Going to Confession for the First Time in a Long Time

Learn more about Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson's Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation: tinyurl.com/yhwfakge
Confession is a place of never ending mercy and forgiveness, and is one of the most beautiful parts of our Catholic faith. But for many, it can also be a very daunting experience, especially if it’s been a long time since your last confession. Whether it’s the first time you’ve gone in a year, or it’s the first time you’ve gone in your life, God is ready and willing to forgive your sins. All we have to do is let him into our hearts.
Today, Fr. Mike explains how to approach going to confession for the first time in a long time.
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[@celieostroski9723]

Even as a person who regularly goes to confession(every 3 weeks), I always write down my sins on a piece of paper. A priest told me that after I leave the confessional, I should rip the paper up, because the wrongdoings on that paper don’t exist anymore. Also, I think it’s fun to rip it up, because it’s like you’re saying to the Devil “Take that, I am free from your grasp!”.

[@yestrech]

Hi. I went to confession hours ago. I also had a list which btw, ur comment encouraged me to rip them also and not keep the list :), but when I got home, I realized that I forgot a sin or 2. Were those sins that I have forgotten forgiven also?

[@celieostroski9723]

@@yestrech Thanks be to God! That’s wonderful news! Here’s what I know about that- If you forgot your sins, they are still forgiven! If it puts your mind at ease, you can confess them the next time you go to confession. It’s only an issue if you left something out on purpose. But if you forget a sin or two, you are still forgiven, and you can still confess those the next time you go, if it makes you feel better.

[@yestrech]

@@celieostroski9723 Thank you so much! I feel guilt and have been stressing over it. Even though I feel this way, I guess this wasn't forgiven. Id also like to ask, is keeping a secret from my parent considered a sin even tho I am at legal age?

[@celieostroski9723]

@@yestrech I wouldn’t assume so. There’s so many factors that can play into something like that. But from what I can tell you, it most likely is not a mortal sin.

[@gertrudeprayforus7]

Me too ..❤

[@limepiper3650]

I have not been in confession in years and I am so embarrassed by my sins and how to tell the priest that it stops me. I am just an awful human full of sin and faults. Please pray for me.

[@kaitlynlightfoot9591]

Hi there! First off, you’re not an awful person. Our theology says that we humans are made good. God loves you so much. He looks at you as if you were the only person to ever exist. In regards to confession, I have a severe anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Confession is very, very hard for me. My priest who has been ordained for 23 years once told me he has ever seen anyone as nervous and scared as I am. I’m still terrified of it, but I try to go every week or two. Here’s my advice: 1. Gain a relationship with a priest who you know him and are comfortable around him. I often hear people say to do anonymous confession if you’re nervous, but I’ve found that even worse. Find a priest (it doesn’t have to be your local parish priest, it can be someone else) who is friendly, kind, caring, and patient. 2. Talk to that priest about your fears before actually going to confession. This will help him gain prescriptive and compassion for your situation. Tell him why you’re scared. Don’t be afraid to tell him the exact reasons. 3. When you begin confession, ask the priest to say a Hail Mary with you. It’s a simple thing, but it has helped me a lot. 4. Ask Mary to come to confession with you. She’s your loving mother and she wants to share that experience with you. She wants to help you, but you have to let her. 5. I learned this from the book Fr. Mike talked about in this video, which I highly recommend getting a copy of. In Luke 22:43, an angel ministered to Jesus while on the cross. An ancient tradition says that during His passion, that angel showed Jesus your action of going to confession, and that strengthened Him. He knew that 2000 years later, one of His children would need the grace from His moment of agony. This strengthened Him. Know that every time you go to confession, in some mysterious way, you are strengthening Jesus and giving Him courage. Don’t be afraid to let Him give you the grace you need. You are not a disappointment to Him. If you need anything, don’t be afraid to let me know. God bless you, my dear sibling. I’d also recommend reflecting on the parable of the Prodigal Son. That is how God looks at us in confession.

