Confession can feel intimidating—especially if it’s been a while. Maybe a long while. Maybe you’re thinking: “It’s been years. What will the priest say? What if I forget something? What if I cry?” But here’s the truth: Confession is not a test. It’s a sacrament of mercy. It’s a moment of grace where God meets us in our brokenness—not to shame us, but to heal us.
Whether it’s been 3 months or 30 years, you are always welcome. And the best part? You’re not alone. The priest is there to guide you every step of the way.
A Prayer to Begin
Before entering the confessional, take a moment in quiet prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember what needs to be confessed and to give you courage and humility.
Prayer Before Confession
Come Holy Spirit into my soul. Enlighten my mind that I may know the sins I ought to confess and grant me your grace to confess them fully, humbly, and with contrite heart. Help me to firmly resolve not to commit them again. O Blessed Virgin, Mother of my Redeemer… intercede for me, that I may obtain the grace to make a good confession. All you blessed Angels and Saints of God, pray for me, a most miserable sinner, that I may repent from my evil ways and that my heart may henceforth be forever united with yours in eternal love. Amen.
Step-by-Step: How to Confess
You can bring a written list or just speak from the heart. The priest isn’t there to judge you—he’s there to welcome you back.
- Enter the confessional and begin
Make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [say how long] since my last confession.”
It’s okay to say, “It’s been decades,” or “I don’t remember how this works.” The priest understands. - Confess your sins
Be as honest and complete as you can. You can mention both serious (mortal) and less serious (venial) sins.
When you’re done, you can say:
“I am sorry for these sins, and all the sins I cannot now remember.” - Receive guidance and penance
The priest may offer a few words of counsel and will give you a penance—usually a prayer, a small act of service, or something to help bring healing. - Pray the Act of Contrition
You can say it from memory or read it. Here is one version: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. - Receive absolution
The priest will say the prayer of absolution. When he says, “I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” make the Sign of the Cross and respond: Amen. - The conclusion
The priest will say, “Go in peace.”
You respond: “Thanks be to God.”
A Few Final Thoughts
- You don’t need to be perfect to walk into the confessional. You just need to be willing.
- The priest has heard it all before. Nothing you say will shock him—and everything you say will stay private forever.
- It’s not about shame. It’s about reconciliation—with God, with others, and within your own heart.
- You can do this. And you’ll be amazed at the peace you feel afterward.
If it’s been a long time, this is your invitation: Come home. Jesus is waiting with open arms, and so is the Church.
And don’t worry—the priest will help you through it. Just show up. The Holy Spirit will take it from there.
