I Confess

Before I can be confirmed Catholic, I have to go to confession. I am a little nervous. I have made confessions before - to God in private but not to a priest! These days they are a little more laid back about it than what we have seen in the films. You can still use the old style, box/cubicle thing with a divider or you can just sit in a comfy chair face to face in a small room with the priest. I am not sure I want to be face to face but on the other hand...I am sure my priest will know me on the other side of the divider because it is a small church and he will recognize me immmediately! Apparently I can make my first confession at another church, that part really doesn't matter as long as I do it. Many parishoners do go outside of their church to confess to other priests they don't have to see every Sunday. There is a confession prayer that is to be recited first and then you spill the beans. I know that I need to be succint because my priest is Indian and he really is busy so I am trying to prepare a speech of sorts in my mind so far I have only gotten so far as...."Father forgive me for I have sinned, blank nothing...." I hope it won't always be this awkward.

I wondered if I should confess all my sins since this is my first time but, thankfully, no I don't have to go that far. Just whatever is between me and God right now. Much prayerful preparation for confession is involved in asking the Holy Spirit to point out sins we may not even be aware of. As a guideline I downloaded an app to help me (yay technology) with this and it breaks down the 10 commandments to help see if you've crossed a line anywhere. God's name in vain is one commandement that is constantly being broken by society. I happily quit that a few months ago.

I know that a priest will not only give you penance of prayer but also counsel in some cases, i.e., if you are having trouble with forgiveness, then the priest may give you something to do regarding apologising to someone for your involvement. If that doesn't work, on your next confession, he may give you other possible solutions to your problems. I think that priests have to learn about counselling to some degree. Never really thought of it before now but I suppose they are kind of like free psychologists. Slightly scarier psychologists perhaps.

Catholics believe that we should confess our sins regularly, they require it at least once a year. They recommend it at least once a week, prior to communion. It makes sense to not have anything weighing on your heart before receiving communion. Your sins are forgiven by God through the priest - I used to think the priest was the forgiver but not so.

My hubby thinks Father Ignatius must be looking at everyone at the parish picnic or breakfast and in his mind thinking .... "you cheated on him ....and you stole from her....and you really fancy his wife..."etc. lol, I hope not, but it got me thinking, how depressing listening to everyone's sins, it must be really difficult for the priests. I love our priest, he is different, being from India, but he is filled with the love of God and I guess that is how he copes. (there are lots of bad priests in the media now i know but not all of them are like that). I am just glad my "first confession" in the catholic church is with Fr Ingatious. He is a very kind and humble person but you never quite know if he likes you or not.