- A GUIDE TO THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION

Step 1: Preparation – Doing an Examination of Conscience You should take some time to think about the sins you have committed since the last time you went to confession. Here is a short list of questions that can help you begin doing a good examination of conscience: Have I gone to Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation? Have I made time for God each day? Do I pray? Have I received Holy Communion unworthily (without confessing mortal sins)? Have I rejected any of the teachings of Christ and His Church? Have I spoken ill of the Church and her teachings? Have I used God’s name in vain? Have I sworn or cursed? Have I been disrespectful, disobedient or rebellious toward my parents or those in authority? Have I neglected to teach my children the faith and to witness to the faith in the home? Have I been arrogant and stubborn? Have I cultivated hatred and expressed unjustified anger? Have I nurtured and held grudges and resentments? Have I refused to forgive others? Have I engaged in lustful fantasies or viewed others lustfully?Have I committed impure acts alone or with others? Have I looked at impure images, watched impure videos, or read pornographic literature? Have I had sexual intercourse outside of marriage? Have I committed adultery? Have I used any form of contraception or encouraged others to do so? Have I had an abortion or encouraged another to have one? Have I harmed myself physically in any way? Have I harmed another physically or verbally in any way? Have I been uncharitable? Have I gossiped about others? Have I slandered anyone? Have I told lies about others? Have I mocked or made fun of others? Have I spent more time on social media and in virtual reality than building authentic personal relationships? Have I lied or cheated? Have I stolen anything? Have I caused damage to another’s property? Have I been selfish or spiteful toward others? Have I been jealous or envious? Have I complained instead of being grateful? Have I told inappropriate jokes or engaged in inappropriate conversation? Have I been slothful or lazy, not fulfilling my responsibilities at home, at work, or at school? Have I been greedy? Do I have an excessively materialistic view of life? Have I been gluttonous? Have I gotten drunk? Have I taken drugs? Have I participated in anything that is of the occult: ouija boards, fortune tellers, séances, channeling, astrology? Have I put myself in situations that I knew would lead me to temptation and sin? Have I ignored my conscience? Have I been open to following God’s will for me? Step 2: Go to a priest Do not be afraid of going to a priest to confess your sins. The priest can never say a word about what you say in confession. He is not going to be shocked by what you say or think less of you. When you speak to the priest in confession, you speak to Christ who is there to help you and to show you His mercy. If you forget what to do, don’t worry. The priest will guide you along. Step 3: Confess your sins When you go to the priest, 1) Make the sign of the cross and say Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. 2) Tell the priest how long it has been since your last confession. 3) Confess all your sins as clearly as possible. 4) Listen to the priest’s words of encouragement and advice and listen to what he asks you to do for a penance. Step 4: Pray an Act of Contrition My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us. In His Name, my God, have mercy. Step 4: Receive Absolution Listen as the priest prays the words of absolution. With this prayer, all your sins will be forgiven! Then the priest might say, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.” You can respond, “His mercy endures forever.”