On Confession...

Fr. Z’s 20 Tips For Making A Good Confession




We should...


1) ...examine our consciences regularly and thoroughly;


2) ...wait our turn in line patiently; (dare I say, "Quietly"? - I will/have/do say hello to someone and have a short QUIET conversation.  But some act as if this is a social event! Not only do I think it's uncalled for... it's simply distracting!)


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 we are jerks…. he is usually impressed by our courage;


13) ...never fear that the priest will not keep our confession secret… he is bound by the Seal;


14) ...never confess "tendencies" or "struggles"... just sins;


15) ...never leave the confessional before the priest has finished giving absolution;


16) ...memorize an Act of Contrition;


17) ...answer the priest’s questions briefly if he asks for a clarification;


18) ...ask questions if we can’t understand what he means when he tells us something;


19) ...keep in mind that sometimes priests can have bad days just like we do;


20) ...remember that priests must go to confession too … they know what we are going through.