We should. . .
- …examine our consciences regularly and thoroughly;
- …wait our turn in line patiently;
- ..come at the time confessions are scheduled, not a few minutes before they are to end;
- ..speak distinctly but never so loudly that we might be overheard;
- …state our sins clearly and briefly without rambling;
- …confess all mortal sins in number and kind;
- …listen carefully to the advice the priest gives;
- …confess our own sins and not someone else’s;
- …carefully listen to and remember the penance and be sure to understand it;
- …use a regular formula for confession so that it is familiar and comfortable;
- …never be afraid to say something “embarrassing”… just say it;
- …never worry that the priest thinks we are jerks…. he is usually impressed by our courage;
- …never fear that the priest will not keep our confession secret… he is bound by the Seal;
- …never confess “tendencies” or “struggles”… just sins;
- …never leave the confessional before the priest has finished giving absolution;
- …memorize an Act of Contrition;
- …answer the priest’s questions briefly if he asks for a clarification;
- …ask questions if we can’t understand what he means when he tells us something;
- …keep in mind that sometimes priests can have bad days just like we do;
- …remember that priests must go to confession too … they know what we are going through.
