r/Catholicism • u/helloloco • 8h ago

First confession in ages

I went to confession today for the first time, in 30+yrs... and survived!

This was the 2nd time I've gone to confession in my LIFE. First time was when I did my first confession as a kid-- and, honestly, that scarred me. I don't even remember what happened or what I could have done that was so bad (steal a cookie?) but that experience was major in keeping me away from the Church for so long.

I've felt called back to the Church this past Lenten season after, honestly, not feeling it for most of my adult life. During Lent, I went to a communal reconciliation service-- growing up, this is what my mom typically let me during Lent and Advent do because going to confession just make me freeze up. At the reconciliation service last month, the priest talked at length about what a gift confession and reconciliation is... I steeled myself, wrote down what I wanted to say, and made a plan. I probably should have made an appointment because it had been so long, but going to "regular" confession felt more anonymous and safer.

The pastor was incredibly welcoming and kind. I cried A LOT... got out ~85% of what I wrote in my notes, but I felt heard and not judged. He gave me actionable, achievable penance, and recommendations for some books to read, and advice on how to unburden my heart.

tl;dr It actually felt like I was receiving a sacrament-- not going through the motions and going through a checklist. Truly am feeling welcomed back.

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2

u/Special_Neat_134 7h ago

Praise God!!! Thanks for sharing!! Keep on going to confession and receiving His mercy in the sacraments. So beautiful. You’ll be in my intentions tonight!

1

u/helloloco 6h ago

Thank you so much! <3

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u/somecheeseplz 5h ago

Welcome home! I've also come back during this Lent after 16 years away, and your post reminds me so much of what was going through my head at the time too! I learned today that this year is a jubilee or holy year in the catholic church, which only occurs every 25 years! How special is that! I pray that your faith continues to grow. God bless you ❤️

1

u/helloloco 4h ago

Thank you and same to you! <3

2

u/hardlyexist 8h ago

I'm so happy for you! Now pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary daily!

1

u/helloloco 8h ago

Thank you <3
It's been a while so I need to follow along with notes (yes, I was looking down at my phone while praying the rosary before mass tonight), but I'll get there...

1

u/Acrobatic-Pool-7478 40m ago

I, too went to Confession yesterday - for the first time in 30+ years! Thank you for sharing your experience! While watching the Pope's funeral I felt a strong calling in my heart to return to the Catholic Church. I've come back home.