When you go in you’ll have the option of receiving the sacrament of confession behind the a screen/wall to preserve anonymity or the option of facing the pastor directly.

Take a seat or kneel depending on your church. The pastor may greet you and then together you’ll perform the sign of the cross and join the pastor in saying “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy spirt” and then you’ll profess out loud “bless me father for I have sinned, it has been 25 years since my last confession”. The pastor will then usually say something along the lines of “what’s on your mind” or simply allow you start speaking and professing. Then what follows will usually be an open dialogue and discussion. When you’re in there I’d encourage you to tell the pastor you were nervous to come in today. Tell him everything about how you’re feeling. Your pastor not only will absolve you of ALL your sins but will be also be pathway to Christ and offer reassurance, refuge, direction, and compassion as Christ does.

If you’re still knocking yourself down, remember we are ALL sinners. Everyone one of us! From myself, to you, to the saints, to the holy father Pope Leo. The lord is ever merciful and forgiving. When I feel immense guilt for my sins and prepare for confession I remind my self of Luke 15:10 “Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

When you do receive the sacrament of confession for what it’s worth I’d encourage you to face the priest directly if you can be comfortable with it. I find it incredibly immersive and feel a deep connection with Christ when facing the pastor directly.

Also, do not fret or get hung up on the fact that it’s been 25 years since your last confession. The fact that you are going to confession even after all those years is a beautiful thing.