Quick confession question?

[cmarie423]

Today is the first time I'm going to confession in years. Since it's been so long do I do a normal examination of sins and then confess whatever I remember? Also after confession is over I don't remember what to say. When the priest says to say an act of contrition do I say the whole prayer or sorry or? It's amazing how many things you can forget when you don't do it all the time.

 

[Colin]

Today is the first time I'm going to confession in years.

Just tell the priest that and he should help you through it . No need to worry .

The following is copied from a post I made on another thread . I hope it helps :-

Reconciliation: Wasted Sacrament or Valued Gift ? On Catholic forums one topic which is forever present is the Sacrament of Confession , the Sacrament of Reconciliation .

Many Catholics who are at different stages on their pilgrimage through life encounter problems with Confession . Some decide simply to stop going . Others go regularly but feel uncomfortable about confessing the same sins over and over again . Then there are those who after a lengthy absence decide to return to the sacrament , but they worry about what to do or what to say . Then there are those who are troubled about what the priest might think of them .

No need to worry !

Last night I came across this talk give by Bishop John Arnold , an auxilliary bishop in the diocese of Westminster , London . I found the short talk very encouraging , and I am posting it because I am sure there is someone out there who will benefit from it . It's a simple message , but one worth listening to .
Faith Matters March 2013 Bishop John Arnold: Reconciliation: Wasted Sacrament or Valued Gift? on Vimeo

 

[cmarie423]

Wow! Great video! Thank you

 

[Rhamiel]

say how long since you have been to confession
confess sins

say act of contrition

then the priest will say God has forgiven you

then you say "thanks be to God"

 

[JimR-OCDS]

The priest will probably have a card with the Act of Contrition for you to use.

Just tell him, you're not sure how to make a confession.

Before you go in, examine your conscience against the two commandments Jesus gave us.

To love the Lord God, with your whole heart, your whole mind and your whole soul.

To love your neighbor as yourself.

Examine yourself against these two, and you'll have a good idea of where you've offended God.

Jim

 

[AMDG]

The priest will probably have a card with the Act of Contrition for you to use.

Just tell him, you're not sure how to make a confession.

Snipped to portion addressed

If a person happens to the priest in Confession that they need help, the person will have "wrapped the priest around his little finger". The priest will have to help. After all Confession is a Sacrament of Love.