[@ZAPdontlook]

Hey friend! God desires so much to welcome you into His merciful embrace - and even the most embarrassing things the priest has definitely heard before! And they mostly forget it all afterwards anyway. Trust me, it is SO worth it to get those things off your soul and to be in God's grace again. Praying for you 🙏

[@lotus6560]

I understand how you feel.I went to confession last year after a 50 year absense. I was so ashamed of my awful sins so went to the cathedral rather than my parish church. Please remember the priest will help you, and he has probably heard it all before. For many years I felt alone and mixed up. Since my confession I have a sense that Our Lord Jesus is helping me on the journey to being a better person. Kind thoughts and 🙏📿from .🇬🇧

[@lynncw9202]

Just before Easter I decided to go to confession for the first time in about 10/12 years. I had been plucking up my courage for months beforehand. Eventually it was my turn to go to the priest He is a lovely man who was so kind to me. I told him I hadn't been for ages and he just said that I must not worry and God already knows what I had to say and has already forgiven my sins. After that it was easy to just talk to the priest. He said that we will just chat and that's what happened. It took maybe 8 or 10 minutes. (I could have stayed and chatted longer!😄). I'm sure your priest will be just as kind to you. God Bless!!

[@limepiper3650]

@@kaitlynlightfoot9591 thank you for taking the time to write to me. Please pray for me.

[@johmyh14]

As someone converting to Catholicism, I look forward to my first conversation.

[@maryann7619]

Welcome 🙏 There is wisdom behind the phrase "Confession is good for the soul"

[@TrixRN]

As a convert I worried about confessing 57 years. When I went to my first confession & heard the words you are absolved it was like a bell went off in my spirit. I felt so free! God bless you & Welcome home.

[@WhiskyJax]

It's a wonderful experience.

[@MissPopuri]

He doesn’t say it in the video, but I would ask a priest about confessing sins from before baptism. I’m pretty sure the Catechism would say that you don’t confess something from before baptism because it was washed away like original sin. Our proclivities after our baptism should be what you examine. It should be easier for people who convert from a faith that has a believer’s baptism over the infant one. My own confession starts at the end of Fifth Grade if there was something that plagues me from back then needing to be rectified and given back to God, I should do it. I’ve been feeling quite scrupulous myself lately so I might need to go over some of the years to see what I remember myself.

[@tomassalazar6209]

Welcome to faith

[@brisca3301]

I went to confession 6 days ago for my 2nd time ever after 35 yrs. One of the most, if not the most, humbling and relief experience I've ever had. Now I want to pray the rosary and go to mass daily so I never fall back to my old ways.

[@bruno-bnvm]

Please do. Go to mass more than once a week if possible. Make it always special if you really want to pray rosary every day to. If not a personal prayer and talking to God daily is enough. He loves you.

[@PhatPhrank]

Guess what, if you mess up and don’t, and the go to confession, god will forgive you. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to admit you’re not perfect and ask for forgiveness, and if you do something about it, you will be forgiven.

[@ladyt3182]

Give it to God, God forgiveness is the most important not a regular man. The Catholic faith is ungodly, please research.

[@mudwiser1391]

Way to go!

[@winstonsmith9533]

I went to Confession after decades, the priest was very patient: 3 hours. He asked at the end if I held anything back. It was great!

[@learnbibleversethroughpict6027]

Thank you for sharing 👏👏🙏

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

Wow, that's great!

[@irisolivas2199]

3 hours 😳 was it like a appointment or did everyone in line just hated you

[@candice44441]

Wow 3 hours? I hope that’s not true but ok

[@emymagtira9331]

1:56 1:59

[@alondrasalomon3305]

Me: "God, if you give me a sign I will go to Confession!" (Fr. Mike Schmitz's video about confession pops up) Me: "...how about one more sign 😅" Prayers for those heading to confession soon 🙏🙃

[@MissPopuri]

Bill Engvall shows up, saying, “There’s your sign!”

[@Nicole11522]

Don’t be nervous!!! You’ll feel wonderful when you hear “and I absolve you from your sins”

[@denakelley4363]

@Anonymous Person Unkind. :(

[@francesmorales1094]

I’m rolling in laughter! This was great! Thanks for my sparkle today :)*

[@deborahdebora1878]

Me too!!!!!!!

[@Cesspit5707]

An idea for ascension presents: A video for each commandment that details on it and how to live it out.

