Confession Is a Sacrament

The Sacrament of Confession is one of the seven sacraments recognized by the Catholic Church.  Catholics believe that all of the sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ himself.  Confession is the Sacrament through which our sins are forgiven, and our relationship to God and to others is restored and strengthened.  Through the Sacrament, Christ our Lord continues to heal those broken in spirit and restore the Father's love those who are lost.  The priest is the sacramental witness who represents both Christ and His people.  The priest is viewed not as a judge, but as a physician and guide.

How Often Should You Go to Confession?

While Catholics are only required to go to Confession when they are aware that they have committed a mortal sin, the Church urges the faithful to take advantage of the sacrament often.  A good rule of thumb is to go once per month.  (The Church strongly recommends that, in preparation for fulfilling our Easter Duty to receive Communion, we go to Confession even if we are aware of venial sin only.)

The Church especially urges the faithful to receive the Sacrament of Confession frequently during Lent, to help them in their spiritual preparation for Easter.

What Is Required?

Three things are required of a penitent in order to receive the sacrament worthily:

1. He must be contrite —or, in other words, sorry for his sins.
2. He must confess those sins fully, in kind and in number.
3. He must be willing to do penance and make amends for his sins.