Jesus Has Been Waiting for You
“There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” — Luke 15:7
Quiet Reflection & Prayer
Take a deep breath. Recognize that the longing in your soul is God calling you back. You don't need to have all your answers figured out right now.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Make a good Confession. It wipes away every past sin, resets your relationship with Christ, and restores you to full communion in a state of grace.
Receive the Holy Eucharist
Step back into Holy Mass on Sunday with a pure heart and receive Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament—the spiritual medicine for your soul.
Reconciliation & Examination of Conscience
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” — Isaiah 1:18
Enter the confessional or reconciliation room. You can choose to kneel behind the privacy screen or sit face-to-face. Make the Sign of the Cross:
State your sins simply, honestly, and without holding anything back in fear. You don't need lengthy explanations; just state the kind of sin and approximate frequency (e.g., “I missed Sunday Mass several times”, “I struggled with anger and unchaste thoughts”).
End with: “For these and all the sins of my past life that I cannot remember, I am truly sorry.”
The priest may give words of encouragement and will give you a penance (often a few prayers like an Our Father or Hail Mary, or an act of charity).
The priest will ask you to recite an Act of Contrition (see Tab 3). He will then extend his hand and speak the words of Absolution:
You respond: “Amen!” You walk out completely washed clean, forgiven, and restored in God's grace.
Common Questions When Returning Home
Can God really forgive the things I've done?
Yes, absolutely! God's Divine Mercy is infinite and vastly greater than any sin. St. Faustina wrote that even if a soul's sins were as dark as night, when it approaches God's mercy, it receives unfathomable grace.
What if I don't remember how to confess?
That is completely okay! Just tell the priest: “Father, I haven't been in a long time and I need your help.” He will ask gentle questions and walk you through every step.
Can I attend Mass before going to Confession?
Yes! You are always warmly welcome to attend Holy Mass, pray, listen to the Word of God, and join in worship. Simply remain seated in your pew or cross your arms over your chest for a blessing during Communion until you have made your Confession.
Ready to Visit a Catholic Parish?
Find Catholic parishes, confession times, and Eucharistic adoration chapels in your city or anywhere worldwide.