Nervous to go to confession

[sunflower74]

Ok so…tomorrow morning I might be able to go to confession, its the first time I’ve had a way to get there in months, but I’m really nervous to go. I have only been a couple times in my life and the last was 2 1/2 years ago. I don’t have any acts of contrition memorized. and i’m afraid everyone will stare at me in line because I’m a teenager. someone please tell me it won’t be that bad. Also, if I did something that I knew I wasn’t supposed to do when I did it but did not realize the magnitude of how bad it was, is it still a mortal sin?

 

[SimonX]

This is an easy one. First, most church confessionals/rooms have the Act of Contrition prayer available near by for people who can’t remember it or for whatever reason. Also, you can also take in your own version (easy to find a version probably on this site or somewhere if you dont have one at home in a prayer book). Secondly, nobody really cares one way or the other if someone is a teenager or whatever age. Most of us are busy going over our sins and what we will be confessing while we are in line. Personally, it has always made me feel good to see young people in line since the young are the future of our church. Lastly, confess all sins and the Priest will be more than willing to help you if you have questions as you say your confession. They are usually very kind and understanding and happy to help us get back on track. Finally, it will really be a great feeling after you make a good confession and you will be happy you did!

 

[acadian]

First of all it is normal to be nervous, but it’ll be OK.

People of all ages go to confession, and no one will be staring at you. It took me a long time before I hit one of those Saturday afternoon confession times because I was worried about what it would be like. However, there is nothing to fear. Sometimes there are a few other people, and sometimes my kids and I are pretty much “it”. At another parish we went to, the confessional needed a revolving door - there were kids, teens, parents, grandparents - all ages. Everyone else there is a sinner just like you and they’re not likely to be judging you.

Click here for a cheat sheet on confession. My parish does NOT have an Act of Contrition posted. However, you do not need to say a formal prayer. It can be something that comes from your heart - “Jesus, I’m sorry for having offended you and I promise to do better in the future.”

Confess it all. Say the worst first, and then it’s all downhill.

Our God’s Mercy is awesome! He loves to forgive!

 

[bpbasilphx]

**I don’t have any acts of contrition memorized. and i’m afraid everyone will stare at me in line because I’m a teenager. **

Someone once said, "You won’t worry at all about what people think of you when you realize how little they actually do think of you."

 

[reggieM]

First, nobody will stare at you. You’re doing a good thing – don’t be nervous or worried. The priest has heard lots of confessions and every sin you can imagine. Also, remember, you’re confessing to God – that’s what really counts. Not the priest or the people in the church. If you didn’t know something was a mortal sin, then it’s not a mortal sin. You have to have three conditions – serious matter, sufficient reflection and full consent of the will.
But it’s still best to confess the things that are bothering your conscience anyway. Again, don’t worry. You’ll feel great when you receive absolution. You won’t want to wait so long to confess next time.

 

[Cathy]

Lastly, confess all sins and the Priest will be more than willing to help you if you have questions as you say your confession. They are usually very kind and understanding and happy to help us get back on track. Finally, it will really be a great feeling after you make a good confession and you will be happy you did!

I heartily agree with everything Simon said, as long as by “confess all sins” he means all serious sins. I certainly can’t remember all my venial sins each time I go to confession (about every two weeks). And the priest wouldn’t have time to hear them all. I’m told it’s not necessary to name all your venial sins as long as you have the intention of amending your life, with God’s help. Ask God to help you remember those sins you should confess.

I second the notion that it will be a really great feeling and you will be happy that you went to confession.

God bless you!
Cathy

 

[sunflower74]

Ok so…tomorrow morning I might be able to go to confession, its the first time I’ve had a way to get there in months, but I’m really nervous to go. I have only been a couple times in my life and the last was 2 1/2 years ago. I don’t have any acts of contrition memorized. and i’m afraid everyone will stare at me in line because I’m a teenager. someone please tell me it won’t be that bad. Also, if I did something that I knew I wasn’t supposed to do when I did it but did not realize the magnitude of how bad it was, is it still a mortal sin?

Edit: I was not able to get there last weekend because my roomate’s car was having steering issues due to snow and she didn’t want to drive me. So now I should be going tomorrow.
Please pray for me, I’m really nervous and I’m afraid I will get there and then just be too nervous and leave.

 

[mark_a]

Ok so…tomorrow morning I might be able to go to confession, its the first time I’ve had a way to get there in months, but I’m really nervous to go. I have only been a couple times in my life and the last was 2 1/2 years ago. I don’t have any acts of contrition memorized. and i’m afraid everyone will stare at me in line because I’m a teenager. someone please tell me it won’t be that bad. Also, if I did something that I knew I wasn’t supposed to do when I did it but did not realize the magnitude of how bad it was, is it still a mortal sin?

Just go. Its normal to be nervous going in and relieved going out.

 

[SimonX]

Edit: I was not able to get there last weekend because my roomate’s car was having steering issues due to snow and she didn’t want to drive me. So now I should be going tomorrow.
Please pray for me, I’m really nervous and I’m afraid I will get there and then just be too nervous and leave.

Sunflower,

If it’s not too personal, how about an update?

 

[sunflower74]

SimonX-
yeah, I finally went today. I was really nervous I walked in and out of the door of the chapel twice before I actualy got in line, but I felt GREAT when I got out. And the priest was really kind and spoke gently and walked me through it. So I am sooo happy I went.
Thanks for asking!

 

[SimonX]