How to Go to Catholic Confession

A step-by-step guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation — commonly known as confession — is one of the most powerful and healing sacraments in the Catholic Church. Whether you're preparing for your first confession, returning after a long time away, or simply looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Is Catholic Confession?

Confession (also called the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance) is the sacrament through which Catholics receive God's forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism. Jesus gave the apostles the power to forgive sins when he said, "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them" (John 20:23). Through the priest, acting in the person of Christ, Catholics confess their sins and receive absolution — the complete forgiveness of those sins.

Confession is not about judgment or shame. It is an encounter with God's mercy and love. As Pope Francis has said, "The confessional is not a torture chamber but a place of mercy."

Step 1: Examine Your Conscience

Before going to confession, spend time in prayer examining your conscience — honestly reviewing your actions, words, and thoughts since your last confession. The Ten Commandments provide a helpful framework:

Step 2: Go to the Confessional

Most parishes offer scheduled confession times — usually on Saturdays before the vigil Mass, though many also offer weekday times. Some parishes have a traditional confessional booth (with a screen for anonymity), while others use a reconciliation room where you can speak face-to-face with the priest. You can choose either option.

When it's your turn, enter the confessional and begin with the Sign of the Cross.

Step 3: What to Say in Confession

Here is the basic format:

Step 4: Listen to the Priest

The priest may ask clarifying questions or offer spiritual counsel. He will then assign a penance — usually a prayer or charitable act — as a way of making reparation for your sins. Penances are typically simple, like saying three Hail Marys or spending ten minutes in prayer.

Step 5: Pray the Act of Contrition

The priest will ask you to pray an Act of Contrition — a prayer expressing your sorrow for sin and your intention to avoid sin in the future. Here is the most common version:

Don't worry about having it memorized perfectly. Many confessionals have the prayer printed on a card, and the priest won't mind if you read it.

Step 6: Receive Absolution

The priest will then pray the prayer of absolution, extending God's forgiveness to you. When he says the words of absolution, make the Sign of the Cross. Your sins are now forgiven — completely and totally. You leave the confessional in a state of grace.

Step 7: Complete Your Penance

After leaving the confessional, take a few minutes to complete the penance the priest assigned. Many people do this immediately by kneeling in a pew and praying. This act of reparation completes the sacrament.

Tips for Going to Confession

• Don't be nervous. Priests hear confessions every day. Nothing you say will shock them. They are bound by the seal of confession and can never reveal what you confess.
• Be honest. The grace of the sacrament depends on a sincere confession. Don't hold back out of embarrassment — the priest is there to help, not to judge.
• Go regularly. While the Church requires confession at least once a year, monthly confession is a powerful spiritual practice that many saints recommended.
• It's okay to be rusty. If you've been away for years, simply tell the priest. He will gently guide you through the process.
• Bring a list. It's perfectly fine to write down your sins beforehand and read from the list during confession. This helps you not forget anything.

How Often Should You Go to Confession?

The Church requires that Catholics confess serious (mortal) sins at least once a year. However, frequent confession — monthly or even every two weeks — is strongly encouraged. Regular confession keeps your spiritual life healthy, strengthens your resolve against temptation, and deepens your relationship with God. Even if you only have venial (minor) sins to confess, the sacrament provides grace to grow in holiness.

Frequently Asked Questions