Confession is not just a removal of sin, it’s an encounter with Christ. For us, it is a bonus that helps us to enter heaven. Committing sin is human nature. So, God has given a solution for us to repent, confess and cleanse ourselves through the Sacrament of Confession. Most of the time we may confuse about what to say in our confessions. Here we have the priests who help us for a better confession.
Here is what they said:
1. Fr. Bryan Brooks, Tulsa
By doing an examination of conscience we are confronted with our sins, but when we go to confession we are confronted with God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness.
2.Fr. Sean Donovan, Pawhuska
After saying about how long it’s been since your last Confession, briefly tell the priest about yourself. (Are you single, dating, remarried, a religious sister?) If we know your situation, it helps us to counsel you.
3. Fr. Gabriel Mosher, Portland
Sins are bad choices, not unpleasant emotions; so, confess your sins, not your emotional states.
4. Fr. Damian Ference, Wickliffe, Ohio
Sins committed are an offense to God, but sins confessed are a Canticle to God. So, when you confess your sins to a priest in the sacrament of reconciliation, know that you are also singing praise to God for his great mercy.
5. Fr. Matthew Gossett, SteubenvilleÂ
Frequent confession is edifying for your priest and good for your soul! Sins, especially deep-seated or habitual sins, require patience and persistence. Never give up, no matter how many times you’ve committed the same sin… confession is a sacrament of healing, and just like physical wounds, spiritual wounds can take some time to fully heal.
6. Father James Martin, New York
Confession is not so much about how bad you are but about how good God is.
7. Fr. Anthony Gerber, Cottleville, Missouri
The priest is like a physician: when you go to the doctor, you tell him what has been hurting you and with more or less detail so that he knows how best to heal you. And remember: he has seen many patients with the same symptoms. Trust him, listen to his counsel, and you’ll get better soon!
8. Fr. Joshua Whitfield, Dallas
God works best with a simple, humble confession of sins. God doesn’t need a novel. He’s read it already. Pride and impenitence sometimes hide beneath our many words. Speaking simply and plainly, naming our sins: it’s like being stripped for the Cross, for the death of our sins and the resurrection of forgiveness.
9. Fr. Jeffrey Mickler, Youngstown
Just go, no matter what. God’s love is stronger than our sins.
10. Fr. Matthew Schneider, Washington DC
For many people, the biggest improvement in confession would be switching from viewing it as an obligatory, abstract listing of sins to the renewal of a relationship with God.