Tips for getting into the habit of frequent confession

[Gordon_Sims]

I tend to go to confession only when I HAVE to (usually every 6-8 months). I really want to get into the habit of going much more often (every 2-4 weeks or so). Do you have any tips for getting into this habit? I keep telling myself I need to do it, but always put it off!

Pick a day and stick with it. Our parish only offers it once a month so I make sure to go on that day, even if I have to go to another parish. If I need it more often than that, I’ll go when I need it, but I still make sure to stick with my monthly schedule. I’ve been going monthly for about two years, and the one or two times I missed it, I made sure to go to another parish the following week. I don’t always have mortal sins to confess, but I still make sure to go. It’s a lot easier going when I don’t have any mortal sins than when I first started going regularly. I was still struggling with a couple habitual sins at the time so I was going 2-4 times each month. I had a family member get upset with me once and ask, “What are you doing wrong that makes you think you have to go to Confession so often?” I asked them, “What are you doing wrong that you don’t think needs to be confessed?” They decided to mind their own business for a change.

 

[glendab]

Hello Tim.

A dull life doesn’t mean we don’t sin. A thorough examination of conscience always reveals more sins than I though I had.

I don’t think weekly is too much for anyone. Why would anyone not go.

I don’t know, I really don’t know. They have no idea what they are missing. To me living a Sacramental life means both Eucharist and Penance. I cannot fathom one without the other yet I know of many who live that way. A gal just introduced herself to our little Bible study group on Monday and she has been a Catholic for 21 years and even sings in our choir but has only gone to Confession 4 times! I couldn’t believe my ears. But she said that is one part of her life as a Protestant she hasn’t gotten over yet - Confession to a man! We tried to help. Please pray it goes better. We did explain a few things and she is going to come back again on Monday, so that’s a start.

Glenda

 

[ccmcmg]

Perhaps like your rent or mortgage payment, you could schedule it on the 1st or 15th, or the closest Saturday.

Do you usher or lector at Church? My husband is regularly scheduled every 3 weeks; is that an option to help you remember? My lector schedule is more erratic.

We are blessed to have many confession times nearby in my diocese (and nearby diocese). Would it make sense instead to go weekly instead? When I first returned to the Faith, I went almost every week, or at most, two weeks. Now, if I go longer than 2 weeks, I start to get ‘itchy’ for it, and I also find myself more susceptible to my habitual sins. That might help you get to the frequency you desire.

Find out the confession times not only of your own parish, but parishes near to your home and work as well, and anywhere you travel. Avail yourself of the opportunity when it’s given. Although I had been to Confession less than a week before, I wanted to receive the Sacrament of Confession while I was visiting the Basilica in Washington, DC. Many priests are available daily, and the opportunity was there, so I made sure I went. We do not know our day and hour, and given that wide open chance to go, I went. Today, I hadn’t planned on going to Confession, but realized that I probably wouldn’t be attending Mass at this parish again this week, as I have travel upcoming. I went, although it wasn’t planned as it often is.

I love the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I have quite often met Jesus Christ in the Confessional. Thank you God for the blessing of all the Sacraments You have blessed us to partake.

 

[IrishAm]

I go the first Saturday of the month and put it on the calendar like I would make any other important event and stick to it. I schedule around this and it helps me to be consistent.

mlz

That is my routine as well, but, more importantly, I put on my calendar at the **beginning **of the week that I need to start preparing for it by prayer, examination of conscience, and just going over the past month to see where I have fallen short. Not a big production; just having it on my mind and getting ready. It’s funny how the Holy Spirit uses that time to really “convict me” of failings I didn’t even think of as sins until I began to pray on them. And how I begin to see growth in ways that sometimes surprise me. By the time I actually go to Confession on Saturday, I’m really ready to receive the graces it brings.

 

[hmccarthy]

I found that making regular, monthly private appts with a priest works best for me. This way, it is scheduled and both the priest and I have set aside time for it. I arrive better prepared and I don’t feel so pressured by time constraints if there is a long line. Also, if you can continue to make appts with the same priest, he will get to know you and can give you advice and spiritual direction as well to help you better examine your conscious and grow in holiness.