Also called the Sacrament of Reconciliation or the Sacrament of Penance, we renew our baptism by recalling sins and failures in Christian discipleship we may have conscientiously committed.
This sacrament of God's love and mercy offers us, through the Church, the personal assurance of our salvation, healing, and strength to repair or make good our relationship with God, the Church, and the world. We receive God's grace so that we might advance in holiness and Christian perfection.
Not to be confused with spiritual direction or counseling, we enter this sacrament "after" we have examined our conscience in the light of the Holy Spirit revealed to us in the Scriptures and teachings of the Church. The fruitfulness of our ongoing conversion depends on this.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION
1. Find time beforehand to calmly examine your conscience. Don't do this on the spot! A printed guide is always freely available in the pamphlet rack at the back of the church or close to the "confession box". The two short video presentations below may be helpful.
2. Arrive on time. If there is only one priest available, he will have to leave in order to offer the Mass. So arriving in the church at the appointed time for confession will help both you and the priest to give measured time to each person before he has to leave to begin Sunday Mass on time! (If there is a visiting priest offering confession, even when Mass begins, confessions should be completed by the time of Holy Communion.)
3. How often should I confess my sins through this Sacrament? If you are conscious of a grave sin or live a lifestyle that would hinder you from receiving Holy Communion, it is prudent to attend to this Sacrament without unnecessary delay. The regular Christian discipline of examining our conscience should encourage us to attend to the graces of this Sacrament on a regular basis.
4. Remember that priests are mere mortals too! Pray for him. And remember, if he has been hearing individual confessions for an hour, he may need a break and breather!
Below are two short videos by a guest priest offering simple, clear advice on the inner dynamics of the Sacrament of Confession, what to do and say.