Going to confession isn't that hard

We see that the queue for the Holy Communion is very long during the mass while its barely a line of penitents going to confession. Why is it so? Some would say, I'd rather go straight to God? Why confess and ask forgiveness through a man? For some, they may say, I have no sin. Why should I confess? Well, hopefully they are truthful to themselves. But, there are people, in all humility and simplicity would say they don't know what to say to the priest inside the confessional box. That's pretty cool, so, here's a quick and easy guide for confession:

1.Faith in God

First thing, one must believe in God. If, you don't have, then it's time to ask God for it. Unlucky you, if you don't. Faith is the lifeblood of all faithful Catholics, especially for those people who are living a holy and happy life and have ultimately made it to sainthood. One must desire to seek, know and love God above all. How to do that? Simple, at your fingertips, use the internet or by on foot, go to the church near you. There are a lot of Catholic websites where you can read on. But, most of all is to pray and establish a personal relationship with God.

2.Deep examination of conscience

Recall your sins. In silence, ask yourself calmly what internal and external actions that you deliberately committed against God and your neighbor. It may be mortal or venial sins depending on the nature of the matter, circumstances and your consent. One can use the 10 Commandments as a guide for examination. In fact, some priest use it in giving guided confession for those who have not gone for years. As such, the priest asks and the penitent answers. Other than God's commandments, there are also sins against virtues and teachings of the Catholic Church. After a thorough examination, one must manifest contrition, resolution to make amends and go to the priest for confession.

3.Act of Confession

Go to the church near you or any parish that you know that hears confession in a certain time. Now, here's the step inside the confessional box:

a. Tell the priest that you are going for confession. Then, make the sign of the Cross. A priest will say something, then, you can start with “Bless me Father for I have sinned. My last confession was (______). I accuse myself for (mention here your sins contritely)”. For example, “ I accuse myself for my lack of love of God for having a disordered desire for material things... etc. Then, to end it, you may also ask forgiveness for your past sins against a particular virtue or any past sins forgotten but has not confessed.

b. The priest will then give an opportune advice, here he may open a conversation with you, which you can make clarifications and ask for enlightenment on issues you want. The priest will then give the penance and absolution for the sins confessed. After that, you may recite fervently the penance given to you inside the chapel.

c. Then, smile. God has forgiven you and start life anew. Invite friends to go to confession too. If they don't know how, teach them.

It is very much encourage to conscientiously do the examination of conscience daily. Preparation for confession must be concrete, complete, concise and contrite. One may go at least once a year as the minimum requirement of the Church. But, there is no limit, one can go as often as necessary. Confession, more than anything else, is but cleansing and purification of one's soul and reliving life anew towards the fullness of life in God.

If ever you fall, my son, go quickly to Confession and seek spiritual guidance. Show your wound so that it gets properly healed and all possibility of infection is removed, even if doing this hurts you as much as having an operation. (St. Escriva, The Forge, 192)