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Why do we need to confess our sins?

Confession and spiritual direction is an important part of Christian discipleship. Sometimes we can feel that the jounrney is getting tough, usually because we have become bogged down with sins. And so there are times when we need to get rid of some of the useless excess baggage that we all collect and that is holding us back, from our journey in life.

When we confess our sins to a priest, we are not giving him a source for gossip. Neither are we just telling it to him alone. The priest represents the whole church, and when we confess to him, we are also confessing to the whole church of God.

Surely only God can forgive sins; why do I need to tell them to a priest?

It is true that all forgiveness comes from God alone, which is mediated to us through the cross of Christ. However, sometimes we can be rather lazy in our self examination. By making a list of sins and then by going and confessing them to a priest, we a forced to confront ourselves and to see how far short we have fallen from God's ideals. This can sometimes be a painful and even embarrassing process, as we feel bad; but that is not a bad thing, since many healing processes can often be painful. We all know that by identifying the problem, you are half way to its solution.

Will the priest judge me?

The priest is not there to judge you, but to help you. He is addressed as 'Father' and like any good parent, he should help and direct you to the best way for you to improve your life. He is not there to plan your life for you, nor can he force you to do things. He will guide you and pray for you.

What happens after I have confessed?

The priest may give you advice, if you have asked for it. Sometimes he might ask if there is anything else you want to talk about. Remember, everything that is said by you and the priest is utterly confidential. After that, the priest will say a prayer and then will absolve you (ask God's forgiveness). He will also probably give you a penance. 

Will the penance be difficult to do? Will it involve money?

Penances usually consist of being asked to say a special psalm, or a prayer,or even an hymn, which might help you with your spiritual life. They should never be impossible to perform and neither should they be financial.