Making a Good Confession

We should...

1) ...examine our consciences regularly and thoroughly;

2) ...wait our turn in line patiently;

3) ...come at the time confessions are scheduled, not a few minutes before they are to end;

4) ...speak distinctly but never loudly so that we might be overheard;

5) ...state our sins clearly and briefly without rambling;

6) ...confess all mortal sins in number and kind;

7) ...listen carefully to the advice the priest gives;

8) ...confess our own sins and not someone else's;

9) ...carefully listen to and remember the penance and be sure to understand it;

10) ...use a regular formula for confession so that it is familiar and comfortable;

11) ...never be afraid to say something "embarrassing"... just say it;

12) ...never worry that the priest thinks we are jerks.... he is usually impressed by our courage;

13) ...never fear that the priest will not keep our confession secret... he is bound by the Seal;

14) ...never confess "tendencies" or "struggles"... just sins;

15) ...never leave the confessional before the priest has finished giving absolution;

16) ...memorize an Act of Contrition;

17) ...answer the priest's questions briefly if he asks for a clarification;

18) ...ask questions if we can't understand what he means when he tells us something;

19) ...keep in mind that sometimes priests can have bad days just like we do;

20) ...remember that priests must go to confession too, so he knows what we are going through.