Going to Confession is a key part of living the Catholic life. Taking a cue from the beautiful saying for a priest, “Say this Mass as if it were your first Mass, last Mass, and only Mass,” Fr. Ed Broom suggests adopting the principle “Confess as if it were your first, last, and only time.” We should avail ourselves of this sacrament frequently and be grateful to God for this awesome gift.
Our Lord told St. Faustina: “Daughter, when you go to confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your soul and ennobles it. Every time you go to confession, immerse yourself in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity” (Divine Mercy in My Soul, #1602).
Check out these prayers for you to pray before and after confession!
Why Trust Matters in Confession
Confession asks us to be honest about sin without losing sight of God’s mercy. A careful examination of conscience is important, but the sacrament is not a test in which every detail must be remembered perfectly. We bring what we know, answer the priest simply, and receive absolution with gratitude.
Trust also helps us resist two opposite temptations: excusing sin as unimportant and believing that our sins are beyond forgiveness. A sincere confession acknowledges the truth, accepts responsibility, and places hope in the grace Christ gives through the sacrament.
A Simple Way to Approach the Confessional
Before entering, take a quiet moment to ask for honesty, contrition, and confidence. Confess your sins plainly, listen to the priest’s counsel, accept the penance, and make a sincere act of contrition. If you forget the customary words or are returning after many years, tell the priest; he will help you.
For more practical guidance, read how to prepare for confession and use our examination of conscience.