Confession tomorrow, maybe... help?

[stray bullet]

Could someone please give me the details on what you do when you go in for confession? Not what you during it, but before. It is silly request, but it'll put me at ease

I have enough on my mind before going in to worry about what to do and how to go in. I am told there should be people there as well, so I may be in line. People normally go into the chapel first, right? Ours is right next to the confessional...

Once I go there and reflect on receiving this sacrament, do I go up to the line? Do i just wait in the line, no matter how long it is? Really, I have no clue what will be going on!

What exactly do I do once I go in for a "behind the screen" confession (I know, I know what you are going to say, but it is my first time)? We have a two door system, do I close one, both (first door and the door to the face to face room), what? Do they normally keep the light on in the area behind the screen, what?

If at all possible, could someone give me a good idea of what all I am about to do? Just what you do normally...

I really appreciate it. I have a bit of anxiety and I don't want to have to think or worry about what I am doing. I know it seems silly, but I like to have everything planned out.

 

[FullyMT]

Generally, people pray in the pews for a few minutes to prepare themselves for the sacarament...although if it looks like there's going to be a long line I tend to pray while waiting.
If you want to go "behind the screen" go into the door marked "screen". The priest will turn on a light so that people know that he's listening to someone's confession. There's just as much light for you either way, but just a screen inbetween you and the confessor. The priest will say a prayer, and then start by saying "Bless me father for I have sinned", since (I think) this is your first confession, I would suggest SAYING that it is. The priest will help you through the rest. If you have committed any mortal sins, confess those first, then venial. You will be asked to say an act of contrition (either in the confessional, or on your own after the confession). There are different ones. The one I pray is: O my God, I am sorry for my sins, in choosing to sin and failing to do good. I have sinned against You and Your Church. I firmly intend, with the help of Your Son, to make up for my sins and to love I should. Amen.
Don't worry about the anxiety, that's Satan's way of trying to make you not want to go. He wants you to let the fear get the best of you (literally!). I, personally, suggest going face to face during confession, but like I said, that's a personal decision.
Hope that helped you!

 

[Benedicta00]

Could someone please give me the details on what you do when you go in for confession? Not what you during it, but before. It is silly request, but it'll put me at ease

I have enough on my mind before going in to worry about what to do and how to go in. I am told there should be people there as well, so I may be in line. People normally go into the chapel first, right? Ours is right next to the confessional...

Once I go there and reflect on receiving this sacrament, do I go up to the line? Do i just wait in the line, no matter how long it is? Really, I have no clue what will be going on!

What exactly do I do once I go in for a "behind the screen" confession (I know, I know what you are going to say, but it is my first time)? We have a two door system, do I close one, both (first door and the door to the face to face room), what? Do they normally keep the light on in the area behind the screen, what?

If at all possible, could someone give me a good idea of what all I am about to do? Just what you do normally...

I really appreciate it. I have a bit of anxiety and I don't want to have to think or worry about what I am doing. I know it seems silly, but I like to have everything planned out.

I know it’s easier said than done but relax. You are stressing for nothing. Walk in the confessional, kneel down and tell the priest this is your first confession and just tell him your sins. He will help you. Bring a written act of contrition in case your nerves cause you to forget. About the doors, I don’t know what you describe but you are supposed to close the door when you enter the room. If there are two doors, the close them both, I guess. And yes the light will stay on, we don't confess in the dark, in more ways than one.

 

[3toraiseup]

Stray,

The first time I went to confession, I sat at the back of the church, near others who were praying. I figured people were sitting so far from the confessionals so they would not overhear a confession. An RCIA instructor stopped to chat and discovered I was waiting in the wrong spot. She led me over to the proper spot where I sat until it was my turn. At our church, there are lights outside the confessional that are lit when the priest is in the booth and also if it is open to enter. A red light tells us someone is inside with the priest.

A Simple Guide to the Sacrament of Penance
from: http://www.saintlouisparish.org/Sacraments - Confession - Guide.htm

The penitent (the person confessing) goes into the confessional. Usually a person has a choice to go face-to-face or behind a screen.

The priest says, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

The penitent responds: "Amen." He then continues, "Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been (how long) since my last confession." The penitent then continues, confessing his sins and giving some general idea of the number of times he has fallen into them (e.g., "one time," "a couple of times," "a few times" "many times." Generally it is not necessary to be more precise than this. (The priest does not need graphic details!)

The penitent concludes the confession of his sins by saying, "For these and all of my sins, I am sorry."

The priest may offer advice at this point, or ask the penitent to offer a prayer or other sacrifice for a penance. The penitent then offers an Act of Contrition. There are several forms. One simple form, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner."

The priest then gives the penitent absolution, and his sins are forgiven. The priest may conclude the sacrament by saying, "Go in peace," or similar words.

