantocrator, or in the sanctuary, standing before the priest. (Given my height, usually bending down to speak my sins into his ear in either location. One particularly short priest stood upon the step, while I bent.) When the priest is byzantine, usually the end of his stole gets placed on my head for the absolution. In either case, the confession is done in view of the congregation.

Byzantine praxis can be VERY humbling, and yet, the long lines today made it even more rewarding.
 
I profess my sins throughout the day; much easier to remember them accurately and keeps your mind on God and in prayer throughout the day. Just 2 cents worth.
 
Good reading. 🙂

Me, well, mine can vary a bit, but are generally under 5 minutes or so.

I always opt for face to face at my parish, as most of the priests, particularly the Monsignor, would know my voice anyway. 🙂

I start off with "Bless me Father for I have sinned, it’s been “___” weeks\months since my last confession. I then confess my sins, normally list style, unless I have done something that is REALLY nagging at me. In that case, I may ramble a bit in either sorrow, or however I happen to be feeling.

When I’m done confessing my sins, I’ll generally say “Father, for these, and all of my sins, I am truly sorry, and ask for forgivness”. At that point, a small talking too is done, absolution, contrition etc., and I do my penance immediately in a pew.

Side note on the confessional lines. It’s AMAZING how much longer they are at this time of year. I try to go at least once a month, sometimes more, and there are maybe 3-4 people in line at my parish. This past weekend, there must have been two dozen. My parish actually had a week, last week, where they had confessions 3 nights during the week, with additional priests available. My wife went on Tuesday evening, and said she could barely get a parking space. 😃
 
What is the situation where the Priest puts his stole over a persons shoulders? I read about this somewhere online and I was wondering about it.🤷
 
CatholiCommit said:
What is the situation where the Priest puts his stole over a persons shoulders? I read about this somewhere online and I was wondering about it.🤷
Click to expand...
Byzantine Rite tradition places it over the head. The stole is a sign of presbyteral ministry, and the symbolism is that the priest alone is not the source of absolution, but through the power of his office absolves you. Also, you are placing yourself under his authority by so doing.

I suspect the symbolism is the same when done in the latin use. I’ve experienced it, but didn’t ask. I was kneeling, Father was standing.
 
What would the situation be for the Priest to place his stole on my shoulders? just curious.
 
DebChris said:
I have actually been teased about how quick some of my confessions are.
I like face to face confession. I do follow the standard, “Forgive me Father for I have sinned.” Before stating my sins, I may mention some situations I am facing in my life, the areas of temptation. I do not use a “grocery list.” Following the advice of a priest, I will focus on the area in my life in which I am having the greatest struggles. If you are going to confession on a regular basis, it is unlikely that you are actually committing any mortal sins. Obviously those need to be confessed.
I may go into the confessional thinking that I will be there a long time and I find that I have been in the confessional for practically no time at all. On the other hand, one day I went to confession thinking that it would be a quick in and out. I was probably in the confessional for at least half an hour. It was the longest I had ever spent. There was nobody else in line.
Much has to do with the confessor. A good confessor will lead you into areas that you may not expect or he may reassure you that what you have committed is not all that uncommon. The long list becomes short and the simple in/out single sin is thoroughly examined. Maybe you will find actions that need to be taken, other than the assigned penance, to directly deal with a life situation.
Click to expand...
Good post, this is probably as close to my situation as I ve read. I am usually in and out quite fast. Does that mean I am holier than anyone else? No way! But I do try to examine my conscience and state my biggies first and foremost. Then my minor sins. Seems the more often one goes, the more one is prepared and know his weaknesses and what he needs to work on.

I teeter between FTF and BTS, but have to say, FTF is probably more humbling since we’re confessing out in the open…Just my opinion…
 
I usually go once a month to my now associate pastor. I don’t say the “Bless me Father” part. but he does ask how long it has been since my last confession (give or take it is usually a month). I say my sins, ask any questions if need be, my priest gives me advice (if needed), then my penance. Then I say my act of contrition then I get absolution. I go face to face most of the time unless I go to my “sister parish” where they only have a anonymous confessional (but my priest knows my voice anyway).
 
There are two variations at the two parishes i go to for Confession. One has real ‘confessionals’, traditional-style with the tiny little box in the wall with a screen, the priest is literally in a separate room, closes the screen to one side while hearing the confession of one person, then closes/opens the other side. That way each person gets a little time acutally kneeling there to collect themselves. There, it starts out
‘In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, In Jesus’ Name I welcome you. How long has it been since your last confession"
‘x weeks Father’
‘And what are your sins?’
‘Sin A twice, etc’
‘For your penance do such and such. Say an act of Contrition while i give you absolution’

Then, I pray while he simultaneously grants me absolution. Then he says ‘Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace and pray for me.’, and closes the cover on the screen(which allows sound but not see-throughyness). Usually it takes 5-10 min.

The other parish i go to is mostly like others have said, a room with either face to face or screen, and he uses the same general formula.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top