[@_glorianaaguilar_7081]

GREAT IDEA

[@RandomVO]

I just went to confession after 6 months this weekend, and Father Schmidt always has the best timing. If you want to go and are apprehensive, please go. It may be awkward and scary before, but once you're out you feel SO GOOD! Please go.

[@danielandterrispilde6106]

❤️ a few years ago I heard a Mother Angelica talk about confession and she goes every two weeks when she was alive because in her mind she has a hard enough time remembering those past 2 weeks why would she ever want to have to work so hard to remember longer than that 🤣🤣🤣🤣 and she couldn't ever imagine being on her deathbed and having to recall months and years of things she needed to confess at a time that might be super short. EWTN plays all of her recording over the years and it's amazing how relevant they still are today and she just makes me laugh like father Mike Schmidt 👍🤣. Love confession!!!!

[@notajedimaster2489]

@@danielandterrispilde6106 I go once a week :)

[@learnbibleversethroughpict6027]

@@notajedimaster2489 👏👏👏 Thanks be to God 🙏🙏

[@yestrech]

Hi. I went to confession hours ago. I had a list, but when I got home, I realized that I forgot a sin or 2. Were those sins that I have forgotten forgiven also?

[@eileenlally5255]

​@@danielandterrispilde6106 o

[@jeanettecaldeira1097]

Thank you Father. I had been 50 years for me. The Priest who took my confession was lovely - at the end he told me that the angels and Saints in Heaven were so happy for my return and then asked me to pray for him! (just like you do every day when you do the Bible in a Year). Your videos helped so much, as did the Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation you and Fr Josh authored. Again, thank you, I felt so much more prepared and blessed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Communion because of the work you do for Jesus and for us.

[@heavensangel3108]

Welcome Home Jeanette! 🙌 Glad to hear you had an 'awesome priest" who as compassionate and loving to you! Isn't GOD Great? 👍

[@user-jq2uh7zf4b]

I’m so glad I came across this video today of Fr. Mike speaking about confession. I know I am in need of a having a good confession and keep putting it off. I wish I could come to you Fr. Mike to confess my sins and lift this heaviness off my shoulders I carry each and every day. I need to make this a priority for many reasons. Please pray for me. I love reading the BIAY with you Fr.Mike.

[@alyce-kayruckelshaus1224]

I had 60 years of sins to confess at my first confession lol. After the Eucharist, Confession is my favorite thing.

[@bethwright1747]

I am going for my first confession ever on the 11th. I have 54 years of sins to confess. This video is perfect timing

[@alyce-kayruckelshaus1224]

@@bethwright1747 It will be wonderful! And welcome home!

[@elizabethbarberis9957]

Last year I went after 50 years of being away from the Church. The priest was wonderful and it's so freeing. Huge relief. And yes I wrote it all down.

[@jellybellyfun3288]

How long did that take? Not trying to be funny. I thought the priest only gives you 15 mins maximum for confession.

[@alyce-kayruckelshaus1224]

@@jellybellyfun3288I think different priests do it differently. I made an appointment with him. So it wasn't during regular confession time. I needed a lot of help just even figuring out how to do a confession. He was very patient and very helpful and gave me a lot of good counsel. I can't remember how long it took. That was almost 2 years ago but ... it took a while.

[@tombarnes7196]

One other helpful thought: whatever your sins are ... the priest has probably heard it before! There are ten Commandments; not a lot really. Most important: just go. God wants that relationship again. Nobody is perfect and that's what confession is for. Go.

[@altcountyemo]

After not going to confession or to Mass voluntarily for over 55 years, my suitcase full of sins was bursting at the sides and one day the clasps broke open and every one of them spilled out. Having watched these videos on confession, I spoke with a staff member of my local parish and it was suggested I speak with Pastor Paul. After a half hour of bearing my soul, Fr. Paul said this has been quite a complete confession, and you may repeat the process at the Sat. Reconciliation time at church or we can do it right now. NOW PLEASE! Having recalled the Act of Contrition, I left his office having received the Sacrament. I did feel guilty afterwards and thought that for sure I have forgotten something serious. But Fr. Paul had reassured me that if I had forgotten something I can confess it next time.. just be sure and do it. After 56 years +/- , having made it back to Church on Pentecost Sunday I hope to receive Communion on Corpus Christi Sunday. Thank you Fr. Mike for your work and prayers.

