We need to examine our consciences, and to be truly sorry for our sins. We must must make a sincere decision not to commit any serious sin in the future. This is a decision, our act of the will, not a foresight of the future. We are required to tell the priest all ofour serious sins, and as far as possible, to mention the number of times these sins were committed. One should make an act of perfect contrition as soon as possible. In perfect contrition, the motive is love of God who is all good.
Examination of Conscience
The penitent must recall as carefully as possible the sins committed since his last good confession. We are bound to confess only our mortal sins. We need to tell the number of times we committed the sins, or if we can't remember, give the aproximate number of times.
It is necessary to mention conditions and circumstances that may alter the character of what is being confessed. (e.g. a little money stolen from a poor person is more serious than stealing the same amount from a rich person.) Again, we must includes these circumstances because something very serious like ruining a person's character could appear to be a venial sin when in fact a grave wrong has been done. Penitents needs to know and admit the extent of their sin so they can be truly sorry and understand the magnitude of the injury they caused and receive the healing grace of the sacrament to help them avoid the sin in the future.
A person who forgets to mention a mortal sin receives the sacrament validly and the forgotten sin is still forgiven. If he remembers it later, he needs to mention it in his next confession.
A person who deliberately omits a mortal sin in confession gains nothing. He commits another grave sin and he has to make his confession again, adding to it the fact that he deliberately withheld mortal sin.
Devotional Cofession
There are good reasons to approach the sacrament of Penance to confess our venial sins. It is a great help to our spiritual growth.The grace of the sacrament will help us to overcome sin more quickly. Through frequent confession we become more aware of the many small offenses we commit against God's Commandments. We grow into a greater knowledge of the seriousness of sin and through the grace of the sacrament our inclination to sin is lessened.
Confession should always be humble and devout. If we have difficulty or feel shame it is well to remember that the priest is always there to help us. If it has been a long time since your last confession, mention that to the priest as soon as you enter the confessional and he will put you at ease and help you to make a good confession. We need to tell our sins briefly, clearly and avoid unnecessary embellishment.
Perfect and Imperfect Contrition
Contrition is not a feeling. It is an act of the intellect and will, not the senses. Consequently no one should be disturbed by not being able to feel sorry when going to Confession so long as the proper disposition of the will is present. There are two kinds of contrition, perfect contrition and imperfect contrition. Our contrition is perfect when we are sorry for our sins because they offend God, whom we love above all things for His own sake. He is all good and deserving of all of our love. Our contrition is imperfect when we are sorry for our sins because we fear the loss of heaven or God’s punishment. To receive the Sacrament of Penance worthily, imperfect contrition is sufficient. We should always try to have perfect contrition because perfect contrition is more pleasing to God and with His help we can always have it.
A Firm Purpose of Amendment
We must also have a firm resolve not only to avoid sin but, as far as possible, to avoid what may lead us into sin. This firm resolve to do the right thing does not necessarily exclude the fear that a person may commit this sin in the future; it does mean that, at the time of confession, a person, relying fully on God’s help sincerely intends never to commit this sin again. The person should have the intentsion to stay away from all persons, places, or things that lead one to sin.
How do I go to Confession?
Make the sign of the Cross and say, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned." Mention how long it has been since your last Confession. Then tell your sins to the priest. You may also ask for advice. All mortal sins not previously confessed must be told, even if they are most secret. Sins against the ninth and tenth commandments, sins of desire, can wound the soul greviously and could be more dangerous than those committed openly.
