Confession

[Guest Guest]

I have always understood that confession is an important part of being a Catholic and that you should go often. I always feel so relieved and cleansed afterward, but before I go I am always so nervous, partly because I am not entirely sure what to do when you go and I don't want to do it wrong. I made my first reconciliation about seven years ago with my CCD classes when we were supposed to learn all of this, but frankly, I had no idea what I was doing or why it was important. So, my question, what exactly should be done before, during, and after you confess your sins? And how often should you go? Is it right that you are not supposed to take communion if you have not gone to confession?

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
4/10 - Holy Saturday

The absolute easiest thing to do regarding the actual act of going to confession is to go into the confessional and tell the priest that you don't know what to do; he hears that all the time and will be more than happy to guide you through the process.

Before confession? It's called GRACE - Give thanks, Request light from the Holy Spirit to see the sins He wants you to confess, make an Accounting of your sins in your mind (remember these for confession), Chart a course so as to at least try to prevent it from happening again, and Entreat the help of the Lord to carry it out; easy as GRACE.

How often you go is a matter between you and the Lord. Personally, I go every few days - but most people who go usually go once a month.

Regarding communion, if you are in the state of mortal sin then, yes, go to confession before receiving communion. Otherwise, the Lord wants you to receive. I hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono