A plain guide

How do I go to Confession?

Find a confession time, think back over your sins, tell them simply to the priest, then accept your penance and receive absolution. It takes a few minutes, and if you’re nervous or it’s been years, just say so: the priest will walk you through it.

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Before you go

Pray for a minute. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see your life honestly, without fear.
Examine your conscience. The questions below can help. Some people jot a few words on paper or a phone to bring in, which is fine.
Find a time. Use Confession today or Confession tonight. Many parishes will also hear a confession by appointment: call the parish office.

An examination of conscience

Read slowly and stop where something stings. Serious (mortal) sin is a grave wrong done knowingly and freely. If you aren’t sure whether something was serious, mention it and ask the priest.

God

Have I made time for God in prayer, or only turned to him when I needed something?
Have I missed Sunday Mass or a holy day of obligation without a serious reason?
Have I used God’s name carelessly, in anger, or to curse?
Have I let money, work, success, screens or comfort come before God?
Have I dabbled in fortune-telling, horoscopes or the occult?
Have I received Communion knowing I was in serious sin?

Other people

Have I respected and cared for my parents, my spouse and my children?
Have I been harsh, impatient or cold with the people I live with?
Have I hurt anyone by violence, threats, gossip, mockery or lies?
Have I held a grudge or refused to forgive?
Have I stolen, cheated, or kept something that wasn’t mine? Have I paid what I owe?
Have I been honest and fair at work or at school?
Have I ignored people in need when I could have helped?

Myself

Have I been unchaste in thought, word or action, alone or with others, including pornography?
Have I been faithful to my marriage, in my actions and in my heart?
Have I misused alcohol, drugs or food?
Have I been proud, envious or greedy?
Have I been lazy about my duties at home, at work or in prayer?
Have I put off confession because I was afraid or ashamed?

NextPew · How to go to Confession

What happens, step by step

Choose how. You can kneel behind the screen and stay anonymous, or sit face to face. Either is completely fine.
Begin. Make the Sign of the Cross. Many people say: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [how long] since my last confession.” If you don’t remember, give a rough idea, or say it’s been many years.
Say your sins simply. For serious sins, say what they were and about how many times. You don’t need to tell the whole story. If you get stuck, say so, and the priest will help you.
Finish. Something like: “For these and all my sins, I am sorry.”
Listen. The priest may offer a few words of advice. He will give you a penance, often some prayers or a kind act.
Pray an Act of Contrition. This is a short prayer of sorrow. Reading it from a card or your phone is fine, and so are your own sincere words.
Absolution. The priest prays the words of absolution. Make the Sign of the Cross and answer “Amen.”
Go in peace. He will send you off with a short blessing or a few words. Thank him.

Afterward

Do your penance soon, ideally before you leave the church.
Whatever you confess stays there. A priest may never reveal what he hears in confession, to anyone, for any reason.
If you remember something you forgot, you are still forgiven. Mention it next time if it was serious.

The Act of Contrition

The Act of Contrition tells God you are sorry and that you mean to do better. There are several approved versions, and many confessionals keep one on a card. You can read the Act of Contrition at the USCCB (opens in a new tab) before you go. A sincere prayer of sorrow in your own words is also fine.

Frequently asked questions

What if it’s been years since my last confession?

You are welcome back, and priests hear this every week. Tell him roughly how long it has been and that you’d like some help. He will guide you through it.

What if I forget a sin?

If you honestly forget something, you are still forgiven. If it was serious, mention it at your next confession.

Will the priest tell anyone what I said?

No. A priest may never reveal what he hears in confession, to anyone, for any reason. This is called the seal of confession.

How often should I go to Confession?

The Church asks Catholics to confess serious sins at least once a year, and before receiving Communion when they are aware of serious sin. Going more often, even monthly, is a good habit.

Can I go to Confession if I’m not Catholic?

The sacrament is for baptized Catholics. If you aren’t Catholic and want to talk with a priest, any parish office can set up a time.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Just come during a posted confession time. Many parishes will also hear a confession by appointment if the posted times don’t work for you.

Find confession near you

See confession times today in West Michigan, or browse by town: Muskegon parishes, Grand Haven parishes and Ludington parishes. New to Mass too? Read what happens at your first Catholic Mass.

Learn more

Written by NextPew as a friendly helper, not an official text. Your parish priest is the best guide.

Find confession tonight in West Michigan