How to Go for Confession | A Step-by-Step Catholic Guide

"How to Go for Confession | A Step-by-Step Catholic Guide"**

**Purpose:** Offer a practical, clear and approachable guide to the sacrament.

### Step 1: **Examine Your Conscience**
- Reflect on sins using Ten Commandments or Beatitudes
- Ask the Holy Spirit for light

### Step 2: **Be Truly Sorry (Contrition)**
- Perfect vs Imperfect Contrition
- Desire not to sin again

### Step 3: **Go to the Priest**
- Say: *"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned..."*
- State how long since last confession
- Confess mortal sins in kind and number; venial sins also recommended

### Step 4: **Receive a Penance**
- Priest may assign prayers or actions to express sorrow and help healing

### Step 5: **Make an Act of Contrition**
- Sincerely pray your sorrow for sin and desire to change

### Step 6: **Receive Absolution**
- Priest absolves you *"In the name of the Father, and of the Son..."*
- You are forgiven and restored

### Step 7: **Complete Your Penance**
- Do it as soon as possible; part of healing

**Bonus Tips:**
- Go monthly if possible
- Keep a prayer journal
- Celebrate afterwards—your soul is new!

**Closing Reflection:** The Father waits for you like in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). Come home!

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