[@ArmenChakmakian]

On Valentine’s Day I went for the first time in over 46 yrs. Scheduled a time with the priest beforehand and ended up speaking with him for 90 min. Then face-to-face confession. Received that Body of Christ immediately after. Was beautiful.

[@lukasandisaaktime9147]

My favorite ADHD Catholic priest: Fr. Mike Schwartz! 😊

[@jaspa1268]

I went to confession two days ago after four decades away from the Catholic faith. It was very over whelming and emotional but I finally faced my sins that haunted me. Later that day on the bus ride home I remembered a few sins I forgot about. This video really helped my heart because I didn't feel right about taking of communion. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@elisejanssen4308]

Planned my first time confession, going next week! so this came at the right time

[@johmyh14]

Another Nordic convert? Awesome!

[@sasdear]

Congratulations! That’s a big step. It feels so awesome after you are done.

[@elisejanssen4308]

@@sasdear I went yesterday, and it felt so good after. A sister who was there told me I was glowing. Taking the step was scary, but it was a relief afterwards

[@learnbibleversethroughpict6027]

@@elisejanssen4308 👏👏👏 Thanks be to God

[@MoonlightNothing]

Did you go?

[@daisyviluck7932]

Confession is so healing. AA has a step for telling another person the exact nature of your wrongs.

[@lukec8371]

This has come just when I've just started going weekly, hah what timing. And Thank God

[@southernlady1109]

Most beautiful and comforting words are, your sins are forgiven, you may go in peace to love and serve our Lord.

[@heavensangel3108]

AMEN! 😇

[@kevinchan7878]

This was odd to see pop up because I seriously need to go to confession. 🙏🙏

[@ireneirene4866]

Me too

[@edith5656]

same! I've been pulling it off, and every time I try to I just get so scared! its been years!

[@pattisiedlicki]

@@edith5656 Don’t be afraid to go, Edith. 😊 The priests are wonderful and I guarantee that you will feel a sense of peace and joy afterwards that’s absolutely amazing!!! Prayers for you, my friend

[@210SAi]

Divine Intervention

[@kevinchan7878]

It’s been such a long time since I went to confession and what with the pandemic and all just adding to the excuses of not going. Nice to see I’m not the only one who’s in dire need of returning. 🙏

[@palomalopezsarmiento3028]

A few days ago I was thinking of this and I prayed to God to show me what to say when I go to confession. Thank you so much! God bless you! Watching you from Mexico ❤

[@David-rq6ok]

Colossians 1 About Jesus: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not burdensome. Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS…. 1- THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME 2- THOU SHALT NOT MAKE UNTO THEE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE 3- THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THY GOD IN VAIN 4- REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY 5- HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER 6- THOU SHALT NOT KILL 7- THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY 8- THOU SHALT NOT STEAL 9- THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOURS 10- THOU SHALT NOT COVET Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Hebrews10:26-31- For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!!.. These few verses unmask deception and reveal idolatry: Jeremiah 7:18 The children gather wood, the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger. The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the works of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them. SO DO ALL WHO TRUST IN THEM. Psalm 135:15-18 Deuteronomy 4:16 that you do not act corruptly and make an idol for yourselves of any form or shape, whether in the likeness of a male or female, Jeremiah 7:18-19 KJV The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the ¨queen of heaven¨, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger. Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces? Mary and saint worship, Mary the mediatrix and queen of heaven? God cleary told us Jesus is the ONLY mediator between God and mankind. Whoever else you use as mediator or pray to is IDOLATRY. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. Saints dont intermediate and dont listen to prayers, they are dead people like you and me, made of flesh and they died, Mary also is one of them, she was a normal woman who gave birth to Jesus and she and other people may not be worshipped. God declared the dead as the following: Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten. 6Indeed their love, their hate and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun. If the dead are alive somewhere... then who are the ones Christ will resurrect at his arrival? *Second commandment (Ex 20:4): Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, ...* this includes rosary necklaces, Mary and saint statues, Jesus, Mary and saint images, crosses, 'holy relics' and many more items used in worship by most denominations. People bow down before these things, kiss them, pray with them and that is wrong. Christ is the mediator we pray towards, close the door and pray to him honestly without any items or images, he is the living God and does not share his glory with manmade things. It is time to return to the old Hebraic faith of Jesus (Yeshua) and do what he did (obey the Fathers commandments and laws). There was no Catholic church or hundreds of denominations each with their own views and opinions back in the days of Jesus and the prophets. Believers had the old testament back then, which is the foundation of all scripture and the key to understand the new testament. Most Cathechism practices like rosary prayers etc are just invented in the 16th century.. first pope existed in 538ad and not in the apostles their days. those things got nothing to do with Jesus, its the traditions and vanities of religious men who went far astray from the Fathers commands.

