Topic:  What is confession like and how often should I go?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: November 3, 2003

Moderator who originally posted this source: Fr. Bill Long

Question:   I haven't been to confession in years but would like to start going again. Is there anything I need to know before I go? What should I expect when I go? How often should one go to confession, or is it on an as-needed basis? Thanks for your time.Blessings,Caroline

Answer: 

Caroline,
Thanks for your question. Confession is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate God's mercy and transforming grace in our lives. I would just tell the priest that you haven't been to confession in years and you would just like a little help in the ritual. Normally he will just ask you to state what is keeping you from being the christian God is calling you to be and what you need to do to be a better disciple. As far as how often, that depends on you and how your relationship with God is going. I would hope people would at least go during Advent and Lent to prepare for those beautiful liturgical feasts of Christmas and Easter.
Thanks for the question and may God bless you.