you’re in luck. I JUST posted something about this on another thread.
The best thing to remember is that priests have heard everything! They are not shocked or embarassed by anyones sins. They have been trained to know what to do and what to say.
They have also been trained to help people in confessing! Tell your friend quite simply to say “father, i have not confessed in
X years, and need some help to do this, because i want to get it right.” If it will be a particularily long and emotional confession, it might be best to talk to the priest beforehand and set up an appointment, so he knows what to expect and can be prepard.
Remember, helping us and hearing confessions is part of their job! It is hard, but worthwile for all involved.
Above all, remember to pray for your confessor! It isn’t easy, and praying for him will help.
In a more general sinse, maybe this will help your friend out. I posted this on another thread:
The better the confession is, the better you feel afterwards. Here’s a particularily good “examination of conscience” – basically a list of a huge amount of sins you may need to confess. Going through it may help you see things you didnt even know you should confess, it will help you word your confession when you don’t quite know how to say it (a big factor when it comes to sins of impurity).
These are some very good ones.
oursaviournyc.org/how-to-…d-confession#4
A good examination, but this one is great because of the biblical texts it gives you to read before confession to put you int he right state of mind, and because it gives a simple walk-through of confession, and what to expect. All-in-all, great for first-timers or those who have been away from the confessional for a long time.
Other good ones; each list is a little different. Its good to read over a few because some may be more specific in certain areas. Find one you especially like, or make one of your own using these lists.
catholicparents.org/oxcar…Conscience.pdf
domestic-church.com/CONTE…torre_exam.htm
domestic-church.com/CONTE…torre_exam.htm