Preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Not only does the Sacrament of Reconciliation free us from our sins but it also challenges us to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for those who sin against us. We are liberated to be forgivers. We obtain new insight into the words of the Prayer of St. Francis: “It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.”

Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church. The Sacrament of Penance is God’s gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. In confession we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God. “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

How to Begin

An Examination of Conscience is a helpful and proper way to prepare for confession. Being by reflecting on The Ten Commandments and the sins you have committed before you enter the confessional. Resources for an Examination of Conscience are often available at Penance Services and in the confessional. Want to know more? How to Prepare for Confession. Catholics may go to Confession at any church, regardless of which parish they attend.

Examination of Conscience

Everyone is encouraged to make a thorough examination of conscience before coming to confession. Set some time aside to go through the examination below. Making a list of the areas you need to improve may be helpful to bring along for your individual confession.

How have I failed to worship God in private and communal prayer?

Do I receive the sacraments regularly?
Do I keep Sundays and holy days sacred?
Do I value the sacrament of reconciliation?
Do I sincerely want to be set free from sin, to turn again to God, and to begin a new life in deeper friendship with God?
Have I tried to grow in my faith through prayer and reading God’s word?
Do I pray daily?
Do I trust God’s goodness and providence, even in times of crisis and doubt?

How have I failed to use the gifts of God in daily living?

Do I respect my own body as a gift from God?
Do I control my vices, including abuses of food and drink?
Have I made good use of the gifts God has given me?
Do I work too hard and too long? Do I neglect my family and health?
Have I been lazy and given too much time to leisure or entertainment?

How have I failed in my relationships with others?

In my household, have I contributed to the well-being and happiness of the rest of my family? Am I patient? Am I loving?
Do I treat my parents [children] with respect?
Am I ever angry with those I love?
Have I been faithful in my relationships?
Have I imposed my will on others without respecting their freedom and rights? Am I intolerant of other’s ideas or needs?
Have I perpetuated racism, prejudices and stereotypes?
Do I treat people with disabilities with respect?
Have I indulged in reading, conversation, or entertainments that are contrary to Christian decency and respect for human life?

Have I failed to share God’s love with the world?

Do I share my time and my treasure with others in need?
When I saw someone hungry, did I give them food?
When I saw someone thirsty, did I give them drink?
When I saw someone needing clothing, did I clothe them?
When I saw a stranger, did I welcome them?
When someone was homebound or imprisoned, did I visit them?
When someone was ill, did I care for them?
Do I fail to speak out on behalf of the poor or the oppressed?
Do I use the earth’s resources wisely?

There are various types of examinations of conscience but regardless of which one you use to prepare yourself for the Sacrament it should be rooted in Scripture; particularly, the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes. Below are a few examples of Examinations of Conscience that can help you prepare for the Sacrament.