Writing down sins for Confession and identifying mortal sins

[lefty22]

I’ve been wondering whether or not it’s ok (or even good) to write down your sins before going to Confession and then take that with you. I’ve done it when I confess in the confessional, but for some reason it feels awkward to be reading off a piece of paper in a face-to-face confession. Of course, then I forget some of the things I wanted to say.

So, what do you all think? What works for you? How do you make sure you remember all of the sins you need to confess?

One other thing I’ve been wondering about is mortal sin. I know that for a sin to be mortal it has to be a grave matter and done with full knowledge and full consent. But I don’t really think of things I do as being mortal sins, with the exception of masturbation. Could someone recommend a good examination of conscience that will help me make more of a distinction between mortal and venial sins? I feel like I’m just not good at identifying mortal sins that I might be committing regularly (which I guess would make them venial because I don’t have full knowledge… but I still would really like to understand this better). Also, is there any point in going to Confession to confess only venial sins, or not, because they are forgiven through reception of the Eucharist (and at the start of the mass, if I understand correctly)?

Thank you,
~lefty22

 

[Skeptic92]

I’ve been wondering whether or not it’s ok (or even good) to write down your sins before going to Confession and then take that with you. I’ve done it when I confess in the confessional, but for some reason it feels awkward to be reading off a piece of paper in a face-to-face confession. Of course, then I forget some of the things I wanted to say.

So, what do you all think? What works for you? How do you make sure you remember all of the sins you need to confess?

One other thing I’ve been wondering about is mortal sin. I know that for a sin to be mortal it has to be a grave matter and done with full knowledge and full consent. But I don’t really think of things I do as being mortal sins, with the exception of masturbation. Could someone recommend a good examination of conscience that will help me make more of a distinction between mortal and venial sins? I feel like I’m just not good at identifying mortal sins that I might be committing regularly (which I guess would make them venial because I don’t have full knowledge… but I still would really like to understand this better). Also, is there any point in going to Confession to confess only venial sins, or not, because they are forgiven through reception of the Eucharist (and at the start of the mass, if I understand correctly)?

Thank you,
~lefty22

Prayer and reflection is a good examination of conscience, I write down my sins during my examination of conscience, confess them all, and after confession I burn the paper as a symbol that I’m free from my sins, it’s a memory tool, but it allows me to do something physically, that shows the mercy of God .

 

[Monica4316]

I’ve been wondering whether or not it’s ok (or even good) to write down your sins before going to Confession and then take that with you. I’ve done it when I confess in the confessional, but for some reason it feels awkward to be reading off a piece of paper in a face-to-face confession. Of course, then I forget some of the things I wanted to say.

So, what do you all think? What works for you? How do you make sure you remember all of the sins you need to confess?

I always write down my sins my priests always seemed fine with that… one time I couldn’t see the list because it was so dark in the confessional, lol, so then I really prayed that the Holy Spirit would help me remember my sins. It’s good to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit and also your Guardian Angel

One other thing I’ve been wondering about is mortal sin. I know that for a sin to be mortal it has to be a grave matter and done with full knowledge and full consent. But I don’t really think of things I do as being mortal sins, with the exception of masturbation. Could someone recommend a good examination of conscience that will help me make more of a distinction between mortal and venial sins? I feel like I’m just not good at identifying mortal sins that I might be committing regularly (which I guess would make them venial because I don’t have full knowledge… but I still would really like to understand this better). Also, is there any point in going to Confession to confess only venial sins, or not, because they are forgiven through reception of the Eucharist (and at the start of the mass, if I understand correctly)?

Thank you,
~lefty22

yes it’s good to confess venial sins too…

there are three types of consciences:

• well formed
• scrupulous (too strict) - that is me lol. In that case it’s good to have spiritual direction. It’s when you feel like everything is a mortal sin.
• too permissive. That’s when you think that mortal sins are actual venial or no sin at all.

The one to aim for is well formed. That means if a person is scrupulous, they should try to be less strict about it, but if a person has gone in the other direction, then it’s better for them to assume the opposite. My priest said something like… if a person is scrupulous and usually has only venial sins, then it’s likely that a given sin they did would be venial (unless they KNOW it’s mortal). However, - on the other hand, - if a person usually does mortal sins, then it’s safer to assume that a given sin is mortal, if in some doubt. The doubt might come from the conscience not being strong enough. Hope that makes sense… it takes time forming the conscience

One good way is getting a spiritual director, but if this is not an option, then yes find a good examination of conscience. My priest described mortal sin as signing a cheque for a million dollars… you know what you are doing, and you know you are doing it. And it’s something significant. What is significant? anything that violates the 10 Commandments.

This helped me: saintaquinas.com/mortal_sin.html

and it has lists of what is considered grave matter then if you apply full knowledge and full consent, you get a mortal sin.

If it would seem to you that you have some unconfessed mortal sins, or sins that are grave matter but not done with full consent - it would be best to pray for repentance for them and confess them to a priest, at your next Confession. Even if they turn out to be venial, - it’s still good to confess venial sins.

God bless

 

[105lynne]

My philosophy is, when in doubt, confess it. I’m one to find a way to make everything a mortal sin for myself. So I just confess everything and anything I can remember.
If I know I’m going to confession on Saturday, I will start making my list a few days before and just keep adding to it. If I don’t do it that way, my mind truly goes blank in confession and then I feel like an idiot!

 

[Thomas31]

I printed a Examination of Conscience off the National Catholic Register’s website (ncregister.com) and I am going to start looking at that list weekly and writing down my sins so I can bring that list I create with me to confession, for I think it will be of great help. I have only been to confession one time ( a few months ago now) and I remember the awesome feeling I had when i was done. Im just nervous and embarrassed to go, but I know the Lord will help me through it.

 

[acadian]

I always make a list and always bring it in. I don’t always read from it, but I have it there to glance at if I need it. And then sometimes I just obviously read straight from the list. Some priests have issues with lists, but I haven’t run across one. I go face to face, but it is not too awkward to have a list. In my experience, the priest will usually close his eyes or look down while I am confessing, which minimizes the feeling that he is watching you read.