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.
Commandments
Everyday Prayers
Doctrine
Liturgical Seasons
Mary
Prayer
Sacraments
Scripture
Social Justice
The Mass
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.
The Formula of Absolution
The formula of absolution expresses the essential elements of the Sacrament: The Father of Mercies is the source of all forgiveness. He effects the reconciliation for sinners through the death of his Son Jesus and the gift of his Spirit, through the prayer and ministry of the Church. "God, the Father of Mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
The Priest gives a penance after confession
that we may make atonement to God for our sins. This penance has, by Christ's merits applied through the Sacrament, special value for the payment of the debt of temporal punishment due to sin. This can reduce our time in Purgatory. The penance can be to recite some prayers or do some good work.
Jesus often forgave sins
Jesus Christ forgave sins many times during his life time. Our Lord said to the paralytic, "'Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven you.' Then, some of the scribes who were present said within themselves, 'This man blasphemes,' Jesus was aware of what they were thinking and said, 'Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is less trouble to say, "'Your sins are forgiven you,'or to say, 'Stand up and walk?' 'To help you realize that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins' - then he said to the paralyzed man - 'Stand up, roll up your mat and go home ( Mt.9:2-7)'"