Should I be going to confession? If so, what do I do?

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hmikell7

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Hi, so I’m a recent convert to Catholocism who is currently going through the process of RCIA at my local parish. I have been baptized already, though that was done by the Baptist church when I was a lot younger. Should I be going to confession already, or is that something I’m supposed to wait until I’ve been accepted into full communion to do? If I am supposed to be doing it already, what, exactly, is it that I’m supposed to do/say? I understand the importance and reason for it, but I’m not really clear on what is involved other than the actual act of telling your sins to the priest.
 
You should ask your RCIA director these questions. I would hope and presume that RCIA would explain to you the process for making your Confession, and when and how often you should be doing it. Generally you would make your first Confession shortly before you make your first Holy Communion, and it’s likely that the lesson on Confession may be coming along a bit later in your RCIA process.
 
Dear friend in Christ;

Each RCIA program is unique to that parish and Pastor.

Most of the same Main topical lesson are shared; but each in a manner unique to that Parish program. [I co-taught RCIA for 3 years].

“1st Confession” is a Normal part of each RCIA program and the timing and the mode of that Confession is left up to the Priest /Confessor. But in any case it is a good idea to let Father know that this is your 1st Confession and ask for his help, which he NO DOUBT, will gladly do for you.

There is nothing to fear; the SEAL of Confession prohibits the priest from sharing; even under the duress of a actual death threat, so what you share is between you, the priest and our God.

It is a good idea to gain a fuller understanding of sins:

1 John 5: 16-17

One’s 1st Confession

Know that each RCIA program is unique to that Parish

While many, but not all of the same topics will be covered, and the “Rites of Initiation” are all the same, the order of the topics and the content of each is unique to each parish

First Confession can vary a bit from parish to parish, the Confessor priest will determine the time, place and the format; which can vary from informal to the Norms for Catholic Confession which is usually structured.

Know that both God and the priest are on your side; and every reasonable effort will be made to aid you in making a worthy Confession, which will be guided by the priest. It is nothing to be worried about. But do be sure to let Father know that this is your first Confession and ask for his help.

It would be prudent to GOOGLE Catholic Sacramental Confession as a preparatory step so you have some idea of the FORM and what to expect.

Pray very much
Patrick
 
This will be covered in RCIA. Wait until you have more information from the RCIA director.
 
Since you have been baptized already, you will go to Confession prior to First Communion and Confirmation. The timing will vary from place to place, but most parishes I know do it not too long before the Easter Vigil (we do ours during Holy Week).

And they should go over all the logistics in RCIA. We’re actually talking about Confession at our RCIA class tonight, though I will also go over the practical aspects of making a First Confession as we get closer.

So, in due time, it will all be made clear. 🙂 But it never hurts to ask if you are curious.
 
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