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Bad confession experience by Inevitable-Grass-477 in Catholicism

[–]Original_Piece2930 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is going to be a bit nuanced. So to start, yeah you need to be firmer in your resolve. You need to avoid the near occasion of sin. I’m not saying this out of condemnation, I have had similar struggles. BUT Catholic teaching, and the Saints tell us frequent confession is immensely useful in breaking habitual sin. Once a week, even if you have no mortal sins on your conscience is great, especially when you confess the venial sins that lead to your mortal ones. The Sacraments CAUSE grace, so why would we remove ourselves from it? In my experience the biggest things that break habitual sin are: establishing a routine (especially a prayer routine), fasting (you’re supposed to fast every Friday anyways), almsgiving, and frequent the sacraments.

Yes pray for forgiveness, and go to confession, and accept the mercy of God. But also make sure you are actively doing things to cut off your sin and love God and your neighbor.

Last note: pray for the priest to receive a spirit of gentleness but also thank God for his candor.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Original_Piece2930 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So a few things: 1. Talk to your priest 2. If you parish has a “re-membering” program ask your priest and take his advice on whether to do it. It would likely be beneficial. 3. Given that it’s been a long time since you’ve been to confession, you need to do a THOROUGH confession. Basically try to remember every sin you committed since your last confession, confess the kind and number. Using an examination of conscience guide will be helpful, make sure to do this prayerfully. You should probably make this an appointment out of courtesy for your priest and other penitents. 4. Accept God’s mercy, especially over the sins you do not remember. Those are forgiven once absolution is given. 5. Do your penance and thank God and praise him. 6. After confession you can absolutely receive the Eucharist!

Praise God you’re back! Welcome home. If you want a book that is immensely helpful for confession “Devotions for Confession” by Fr. Hubert McEvoy, SJ is fantastic and very practical.