The manner of making a good confession

Question 224

What should we do on entering the confessional?

On entering the confessional we should kneel, make the sign of the Cross, and say to the priest, Bless me, Father; then add, I confess to Almighty God and to you, Father, that I have sinned.

Question 225

Which are the first things we should tell the priest in Confession?

The first things we should tell the priest in Confession are the time of our last Confession, and whether we said the penance and went to Holy Communion.

Question 226

After telling the time of our last Confession and Communion what should we do?

After telling the time of our last Confession and Communion we should confess all the mortal sins we have since committed, and all the venial sins we may wish to mention.

Question 227

What must we do when the confessor asks us questions?

When the confessor asks us questions we must answer them truthfully and clearly.

Question 228

What should we do after telling our sins?

After telling our sins we should listen with attention to the advice which the confessor may think proper to give.

Question 229

How should we end our Confession?

We should end our Confession by saying, I also accuse myself of all the sins of my past life, telling, if we choose, one or several of our past sins.

Question 230

What should we do while the priest is giving us absolution?

While the priest is giving us absolution we should from our heart renew the Act of Contrition.

Beginning the conversation

Questions 224, 225

The source begins with the sign of the Cross and an introduction to the priest, followed by the time since the last confession. These details orient the conversation. If it is a first confession or a return after a long absence, that can be stated directly. The historical mention of kneeling describes its customary setting; the purpose of this study is to understand the sacrament's parts, not prescribe furniture or posture for every person's circumstances.

Speaking and listening

Questions 226, 227, 228

The lesson next asks for a truthful account and clear answers to relevant questions. It then makes room for listening to counsel. This is neither a performance of perfect memory nor a way to explain away every choice. Refer back to Lesson 19's distinction between sincere recollection and concealment. If the meaning of a question or an assigned penance is unclear, asking for an explanation supports understanding rather than undermining it.

Contrition and absolution

Questions 229, 230

The concluding formula in question 229 is historical devotional wording. The essential direction is toward repentance and God's forgiveness. During absolution, attend to the priest's words and renew the intention to turn from sin. Catechism 1448–1449 places the penitent's response alongside God's action through the Church. Afterward, the assigned penance belongs to the continuing response of gratitude and amendment introduced in the preceding lesson.

Luke 15:17–24

The son's honest return and the father's welcome provide a narrative setting for repentance.

17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

2 Corinthians 5:17–21

Paul presents reconciliation as God's work and as an appeal entrusted to ministry.

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.