What Puts You at Ease Before Confession?

[Livelaughlove17]

I think on top of everything said above it helps me to go with someone that I am close to, like my mom(not actually in the confessional of course) but just waiting for my turn with someone that I know supports me is really comforting

 

[babochka]

I’m always a little uncomfortable for a few reasons. First, I suffer from a bit of social anxiety, and that certainly carries over into confession. Am I going to say and do everything right? Will I forget something? Do I give enough detail or too much? How do I come across to the priest (contrite? shallow? spiritually immature?) I worry about all those things. Second, I hate confessing the same sins over and over again, yet it is human nature that I do. I have my own list of weaknesses, and I sometimes seem to make little progress in overcoming them. As I write this, I am contemplating going to Confession tomorrow. It has been almost 2 months, but I have been unwilling to deal with my sin and embarrassed to go back with the same sin again.

To deal with it, I pray for God’s help in getting me to Confession and in making a good Confession. Sometimes I have to pray, while waiting my turn, that I will have the strength to not turn away. Second, I have found a regular Confessor. It helps because he is somebody who knows me well and I am very comfortable with him as a person. This helps with my anxiety issues, although that might not work for everybody.

 

[nightranger]

I’m going to confession tomorrow and I’m dreading it. I’m wondering what puts other Catholics at ease before you enter the confessional. What comforts you or makes you feel less nervous? Thanks in advance for your replies

Nothing puts me at ease. No one likes to confess their sins. I hate it. I hate being catholic, to be honest. But I can’t deny the truth, so what can be done?
Perhaps you can pray for those who are terminally ill, or others who have it much worse than you or me . That’s what I do.

 

[hawkeye125646]

Just getting in there ASAP… HE HE HE!!! Go to church and be there right when the priest opens the door!

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Nothing puts me at ease. No one likes to confess their sins. I hate it. I hate being catholic, to be honest. But I can’t deny the truth, so what can be done?
Perhaps you can pray for those who are terminally ill, or others who have it much worse than you or me . That’s what I do.

Dear nightranger,

I feel nothing but pity for you. Our faith is brilliant and brings great joy when lived out as fully as we can. You will be in my prayers.

 

[FloridaJoan]

I’m going to confession tomorrow and I’m dreading it. I’m wondering what puts other Catholics at ease before you enter the confessional. What comforts you or makes you feel less nervous? Thanks in advance for your replies

I don’t know if it “puts me at ease " BUT remembering St Pio’s words help me …” Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry ".

 

[MissRose73]

I use my iConfess application on my phone to prepare myself. Also, while waiting, I will read from the Confession section of my missal too. For me, I try not to be the first person in line when Confessions start too.

 

[Cavaille-Coll]

For me, going to confession is liberating. It is never pleasant to confess the sins and the stupid things I’ve done, but knowing that I have been forgiven and that my sins were permanently removed from my “record” makes me feel almost as if I were physically lighter.

 

[HonoraDominum]

What puts me at ease?

This.

Also, since I’ve formed a “confession only” relationship with my confessor, I’ve become much more comfortable with admitting not only my sins, but the character flaws that bring them on. While we talk quite a bit outside of the confessional, we have ongoing dialogue about problems and spiritual struggles that are never discussed outside of the booth (and rarely are outside things brought into the booth). Being more honest with myself has helped me get to the root of certain sins, and that would not have happened had I not felt “safe”. My confessor knows my tendency towards scrupulosity, and knows how to gently stop the pattern and get me back on track (or, if I’m suffering particularly badly, give me the stern voice needed to shake me out of my pattern). He also gives me guidance to get through the tough patches that come with my melancholic temperament. I owe so much to this man of God, and highly recommend to all that they find a regular confessor who can guide their soul towards sanctity. And if you don’t have a regular confessor, pray for guidance to find one.

Please pray for my priest, and for all priests, that they may live worthily so that they may fulfill Christ’s will as they shepherd His flock here on earth.

 

[englishredrose]

that it is someone/priest I am talking to and can share my sins in secret and yes admittedly it like going to the dentist feeling before hand but after is like coming out of the dentist too in that feel squeaky clean again as the teeth do… that you can be at your worst in confession and it never held against you. It is a safe place just to talk about your sins, depending how you write/prepare your confession. Most people don’t want to know about your sins etc and it the one place where you can explore something in more detail if you have prepared it well and receive the right penance to help you or that is what happens to me especially now with the current priest. The penance is more of a help than a penance. And of course you go because you love God.