"Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion. "
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422
Has it been a while since your last confession? Are you a baptized Catholic who has never been to confession? It is possible. No matter how long – fifty years or never – now is the time to return to this simple and beautiful sacrament of forgiveness.
Prepare for confession through an examination of conscience:
10 Commandments Examination of Conscience Teen Examination of Conscience
In the confessional, you can choose to kneel in privacy or talk face-to-face with the priest.
Begin with the sign of the cross, and “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned, it has been ____ years since my last confession” or “This is my first confession.” Your priest will be happy to have you back or to hear your first confession. He can guide you through confessing your sins. If you are unsure, uneasy, or ashamed, ask the priest to help. End with “For these and all my sins I am truly sorry.”
The priest will offer spiritual guidance, give you a penance, and invite you to pray an Act of Contrition: .