A quick guide to confession
When you make your confession
To confess well, five things are needed.
Remember them before you go in.
Examination of conscience
To recall the sins committed since your last good confession.
Sorrow for sins
Repentance, or the grief of having offended God, who is your Father.
Purpose of amendment
To resolve not to commit them again, to strive to be better (even if out of weakness one falls again).
Telling your sins to the confessor
With trust and sincerity, without holding back any mortal sin out of fear or shame. It is good to confess venial sins too.
Carrying out the penance
The one the priest has given you. Carry it out as soon as you can.
A good confession has 4 C's
Clear
State what the particular fault was, without adding excuses.
Concrete
Name the precise act or thought; do not use vague phrases.
Concise
Avoid unnecessary explanations or descriptions.
Complete
Without holding back any grave sin, overcoming shame.
Examination for young people
Questions that help you make an examination of conscience before confession.
Examination for adults
Questions that help you make an examination of conscience before confession.
An interactive examination of conscience to prepare calmly, at your own pace and in private.
