Are you falling into any of these mistakes?
Father Matias Jurado, a priest of San Bernardo Abad parish in Buenos Aires, Argentina, highlighted five common mistakes Catholics can make in confession.
Father Juardo published this guide on social media to help you make a better confession.
1. Being lazy or superficial.
Confessing in a general way without going into details or minimizing sins. For example, saying "I've been bad" without being specific.
2. Justifying sins.
Making excuses instead of taking full responsibility, or explaining why the mistake was made instead of sincerely repenting.
3. Forgetting the intention of the sacrament.
Considering confession a routine or formality, rather than a personal encounter with God's mercy.
4. Omitting serious sins out of shame.
Not confessing major sins for fear of being judged, which prevents complete reconciliation.
5. Not resolving to make a firm purpose of amendment.
Confessing without a true desire to change or avoid falling into the same faults again.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of the effects of the sacrament of confession:
'"The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship.' Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of this sacrament. For those who receive the sacrament of Penance with contrite heart and religious disposition, reconciliation 'is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation.' (Council of Trent: DS 1674) Indeed the sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true “spiritual resurrection,” restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God." (CCC 1468)
Prayer Before Confession
Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind that I may clearly see all my sins. Let me not be deceived by self-love, but show me the true state of my conscience. Move my will to sincere sorrow; help me to make a good confession. Holy Mother of God, intercede for me that I may obtain the pardon of my sins. Amen.
Prayer Source: Diocese of Baker