Husband going to Confession for the first time in 30+ years

[Chovy]

My DH has decided that he will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation this Holy Week. He isn’t sure what to expect after all of these years- should he follow the typical “Bless me Father…” format or just explain that it has been that long and wait for direction from the priest? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[nova147]

When I went to confession a few weeks ago, I was so apparently nervous that the priest guided me through the entire sacrament. I think they are fairly used to that (especially this time of year, when so many feel drawn home). It will probably be easiest for your husband to tell the priest that it has been 30 years and he doesn’t remember what he needs to do. Praise God that your husband is returning to the sacraments! May your Easter be a joyous one,

Mary Jo

 

[NeelyAnn]

Chovy:

My DH has decided that he will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation this Holy Week. He isn’t sure what to expect after all of these years- should he follow the typical “Bless me Father…” format or just explain that it has been that long and wait for direction from the priest? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Good for your husband!!!

Tell him to follow the general format, but tell the Priest that he needs to make a general confession.

 

[JohnnyK]

The basic format hasn’t changed and God bless him for coming back! I just returned after around 25 yrs away. the best thing he can do is to do a really good examination of conscience.

 

[mary_bobo]

Chovy:

My DH has decided that he will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation this Holy Week. He isn’t sure what to expect after all of these years- should he follow the typical “Bless me Father…” format or just explain that it has been that long and wait for direction from the priest? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I recently returned after more years than your husband. I was terrified, but the priest made it so easy. I simply began by saying “bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been so many years since my last confession, please help me with this”. He was wonderful. I have never felt so much peace. God bless both of you.

 

[jrabs]

Fabulous! You must be thrilled! The Holy Spirit is at work in your home.

I am sure if he tells the priest that is has been so very long, that the priest will be kind and helpful (and probably happy).

Have a Blessed Easter.

 

[Chovy]

Thank you all so much. My DH’s confession went stupendously well! The priest was a great conduit of God’s love and forgiveness and my husband is sure to return for more of the Sacrament.

You are all very correct, I have prayed for a long time for this to happen and I am still rejoicing. When my husband and I started dating, he had been away from the Church completely for about 25 years. He actually said to me that he would do anything for me except go to Mass. A few months after that, he asked to attend Mass. Then he joined the Knights of Columbus and has been a pretty good Catholic since then. He stayed firm on his opinion about confession (thinking he could just “do it on his own”) until a few months ago. My only regret is that he didn’t receive reconciliation prior to our marriage.