Reconciliation - I'm sure this has been asked before

[lizds]

I’ve already went through RCIA and was brought into the church August 28th. The Priest teaching the class did not go over confession because I was going to be baptised and didn’t see the need. He just gave us a short ‘to do list’. I would like to know how to make a confession. I’m a bit nervous about it, which I know is normal. I also think if I was a little more instructed on the matter that it would help with the nervousness. Thank you to who ever gives me good instructions.

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

I’ve already went through RCIA and was brought into the church August 28th. The Priest teaching the class did not go over confession because I was going to be baptised and didn’t see the need. He just gave us a short ‘to do list’. I would like to know how to make a confession. I’m a bit nervous about it, which I know is normal. I also think if I was a little more instructed on the matter that it would help with the nervousness. Thank you to who ever gives me good instructions.

saintaquinas.com/howto_confess.html

This link will take you to a very good out line of amking a good confession. All since it will be your first at the part when stating how long it has been since your last just say this is your first since being baptized in aug 2010 or however you wish to word it.
God bless and welcome home.

 

[Edmundus1581]

saintaquinas.com/howto_confess.html

This link will take you to a very good out line of amking a good confession. All since it will be your first at the part when stating how long it has been since your last just say this is your first since being baptized in aug 2010 or however you wish to word it.
God bless and welcome home.

I was received into the Church as an adult, and have been making confessions for 30 years, and I thought the link was very good, and agreed with my experience.

Just one point of minor disagreement with the link…

*If you feel it is necessary you can tell him the circumstances.
*
I disagree with the implied caution against telling the circumstances. There are various views on this. Certainly, be willing to tell the priest more about the circumstances if he asks (obviously). However, some advice I have read, and which I follow, is…

1. **Briefly **explain one’s personal circumstances, if the priest does not know you, and you are not face-to-face. eg. “I am a divorced father, and currently struggling to save my business”, “I am a happily married woman with eight children”. This will allow the priest to quickly understand your state in life and responsibilities.
2. **Briefly **explain any factors which diminish or increase the gravity of the sin, eg. “I haven’t prayed this week, but I have been exhausted from work” (diminish), or, “I drank too much, knowing that I had an important meeting the next day” (increase). I have always found this helpful, for formation of conscience. Try to avoid long stories - so try and think about it before entering the confessional. Also, (again, obviously), be prepared for the confessor to correct you on your assumptions.

As I said, there are various views on this, and I don’t think there is an “official” position. However, I understand reconciliation as being not just a listing of sins, followed by absolution, as an opening of one’s heart to Jesus, and that the priest’s role is not just to absolve, but to judge the gravity of the sins (which includes the circumstances), and counsel you for the future.

However, don’t agonize about following the “right” formula. Your confessor will assume that you have the right disposition (in attending reconciliation), and guide you if necessary.

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

I was received into the Church as an adult, and have been making confessions for 30 years, and I thought the link was very good, and agreed with my experience.

Just one point of minor disagreement with the link…

*If you feel it is necessary you can tell him the circumstances.
*
I disagree with the implied caution against telling the circumstances. There are various views on this. Certainly, be willing to tell the priest more about the circumstances if he asks (obviously). However, some advice I have read, and which I follow, is…

1. **Briefly **explain one’s personal circumstances, if the priest does not know you, and you are not face-to-face. eg. “I am a divorced father, and currently struggling to save my business”, “I am a happily married woman with eight children”. This will allow the priest to quickly understand your state in life and responsibilities.
2. **Briefly **explain any factors which diminish or increase the gravity of the sin, eg. “I haven’t prayed this week, but I have been exhausted from work” (diminish), or, “I drank too much, knowing that I had an important meeting the next day” (increase). I have always found this helpful, for formation of conscience. Try to avoid long stories - so try and think about it before entering the confessional. Also, (again, obviously), be prepared for the confessor to correct you on your assumptions.

As I said, there are various views on this, and I don’t think there is an “official” position. However, I understand reconciliation as being not just a listing of sins, followed by absolution, as an opening of one’s heart to Jesus, and that the priest’s role is not just to absolve, but to judge the gravity of the sins (which includes the circumstances), and counsel you for the future.

However, don’t agonize about following the “right” formula. Your confessor will assume that you have the right disposition (in attending reconciliation), and guide you if necessary.

I agree. I find that that is a good genneral guide for someone that is make a first confession, or has not made one in a long time.