The Sacrament of Confession

Finding true healing, God's way.

The first time I went to confession with a priest I was terrified, almost shaking in fear. I knew that I was really confessing to Jesus and that the priest was only his representative, but the priest was still a real person and I could hardly imagine confessing these deep dark things about myself out loud to him. Yet, I went for it—feeling like a man jumping over a cliff. I’m glad I did. When I had finished he absolved me of my sins and I felt incredible—as though I could leap small buildings in a single bound. The experience changed my life. I now go to confession once a month and it has probably been the most healing practice that I have every participated in.

If you are anything like me, the church that you grew up in did not offer the Sacrament of Confession, and you’re probably wondering, where is that in the Bible? Jesus gave his power to forgive sins to the leaders of the church by saying to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (Jn 20:22-23). Yet, how could they know which sins to forgive or not to forgive unless the sins were confessed? This is no different than going to a doctor who must see your wound in order to heal you. Regular confession and forgiveness of sins has been a normal part of church life since the beginning. James wrote that if you are sick, either physically or spiritually, you should go to the priest (elder) and confess your sins so that you may be healed (5:14-16).

How often should you go to confession? In the year 1215 all of the leaders of the church gathered together to discuss this and other issues and decreed that at a minimum the faithful should go to confession with the local parish priest or with permission, another priest, no less than once a year, though confession is recommended once a month or more.

The Sacrament of confession is an incredible opportunity, a place where you can freely confess all of your sins without fear since the priest is required by canon law to hold fast to the seal of the confessional. He can share your sins with no one. Sacramental confession is a completely safe—a place to find healing and wholeness. There is nothing you can share that will surprise the priest. He will love you no matter what.

So, feel free to grab me on Sunday mornings between 8 and 8:30 a.m. to hear your confession, or feel free to make an appointment for another time. See you then.

Yours,
Father Philip

P.S. Learn more about confession by going to our website and listening to a talk I recently gave here.

A Simple Examination of Conscience in Preparation for Confession

When was my last good confession? Did I receive Communion or other sacraments while in the state of mortal sin? Did I intentionally fail to confess some mortal sin in my previous confession?

Did I willfully and seriously doubt my faith, or put myself in danger of losing it by reading literature hostile to Christian teaching or by getting involved with non-Christian sects? Did I engage in superstitious activities, such as palm-reading, and fortune-telling?

Did I take the name of God in vain? Did I curse or take a false oath? Did I use bad language?

Did I miss church on Sunday or a holy day of obligation through my own fault, without any serious reason? Did I fast and abstain on the prescribed days?

Did I disobey my parents or lawful superiors in important matters?

Was I selfish in how I treated others, especially my spouse, my brothers and sisters, my relatives, or my friends? Did I hatefully quarrel with anyone or desire revenge? Did I refuse to forgive? Did I cause physical injury or death? Did I get drunk? Did I take illicit drugs? Did I consent to advise someone about, or actively take part in an abortion?

Did I willfully look at indecent pictures or watch immoral movies? Did I read immoral books or magazines? Did I engage in impure jokes or conversations? Did I willfully entertain impure thoughts or feelings? Did I commit impure acts, alone or with others?

Did I steal or damage another’s property? How much was it worth? Have I made reparation for the damages done? Have I been honest in my business relations?

Did I tell lies? Did I sin by slander? By detraction—telling unknown grave faults of others without necessity? Did I judge others rashly in serious matters? Have I tried to make restitution for any damage of reputation that I have caused

If you remember other serious sins beside those indicated here, include them also in your confession