Catholic Question

[ians_mommy]

I recently completed RCIA and will be baptized/confirmed this Easter Vigil :
I am supposed to receive my first rite of Reconciliation tomorrow. I missed that class due to childcare issues and just realized I dont know what to do!
Can someone give me a quick breakdown of what to expect?
Also, how do I know which sins to confess? I am 33 years old...there is not enough time in the year to go over everything I have done
HELP! I dont want to be completely unprepared tomorrow.

[Tradd]

Well, as someone who did a "life" confession when I became Orthodox 5+ years ago, I assume it will be very similar. My Orthodox priest took my through the Ten Commandments.

A very helpful piece of advice I was given by someone else: if there is something that weighs on you particularly heavy, confess that first to get it out of the way - and so you don't forget it (I was afraid that would happen!). It if helps you to make some notes, do that! But then tear it up and bury the scraps in the bottom of the trash - so no one else gets at them!

When I prepare for Confession (I go monthly), I use the Beatitudes and the rest of the Sermon on the Mount as a guide. The Ten Commandments are helpful, too. Ask your priest - or check in the literature rack at church. There might be a helpful pamphlet on preparing for Confession.

How often were you told to go, once you're Catholic?

[ians_mommy]

[QUOTE=Tradd;13493855]Well, as someone who did a "life" confession when I became Orthodox 5+ years ago, I assume it will be very similar. My Orthodox priest took my through the Ten Commandments.

A very helpful piece of advice I was given by someone else: if there is something that weighs on you particularly heavy, confess that first to get it out of the way - and so you don't forget it (I was afraid that would happen!). It if helps you to make some notes, do that! But then tear it up and bury the scraps in the bottom of the trash - so no one else gets at them!

When I prepare for Confession (I go monthly), I use the Beatitudes and the rest of the Sermon on the Mount as a guide. The Ten Commandments are helpful, too. Ask your priest - or check in the literature rack at church. There might be a helpful pamphlet on preparing for Confession.

How often were you told to go, once you're Catholic?[/QUOTE]

We were told that ideally we would go before mass each week.
If not that, then we should go whenever there is mortal sin on our soul and/or at least annually.

Thank you for responding and for your suggestions. I am nervous and excited all at the same time...it will feel good to let go of a few "biggies" KWIM?

[AllyRae]

I was baptized at the easter vigil in 1999. For the reconciliation, we had our "cheat sheets" of what to say, and the priest helped us through it. It wasn't bad at all. As to what to confess, you go through the examination of conscious--basically it gives examples of sins for each of the commandments to help "jog" your memory. You should confess the mortal sins. I believe that you get absolved from all your sins at the end, even if you forget to confess a couple venial ones.

[Subliime]

I'm not Catholic anymore, but I was all my life up until a few years ago. The one thing I was always told was to confess the ones that are weighing on your heart, as a pp already mentioned. Also, just in general some things that have been hard for you. For ex, "I've been having a hard time dealing with people lately and have not been the kindest person to be around." That sort of thing.

[Tradd]

Oh, something the Orthodox always teach - there's no need to go into detail on carnal sins, just mention what you did, and move on. No need to give occasion for possible temptation to your confessor!

[ians_mommy]

Well I received reconcilliation this morning and everything went very smoothly.

The priest gave us (RCIA class) a few minutes of instruction before we went in and then offered guidance during. There were also "cheat sheets" available with spaces for us to jot down "notes" (sins).

It was surprisingly emotional for me...I did not realize the burdon I carried until I actually spoke (well whispered) my transgressions to another. I was tearful during my penance, but light in step and full of joy when I left the church.

So looking forward to next weekend.

[AllyRae]

Congratulations and have a blessed holy week. This week will be quite special for you, I'm sure!

[jest]

Congratulations!