11 Things That Happen When You Commit To Going To Confession Regularly

Fr Mark-Mary walks you through the Ten Commandments in a way which enables you to go deeper into your examination before going to Confession. The questions he asks are helpful to anyone who desires to more thoroughly prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

This is a beautiful story of Dr. Bergsma's conversion to the Catholic Church. Dr. Bergsma relates how he had a desire to go to Confession one day and pulled into the local Catholic Church. Not unusual for those who are Catholic, but for Dr Bergsma, who was a Protestant minister at the time, it was definitely out of the ordinary.

Fr. Mike Schmitz always presents an uplifting, approachable explanation about particulars of the Faith. In this video he gives great advice to those who, for one reason or other, have not gone to Confession for a while.

How do you remember the sins you've committed ten years ago? By using an examination of conscience, you can see where you have failed to love God. Where and how did you say "no" to Him over the course of the time you've been away?

Sin breaks our relationship with God. Confession is the opportunity to restore that bond. Just as you would say you're sorry to someone you've injured, telling God you are sorry for offending Him repairs the damage you have incurred.

Key Takeaways

• The Holy Spirit convicts us of what we have done wrong if we give Him the time and space to listen to His voice.
• A good Examination of Conscience is a necessary tool to determine how we have missed the mark of loving God as we should.
• If you unintentionally forget to mention a mortal sin in Confession, that sin is forgiven, but you should mention it the next time you go to Confession.
• Confession is always about restoring our relationship with God. We should try to remove every impediment which stands in the way of loving Him.
• Fr. Schmitz has co-authored a book "Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation"

Questions for Reflection

1. Is there something that is keeping you from Confession?
2. Are you willing to prepare yourself properly to receive the sacrament ?
3. Does examining your conscience seem overwhelming, scary, intimidating, or painful?

Joseph Pronechen collects stories about several people who returned to the Sacrament of Reconciliation after being away for many years. Beautiful testimonies! There is so much joy in their return to God.

Jesus gave His disciples the power to forgive sins when He breathed His Spirit on them after the Resurrection. Through apostolic succession, each priest has the same power entrusted to him. This gift was given to the Church so that the forgiveness of Christ can go out to the whole world.

Through this power and authority of Jesus, we are absolved of our sins. Reconciliation between us and God and the community is obtained.

Key Takeaways

• Christ established the Sacrament of Reconciliation to bring forgiveness to the world.
• Priests represent Christ.
• Authority to forgive sins is lived in and through the priest.
• One person's sins affect the whole body of Christ.

Questions for Reflection

1. Do you believe in the authority of priests to forgive your sins?
2. Why is going to a priest to confess your sins different than just saying them to yourself?
3. What do you think of the reality that our sins harm the Body of Christ?

This Examination of Conscience is very thorough covering:

Making an Examination of Conscience

The difference between mortal and venial sin

The Ten Commandments

The precepts of the Church

How to go to Confession

Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding Confession

Quotes from Saints on Confession

Pope Francis on Confession