W
wcknight
Guest
I try to keep a mental list of the 3 or 4 things I want to mention. A written list would be really easier, but I think I would feel awkward reading from a written list.I agree with you that it doesn’t seem possible, but some of us get nervous enough that we lose our orientation once we get in there (and thus forget out of case of nerves). Also, there have been times when I thought a sin was venial and later realized it was actually more serious & should have been confessed. Now that I let my interior impulse be my guide, I find that I’m actually more accurate. However, it does sometimes help me to write some kind of a “hint” list which may be easier to memorize because it consists of short clues. I do find it difficult to actually read a list because it feels non-spontaneous, and for me the grace of the sacrament happens in the immediate encounter. I don’t criticize those who need those aids; perhaps their confessions are more thorough than mine!But for myself, I need to concentrate on the heartfelt sorrow, & thus a list is too dry for me, personally.
I try to use a one word trigger to help me remember each item. Most serious or things that I need to work on are first. This usually works for me. The only times I might have a problem is if the priest interrupts my list and talks a bit about the items up front, then I might lose track of things not mentioned yet.
That hasn’t happened for quite a while and it only happened once or twice. Most priests let you finish off listing off your offenses before they get into a discussion.