Confession is the Best-Kept
Secret to Happiness!

Back during those times in my life however, things were not going so great, and I felt desperate enough to actively seek out God in my life. I began to pray more, and as I did my hunger and desire to know Jesus began to grow. I started reading scripture and the lives of the saints and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Now there was not a dramatic "Aha!" moment when I came to realize the gift that had been in front of me all the time. No, it only began to dawn on me when I actually began to make the time to go to confession. I noticed that when I would leave the confessional I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from me - and that is exactly what was happening. When a person experiences the sacrament of Penance, Jesus is present in the person of the priest. You are actually telling your sins to Jesus directly. Okay, I know some of you might be shaking your head and saying, "Duh! Like Jesus doesn't already know your sins??" Yes, He does. But there is something very therapeutic to put them into words and speak them aloud to another person. And not just any person but the one Person Who has paid the price for your sins: Jesus. Confessing one's sins is incredibly humbling. And humility is the most important virtue to be practiced if one truly wants to grow in the spiritual life.

Jesus instituted the sacrament of Penance on Easter Sunday in the Upper Room. Remember what he said to His disciples after His Resurrection? "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them."

Now, in order to make a good confession there are a few requirements. Without these the sacrament is ineffective. First, there must be true repentance on the part of the sinner - you have to be sorry. Now, one can be sorry for the reason that they know what they did would bring punishment (and this is okay) but the more perfect repentance is when one is sorry because they love God and know that sin offends Him. They look at a crucifix and know in their heart that He is there because of their sins. Next, the penitent must confess all his/her sins after a careful examination of conscience. To omit sins because one is embarrassed causes that "confession" to be invalid. It is a sign of pride. And finally, the person is obliged to carry out the penance given by the priest. This is usually a small gesture to make up in some way for the harm caused by the sin(s). "Absolution" or the forgiving of sins can only be given by a validly ordained Catholic priest. There may be instances when a priest will refuse to give absolution (very rare) and that is when they feel that the penitent is not truly sincere in amending his or her life.

The effects of the sacrament of Penance are what is really amazing. If our eyes could see the action of grace and the transformation that happens each and every time a person goes in and comes out of the confessional there would be lines at least a mile long to get in. In making a good and sincere confession that person is now reconciled with God. Totally. It's like the Prodigal Son happening all over the place. If that person had committed grave (mortal) sins they are saved from eternal punishment in hell. Their time in Purgatory will be shortened. They will feel incredible peace and relief. Most importantly they will actually receive strength to continue the battle against their weaknesses. This is the reason why it is SO important to receive the sacrament of Penance regularly - even when you don't have any serious sins to confess. The grace surrounds you like a shield. Trust me on this one. And for those who remain unconvinced, you'll actually look better. No one comes into contact with Jesus without getting a little of that "glow". And people will actually like having you around much more because you will be so much more conscious of charitable versus uncharitable behavior.

So, if you've been away from the confessional for a long time pray about it and give it a try. Consider going to a different church if you are nervous to go to your own priest, although it is a good practice to go regularly to someone who gets to know you well and your struggles and is thus able to counsel you better. Here are the steps to going to confession if you've forgotten:

1. First, examine your conscience . The Ten Commandments are a good place to start. Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you and show you your sins that are hidden from your sight.(There were a few times in my life that I made a list of my sins so I wouldn't forget any!) Pray to Our lady too to intercede on your behalf for this examination and also for the courage to go through with the confession.

2. Make an appointment or show up at the designated time for confession. If it's been years it is more helpful to make an appointment so that you don't keep others waiting so long! Don't be embarrassed about calling for the appointment. A lot of people do this and trust me, no sins you have committed will surprise the priest - he's heard them all.

3. Kneel down or sit if it is face-to-face. Make the sign of the Cross and say, "Bless me, Father. I have sinned. It's been ________ since my last confession.

4. Tell ALL your sins you are aware of. Hint: start with the worse ones first then it'll be downhill from there.

5. Make an "act of contrition" when the priest asks you to. This is a prayer that if you forgot is often printed on the wall of the confessional (put on the light if it's dark). If you don't have time to memorize it you can bring a copy with you into the confessional. At the very least you can simply say "I'm sorry."

6. Listen to your penance and feel the grace pour down on you as the priest prays over you the prayer of Absolution (I'm not kidding - sometimes you can really feel it).

7. Make the sign of the cross and go out and do whatever penance is assigned to you before you forget.

8. And this is not an official step, but Mother Angelica used to say that if it's been awhile since your last confession go out and have yourself a nice ice cream sundae or something to celebrate!

God bless you!

Do you have a story about an experience of confession that you would like to share?

Have a story about a great priest you have confessed to? Words of encouragement for those reluctant to return or go to confession? Any other stories about this great sacrament?

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