Here are 20 tips for a good Confession:
1) Examine our consciences regularly and thoroughly;
2) Wait our turn in line patiently;
3) Come at the time confessions are scheduled, not a few minutes before they are to end;
4) Speak distinctly but never so loudly that we might be overheard;
5) State our sins clearly and briefly without rambling;
6) Confess all mortal sins in number and kind;
7) Listen carefully to the advice the priest gives;
8) Confess our own sins and not someone else’s;
9) Carefully listen to and remember the penance and be sure to understand it;
10) Use a regular formula for confession so that it is familiar and comfortable;
11) Never be afraid to say something “embarrassingâ€â€¦ just say it;
12) Never worry that the priest thinks we are jerks…. he is usually impressed by our courage;
13) Never fear that the priest will not keep our confession secret… he is bound by the Seal;
14) Never confess “tendencies†or “strugglesâ€â€¦ just sins;
15) Never leave the confessional before the priest has finished giving absolution;
16) Memorize an Act of Contrition;
17) Answer the priest’s questions briefly if he asks for a clarification;
18) Ask questions if we can’t understand what he means when he tells us something;
19) Keep in mind that sometimes priests can have bad days just like we do;
20) Remember that priests must go to confession too … they know what we are going through.
Read more about confession.
