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Time for a Confession

Writer's picture: Fr. Casey DugasFr. Casey Dugas



As Catholics, one of the most powerful and yet at the same time most nerve-racking things we can do is go to confession. I myself remember how intimidating it was as a young child to go into the dark box. My home parish had the old-style confessionals. Very small, very darkly lit, think of the stereotypical ones seen in films. I, however, was greeted by a very kind priest who walked me through my first confession very gently. I know, however, there are some who have had traumatic experiences in the confessional where the priest was not kind, not gentle, but instead rude, rough, annoyed, or angry. Firstly, I want to say the sacrament of confession is meant to be one of love, of encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. It is not a place of judgment or condemnation, but a place of healing and liberation. As an adult, I too have had rough confessors. I pray I have never been one to the people of God. I was instructed by a wise older priest, "Be a lion in the pulpit, but a lamb in the confessional." I try to live that everytime I enter the confessional.


Secondly, I want to offer some options for those who are struggling with going to confession.


I. Call the office and make an appointment with Father. Face to face is a valid option and the setting of an office space may be more relaxing than the confessional. In this setting and those like it time is not an issue and the confession can be more conversational. Also never be afraid to ask a



in public for a quick confession. 9 times out of 10 the priest will make time and find an appropriate space to do such.


II. Don't be afraid to tell Father that you are nervous and have trouble making a good confession. Most of the time the priest will be more than happy to guide you through the process. One caveat here, depending on the timing in relation to Mass, the priest may ask you to make the confession after Mass. This is not a reflection on you but the nature of hearing confessions before Mass. We priests desire to give our full time and attention to a penitent (the one making confession).


III. For those who struggle remembering what sins to confess, don't be afraid to make a list to bring in with you. There is no shame in doing what is necessary to make a good solid confession. Speaking of doing what is necessary for those who say I dont know what to confess making a good examination of conscience is essential to making a good confession. Take some time to reflect on how you have failed to live out the Christian life. This can be a acheived by revieiwng a examen(A list of sins typical organized around the Ten Commandments) There are many different ones directed even towards particualr states of life. A quick google search will find what you are looking for.


IV. Pray before going to or while waiting for confession. Prayer is oxygen for the soul and is how we bare our soul before God. Doing so helps us to unite ourselves ever more closely to our Lord in the sacraments, especially confession.


V. Know truly that by the sacrament of confession, your sins are truly forgiven. The priest, after the words of absolution, offers these beautiful words of love from our Lord: "The Lord has freed you from your sins, go in peace and sin no more."


My hope is that these words will make it easier for those who find it challenging to go to confession to feel more comfortable approaching this truly wonderful sacrament.


With the Peace of Christ

From Father's Desk



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