How does Reconciliation...um...work?

[chloebelle]

Hi all! I haven’t been on as often but for those of you who remember me I am still going through the RCIA process and have recently gone from catechumen to elect! This has been such an incredible journey and I am so much happier and noticing big changes in my life the closer I get to the Lord and his church.

Anyway, as someone who has never been to confession, how exactly does it work? I mean, I know you go in and confess your sins to the priest, but what exactly is said? Is there a specific form it follows? Does the priest give feedback? On TV you see the priest say “Say x Hail Marys”, do you say them then and there or when you go home? Any tips for a first confession? I’ve been wondering this for a while but my RCIA group is so large and we often get lost in conversation so I don’t remember to bring it up. Thank you for your help!

 

[Vico]

Hi all! I haven’t been on as often but for those of you who remember me I am still going through the RCIA process and have recently gone from catechumen to elect! This has been such an incredible journey and I am so much happier and noticing big changes in my life the closer I get to the Lord and his church.

Anyway, as someone who has never been to confession, how exactly does it work? I mean, I know you go in and confess your sins to the priest, but what exactly is said? Is there a specific form it follows? Does the priest give feedback? On TV you see the priest say “Say x Hail Marys”, do you say them then and there or when you go home? Any tips for a first confession? I’ve been wondering this for a while but my RCIA group is so large and we often get lost in conversation so I don’t remember to bring it up. Thank you for your help!

The penitential rite is here: https://www.ewtn.com/library/CURIA/CDWFORMA.HTM

 

[guanophore]

I am still going through the RCIA process and have recently gone from catechumen to elect!

congratulations!

nyway, as someone who has never been to confession, how exactly does it work?

This is a dandy question to ask in RCIA. You are probably not the only one wondering!

Here is a great blog post that will address your questions:
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-wor...entals/penance/examinations-of-conscience.cfm

You can also prepare yourself by beginning an examination of conscience:

Going to Confession: How it Works (Part 5 of Becoming Catholic) | Called to Communion

You can also ask your sponsor about it.

 

[greenrangerx]

On TV you see the priest say “Say x Hail Marys”, do you say them then and there or when you go home?

I find it best to find a pew in the church and pray the assigned prayers then and there so I don’t forget to do them. If you want, you can wait until you go home though. I rarely get these more traditional penances though. One time my penance was to call my dad. Another time it was to take a walk and thank God for the beautiful day. One priest always gives me the same somewhat vague penance to “spend some time in the adoration chapel reflecting upon God’s mercy.”

 

[brian_custer]

you take five or ten minutes kneeling in church, thinking about your sins…

collect your thoughts

wait in the confessional line (MAYBE NOT, DEPENDING ON THE PARISH)

THINK FURTHER ABOUT YOUR SINS

confess TO THE PRIEST; after saying the Act of Contrition

DO YOUR PENNANCE

DONE! trust me; you will feel like a million dollars

 

[exnihilo]

This is what I encounter:

• The priest says ‘in the name of…’
• You say how long it has been since your last confession possibly ‘bless me father for I have sinned, it has been (one week) since my last confession…’
• You confess your sins. You confess mortal sins in number and kind. For instance ‘I did (some sin) twice’
• You signal the end of your confession, ‘for these and all the past sins of my past life…’
• The priest may or may not say some words about your particular sins
• The priest assigns a penance
• The priest may or may not ask you to say an act of contrition.
• The priest absolves you
• You leave and do your penance. You don’t have to do your penance immediately but if you can it is best to

 

[Spyridon]

@exnihilo and @(name removed by moderator) have thoroughly answered the OP.