Tips for Making a Good Confession

To Jesus Through Mary posted the following tips from Fr. Daniel Deutsch:

We should…

1) Examine our consciences regularly and thoroughly;

2) Wait our turn in line patiently;

3) Come at the time confessions are scheduled, not a few minutes before they are to end;

4) Speak distinctly but never so loudly that we might be overheard;

5) State our sins clearly and briefly without rambling;

6) Confess all mortal sins in number and kind;

7) Listen carefully to the advice the priest gives;

8) Confess our own sins and not someone else's;

9) Carefully listen to and remember the penance and be sure to understand it;

10) Use a regular formula for confession so that it is familiar and comfortable;

11) Never be afraid to say something embarrassing, just say it;

12) Never worry that the priest thinks ill of us, he is impressed by our courage;

13) Never fear that the priest will not keep our confession secret, he is bound by the Seal;

14) Never leave the confessional before the priest has finished giving absolution;

15) Memorize an Act of Contrition;

16) Answer the priest's questions briefly if he asks for a clarification;

17) Ask questions if we can't understand what he means when he tells us something;

18) Keep in mind that sometimes priests can have bad days just like we do;

19) Remember that priests must go to confession too, they know what we are going through.

20) Go to confession as often as you feel a need to go. That is why we are here.