Videos
Fr. Michael Nixon continues discussing why going to Confession is helpful.
Fr. Michael Nixon
In Fr. Nixon's first video on Confession, he explains where the authority of the sacrament originated. Jesus has the power to forgive sins and He passes this ability on to His priests. In this video he examines some particulars of the sacrament.
A priest may never break the seal of Confession. He is forbidden to discuss any particulars of what he has been told by the penitent. He assures us that priests do not remember the sins they have been told. After hearing many Confessions, a priest will not be scandalized by our sins.
In Confession we name what we have done. Declaring it out loud is in an important step in the healing process. The wound has been opened and can now be cured.
Key Takeaways
- Your sins are not that interesting.
- The priest rejoices with those who are coming to the sacrament.
- We are good at deceiving ourselves, that's why it's important to confess our sins.
- When we claim our sins, God can bring His grace, His mercy and His healing to our soul.
- When we hide our sins they fester.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you ever been healed of a sin you were afraid to confess and felt the relief afterwards?
- Did you realize how serious the seal of Confession is for a priest?
- Are there things in your life you blame others for, but you know they are a result of your own failings?
Other Resources
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Testimonies
Confession Changed Me
Confession changed the life of several people who were away from the Sacrament for many years.
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.
Videos
Why Confess Your Sins to a Priest (Part 2) | Made for Glory
Fr. Michael Nixon continues discussing why going to Confession is helpful.
In Fr. Nixon's first video on Confession, he explains where the authority of the sacrament originated. Jesus has the power to forgive sins and He passes this ability on to His priests. In this video he examines some particulars of the sacrament.
A priest may never break the seal of Confession. He is forbidden to discuss any particulars of what he has been told by the penitent. He assures us that priests do not remember the sins they have been told. After hearing many Confessions, a priest will not be scandalized by our sins.
In Confession we name what we have done. Declaring it out loud is in an important step in the healing process. The wound has been opened and can now be cured.
Key Takeaways
- Your sins are not that interesting.
- The priest rejoices with those who are coming to the sacrament.
- We are good at deceiving ourselves, that's why it's important to confess our sins.
- When we claim our sins, God can bring His grace, His mercy and His healing to our soul.
- When we hide our sins they fester.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you ever been healed of a sin you were afraid to confess and felt the relief afterwards?
- Did you realize how serious the seal of Confession is for a priest?
- Are there things in your life you blame others for, but you know they are a result of your own failings?
Videos
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.
Examinations
Bulldog Catholic examination of Conscience
Complete Examination of Conscience to help prepare you to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
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
Church Documents
Catechism Of The Catholic Church
Excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church on Confession: paragraphs 1420-1498