Recommended links for the Healing of the Body and Soul
"It is not easy for man, wounded by sin, to maintain moral balance. Christ's gift of salvation offers us the grace necessary to persevere in the pursuit of the virtues. Everyone should always ask for this grace of light and strength, frequent the sacraments, cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and follow his calls to love what is good and shun evil."
Understanding the Confession of Sins
Reflections on Learning to live a Virtuous Life from the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Once a practicing Catholic, but not now?
Help for Couples to Heal and Renew their Marriages
Struggling with the pain of pornography and sexual brokenness?
Understanding the relationship between Body and Soul
Fr. Z’s 20 Tips For Making A
Good Confession
We should…
1) ...examine our consciences regularly and thoroughly;
2) ...wait our turn in line patiently;
3) ...come at the time confessions are scheduled, not a few minutes before
they are to end;
4) ...speak distinctly but never so loudly that we might be overheard;
5) ...state our sins clearly and briefly without rambling;
6) ...confess all mortal sins in number and kind;
7) ...listen carefully to the advice the priest gives;
8) ...confess our own sins and not someone else’s;
9) ...carefully listen to and remember the penance and be sure to
understand it;
10) ...use a regular formula for confession so that it is familiar and
comfortable;
11) ...never be afraid to say something "embarrassing"... just say it;
12) ...never worry that the priest thinks we are jerks…. he is usually impressed
by our courage;
13) ...never fear that the priest will not keep our confession secret… he is
bound by the Seal;
14) ...never confess "tendencies" or "struggles"... just sins;
15) ...never leave the confessional before the priest has finished giving
absolution;
16) ...memorize an Act of Contrition;
17) ...answer the priest’s questions briefly if he asks for a
clarification;
18) ...ask questions if we can’t understand what he means when he tells us
something;
19) ...keep in mind that sometimes priests can have bad days just like we do;
20) ...remember that priests must go to confession too … they know what we are
going through.