How do you personally go to Confession?

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CatholicTina

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Hi there! I am curious as to how all of you go to confession! For example, I tend to state my sins quickly one after another. It usually takes me 5 minutes. Other people seem to go into deep conversations with the priest about one or two sins. I have heard in the past you have to state the amount of times you have done each sin, but I literally would have no clue and it would sound like a grocery list. So my question is what is the norm for you?
 
I try to get there early so I can get a better spot in line and to have time to examine my conscience. I type everything on my phone and go down the list when it’s my turn. It’s nice to erase them all when it’s all over!
 
It is not true that you have to state the number of times for each sin. If your priest questions you about details, then of course you need to answer to the best of your ability.
 
List off my sins, say how often/how many times I committed them, and interrupt the priest several times as I remember other sins.
 
You should give the number, but don’t get OCD about it. Just do the best you can. If you can’t remember if it was five or six, don’t freak out. Just say “about five.”
 
I’ve never given a number and a priest has never asked. I tend to be fast, to blurt it out.
 
I go to my spiritual director so there’s no rush and no worrying that I’m holding up the line. It allows more time for reflection on my part and any comments on his.
 
That is a very wise priest. I have heard it from several other priests and deacons as well.
 
I go behind the screen, read off of my list that I make and then say “I’m sorry for these and all the sins I may have forgotten”

I panic if I don’t have a list because I’m so afraid to forget something… :confused: But, I also can’t really imagine having a conversation in the confessional or really describing my feelings. I suppose I’m one of those in and out kind of folks.
 
My method is more interesting

Because I’m afraid to ask my parents to take me
When I’m a Catholic event or altar serving without my parents
I ask a priest for confession
I think about my mortal sins the whole time up until it and then I right list the day before

Pretty unusual and doesn’t help me make it frequently
 
I only tend to ever have a few mortal sins, usually the same ones. But you know what? They’ve become much less of a problem, thank goodness for Confession! I was informed to get the mortal sins out of the way first (my understanding is that you don’t have to confess venial sins, but to do so is good practice). I also know that it helps to confess the most difficult sin, first.
 
CatholicTina said:
Other people seem to go into deep conversations with the priest about one or two sins.
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I used to think that, too… they certainly take forever, especially when I’m next in line!

I really think these are the nervous talkers. They don’t quite know how to get started, they have this internal struggle to get it all out, and the stress of being that open about very personal things makes them babble. That, and I find that the priest is usually asking more questions to clarify or explaining more to ease them (I’m assuming).

There are, of course, those who just can’t help but love to hear their own voice, too. 😁
 
During the week, I keep a list of my sins at work written in a code only I understand and I update it as often as needed. I list the worst sin at the top, including the number of times each sin was committed.

I’ve been going to confession weekly or every other week for almost two years and now there are fewer sins I commit. Some have dropped off completely.

I prefer face to face confession. One reason is because during absolution the priest raises his arms and I picture the blood of Jesus raining down on me. It is a beautiful experience.
 
I tell the priest my state in life (single, married, cleric, or religious), how long it’s been since I last confessed, I list the sins I accuse myself of and their frequency. If I’m not sure of the exact number of times I’ve committed a particular sin I give rough estimates with clear indication that I’m estimating (“about a dozen times”, etc.), I repent of all those sins and wait for further instruction from the priest. I say an Act of Contrition when prompted, I’m absolved, and I leave to perform my penance. All in all I’m in and out in less than 2 minutes assuming a routine weekly/biweekly confession. Even when I’ve gone a couple months without confession I’m out at around the 5-7 minute mark.

You’re doing well LISTING your sins and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. The Sacrament is first and foremost about receiving absolution and being reconciled with the Church. If you feel you need counseling or a more intimate treatment of your sins please, on behalf of everyone else waiting in line, make an appointment.
 
Zaccheus said:
It is not true that you have to state the number of times for each sin. If your priest questions you about details, then of course you need to answer to the best of your ability.
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Sorry. You’re required to state all MORTAL sins in both kind and number.

Venial sins, you don’t need to confess at all.
 
@CatholicTina
CatholicTina said:
I have heard in the past you have to state the amount of times you have done each sin, but I literally would have no clue and it would sound like a grocery list. So my question is what is the norm for you?
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prayer for the guidance of the holy Spirit to reveal your sins with deep sentiments of repentance and contrition, mention your sins in kind and in number.if you don’t remember the number of times just mention approx times


https://www.ewtn.com/library/prayer/examconscience.htm

http://www.ncregister.com/info/confession_guide_for_adults

http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-wor...entals/penance/examinations-of-conscience.cfm

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c2a4.htm
 
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Right, it is the penitent’s responsibility to state/acknowledge the mortal sins committed and the number of times. It is NOT the responsibility of the priest to have to ask. Venial are not necessary to confess and therefore require no “times committed” be mentioned either.
 
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You must confess all of your mortal sin in number and kind.
 
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