
Fr. Mike Schmitz gives encouraging advice to those who have been away from the Sacrament of Confession.
Fr. Mike Schmitz
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
- Is there something that is keeping you from Confession?
- Are you willing to prepare yourself properly to receive the sacrament ?
- Does examining your conscience seem overwhelming, scary, intimidating, or painful?
Other Resources

Examination of Conscience Using the Beatitudes
Looking for a different way to examine your conscience? Using the Beatitudes is a wonderful tool to see how we are not living up to the Lord's standards. "Am I gentle with others or am I harsh?" "Do I truly yearn for God's Will to be done, in my life and in all things?" " Do I love purity and honesty?" These probing questions and more are in this beautiful examination.
Confession Changed Me
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.

The Top 3 Reasons That I Became Catholic.....and Always will Be
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.

Catholicism 101: Confession!
In this short, humorous video created by the Institute for New Media, we are given the boost we may need getting to Confession. It covers many of the fears we may face returning to the Sacrament if we've committed a sin we are especially embarrassed about.
Key Takeaways
- The video is short and to the point
- Clever images and vocalizations used to ease anxiety about Confession
- Highlights God's Mercy
- Emphasizes Confession is not about judgement
Questions for Reflection
- Did this video put your mind at ease regarding Confession?
- Is it easier for you to believe that Confession is not something you should fear after watching this video?
- Can you identify what's keeping you from returning to Confession?

Going to Confession for the First Time in a Long Time
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
- Is there something that is keeping you from Confession?
- Are you willing to prepare yourself properly to receive the sacrament ?
- Does examining your conscience seem overwhelming, scary, intimidating, or painful?
Bulldog Catholic examination of Conscience
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