Confession

Every confession is a new beginning

Confession has a tremendous benefit. We look deep within ourselves and try to change. We become more caring and loving persons. For many it feels like a great weight has been lifted from their shoulders.

Catholics tell their sins to a priest and the priest forgives in the name of Jesus Christ... not by his own authority.

A person who commits a mortal sin must first have their sin forgiven before receiving holy communion.

The confessional is located at the side or the back of the church. It has a partition with a small screen separating the seated priest from the kneeling person. The priest does not face the person and is not interested in knowing who the person is.

Our loving God is always ready to forgive and forget our sins.
(Mother Theresa)

What happens in the confessional

Then they tell how long since their last confession and what they did and the number of times — omitting unnecessary details.

The person confessing can ask for direction or the priest may offer Christ-like advice.

The priest does not criticize or condemn. He understands that all of us are sinners and that often a long struggle is needed to overcome a sinful habit.

Your sins will not shock him. He has heard most of them before. And the priest has taken an oath never to reveal what he has heard in the confessional.

At the end the priest asks the person to say an Act of Contrition and some prayers. If you forget the Prayer of Contrition, use your own words.

He then says words to the effect, “In the name of God the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, I absolve you of your sins. Go in the peace of Christ.”

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