I always bring a sheet with me that tells me what to say.

After entering, here is a typical exchange:

Penitent: Bless me father, for I have sinned. It has been x weeks since my last confession. (or this is my first confession)
These are my sins: I read from a paper I have prepared. At times, I might pause hoping for some input. At times, the priest may look up at me and comment or teach.
At the close, I say, "For these sins and all my sins, I am truly sorry"
The priest replies: Thank God for a good and honest confession. He goes on to offer Scripture or teeaching, then says the absolution. He then directs me by saying, "Now say your act of contrition"
I bring a written act of contrition and recite it from the page.
He offers a blessing and says "Go in peace, your sins are forgiven"

 

[stray bullet]

After entering, here is a typical exchange:

Penitent: Bless me father, for I have sinned. It has been x weeks since my last confession. (or this is my first confession)
These are my sins: I read from a paper I have prepared. At times, I might pause hoping for some input. At times, the priest may look up at me and comment or teach.
At the close, I say, "For these sins and all my sins, I am truly sorry"
The priest replies: Thank God for a good and honest confession. He goes on to offer Scripture or teeaching, then says the absolution. He then directs me by saying, "Now say your act of contrition"
I bring a written act of contrition and recite it from the page.
He offers a blessing and says "Go in peace, your sins are forgiven"

Is that it? I have read other descriptions and they say to say "Amen" after Absolution with a sign of the cross. Then , saying "May His mercy endure forever" after the priests "proclaimation of praise" after that amen.

Also, since it is my first, will the priest want to ask me some questions to make sure I have all the mortal sins covered? Should I just give a list and then ask if he wants to ask anything. Or should I give a list, say I am sorry for them, then expect some questions?

 

[Benedicta00]

Is that it? I have read other descriptions and they say to say "Amen" after Absolution with a sign of the cross. Then , saying "May His mercy endure forever" after the priests "proclaimation of praise" after that amen.

Also, since it is my first, will the priest want to ask me some questions to make sure I have all the mortal sins covered? Should I just give a list and then ask if he wants to ask anything. Or should I give a list, say I am sorry for them, then expect some questions?

Stray, it doesn’t have to be formal even. Just walk in kneel down and say “Bless me father for I have sinned this is my first confession and I am nervous…” the priest will do the rest.

 

[3toraiseup]

Is that it?

Yep. It isn't as complicated in person as it looks on paper.

I have read other descriptions and they say to say "Amen" after Absolution with a sign of the cross. Then , saying "May His mercy endure forever" after the priests "proclaimation of praise" after that amen.

Sounds fitting. I am a Protestant convert, so like you, I just kind of wing it. Priests do not care if you perform it "right", rather they care that you are there and want to meet God in the Sacrament. The right words in the right place are much less important than the place of your heart. The Lord loves a contrite heart.

Also, since it is my first, will the priest want to ask me some questions to make sure I have all the mortal sins covered? Should I just give a list and then ask if he wants to ask anything. Or should I give a list, say I am sorry for them, then expect some questions?

The priest did not ask questions of me at my first confession. In fact, I've been going to confession for a year now and only have had questions on my sins once. I sometimes expect him to raise his eyebrows in shock, or question me further, but usually it is me (and not the priest) who prompts any discussion of my sins.

Confession is your time to get clarification on your sins and things that hinder you from growing in holiness. Use it like a visit to the doctor. Tell him your sins, ask for advice, and accept the wonderful gift of healing that comes through the Sacrament from the great Physician.

When you leave that confession booth, you are going to feel so relieved!

 

[frettr00]

Above all else, speak from the heart. Don't be ashamed of anything. edit: That is to say, don't hold back.

 

[stray bullet]

Done

Boy was I nervous! Not so much in waiting in line, but confessing! I did it though.

I didn't feel 'relieved' when I left, so much as dazed and confused!
I left, went to a park and walked around for a long time, reflecting on everything.... wonderful day.

 

[Carrye]

^ The eternal sweetness of a squeeky-clean soul.

 

[stray bullet]

^ The eternal sweetness of a squeeky-clean soul.

I even see things a bit clearer than before.

The priest was really nice too, I knew who it was. I can't say how much I appreciate my parish and the people in it.

Today has a sort of Christmas/Birthday, "Today is different" feel to it

Anyways, thanks to everyone for their help. It made it so much easier. Also, thank you to all that prayed so I might be better able to go through with it.

Tomorrow, I get to go to the Rite of Acceptance clean

 

[HappyMomof4]

I understand how you feel. I went to confession about 5 years ago for the first time in 14 years. I felt so different, like a huge weight had finally been lifted off of me. I also went to a park and just sat at a picnic table for a long time, feeling like a new person.