How to Return to the Sacrament of Confession

If you have a desire to return to the Catholic Church and are reading this article, you've already made a huge step in your journey home. There are many motivators that might lead to someone considering a return to the Church. I'm assuming you've already made a decision to return, or are at least seriously considering a return. Otherwise, why would you be reading this, right?

What should you expect? Lightning and thunder from the heavens? A parade? Pushing a pea across the floor with your nose? Let's start with the essentials.

Do I Just Show Up or Set an Appointment?

This really depends on you. Most priests I know are comfortable either way. After all, this is part of their ministry. However, if you think you need some time to discuss issues or seek further counsel, my recommendation is to call the Church office and set an appointment with Father. If you've been away from the practice of your faith for more than a few months, I also advise setting an appointment. Otherwise, drop by the internet or parish website and find the times for Confession. Many parishes offer Confession before or after each Mass. Others have Confession on Saturday afternoons. A great place to check is masstimes.org.

Once you've made your decision, all you have to do is show up.

What do I do when I get there?

Before you go, take the time to prepare yourself. What do you want to tell Father? Do you have questions? It does not hurt to write things down. Next, I recommend you take the time to work through a good examination of conscience. You can find them all over the internet, but I typically go to EWTN's website. They've got tons. The point is seeking clear conscience before God. Be as honest as you can and write down anything you feel a need to. That way, if you get nervous, you'll remember. You can always burn that paper later.

If you've made an appointment, just go to the Church office at the arranged time. Once you've been taken back to Father's office, tell him why you're there. Be honest and straightforward. If you're going to a regular Confession time, read on.

What do I say?

Once you're in the Confessional, or once Father asks you if you're ready to start your Confession, take out any "crib notes" you've made and begin your Confession. In every parish I've visited, there is a little sheet in the confessional to help you remember what to say, including a good Act of Contrition to pray at the appropriate time. If not, print this out and bring it with you. If you have neither, don't worry. Father is always ready to help you. Remember, he's glad you're there. A typical Confession looks like this:

"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (state how long it has been since your last Confession) since my last Confession."

Father may say a brief prayer or offer a word of encouragement before asking you to begin your confession. At that time, tell him your sins. Remember, that it is God who is working through your Priest and He knows you. Don't be afraid to be completely honest. What's more, the seal of the Confessional means that Father is not going to tell anyone (even you) about what you've confessed. Remember this also, Priests have heard it all before. Be honest and unafraid.

After your confession is done, Father may ask if you are done. When he knows you are finished he will offer you counsel and prescribe a penance for you. Penance is not about punishment but about establishing holiness in your life to aid you in your struggle to regain faith and overcome temptations. Most penances involve prayers or spiritual reading. Accept your penance and purpose to complete it as soon as you can.

Next, Father will ask you to say an Act of Contrition. There will probably be a sheet there. If not, you can use this one.

"God, I am sorry for all 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."

Father will then pray for you and pronounce God's absolution for your sins. He will end with something similar to, "Your sins are forgiven, go in peace." You should reply, "Thanks be to God."

That's it. Those words of forgiveness come from Jesus Christ Himself. You have reason to be thankful. Go and perform your penance and begin attending Mass weekly, even daily if you can. Try to involve yourself in good parish groups such as the Knights of Columbus or Ladies Guild. Fellowship and community will not only help you from falling away from your faith, but will also help you to build that faith and share it with others.