[@savoirphil5173]

Thanks again, Father Mike! We are blessed to have you.

[@jonathangoodwin646]

I was gone for a very long time. It's maybe 8 years . So I wouldn't forget anything. I put the things that I need to confess on my phone. Not only I I go back 8 years ago, but I went back 40 years. That's how long I've been in the mirror of the Catholic Church . Of some of that stuff, I wasn't sure if I confessed it. That was very helpful for me putting it on the phone. It took me 3 confessions to get everything in. The Lord started reminding me of things that I did or did not do . And I did not know I was not going to mess. What's a mortal sin. Now I am Going to mass every Sunday. I'm taking the holy communion Now I'm a practicing Catholic I'm not perfect when I make a mistake I go to confession .

[@lisalynn818]

I prayed to Our Lady of Sorrow’s to reveal my past unconfessed sins and the sins I commit today…..and SHE does! I open NOTES on my phone to my grocery list and write my sins each time I think of one. When I leave confession I just erase. The grocery list also reminds me to confess as a list and not tell stories trying to justify my sins. Thanks Fr Mike!

[@barbarawalsh2875]

Fr. Mike , don’t worry about the commercial for the book. I got it and I needed to have it. I hadn’t been to confession in 50 years . No one knew that I was considering going back to the Catholic Church. I had been away from it well for a long time through marriage and a divorce and losing two other men who meant the world to me in my life and my sister-in-law and I were at dinner this was before Easter it was during lent and she said I’ve got to ask you something I’m just gonna drop it on you and I said OK she goes. Would you like to go to adoration and confession with me? Well, I didn’t know what adoration was so she had to explain that to me well, I knew what confession was, and I knew I hadn’t been there in 50 years. But much to her surprise I said yes I would like to go. She said well I figured I wouldn’t bring it on you on Thursday. I’d ask you a couple days in advance and I said well that’s good cause I’ve got to figure some stuff out, it was the Lenten adoration eight priests, no waiting. Due to the fact that I am disabled, I cannot kneel. show there was a priest 8:43 who was just sitting in a chair and I figured I should just do it. And he was an extremely compassionate man. When I said it had been 50 years he said well I don’t want you to go back through the last 50 years of your life just give me your greatest hits which I did. And he gave me what I considered for 50 years a very gentle penance and we talked and he explain some things to me where my mom was concerned and was a great deal of help. I thought we were finished and he said one more thing I just thought of this have you had communion in 50 years.? And I said yes not knowing that was a no-no, so he took that again relieve me of the sin from that. On the whole, I thought it went really well the second time that I went I knew who the priest was the next someone who I greatly admire, and I was a nervous wreck, and practically cried to the whole thing, and he was very kind. So the last time that I have gone back, I told him I had a list and he kinda Saufley chuckled and I told him everything and once again counseling penance, and it was very very wonderful. And we were all finished and I was walking towards the door and I said you know I should get a little credit for not crying through the whole thing. If he wasn’t sure who it was before he was absolutely positive it was after I have used your book for the last two times that I have gone to confession found out things that I didn’t know found out things that had to be said, but it turns out that it was an incredibly great help to me. so for anyone who is returning to the Catholic Church after being gone a half a century like I was or just a year it is incredibly well written, and incredibly great advice, and I liked that each commandment had a checklist. So you and father Josh did a great job and I thank you very much for it.🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@arsenpixl]

Thank you so much Father Mike, wish I could have watched this video arround ayear ago. Many greetings from Moscow, Russia.

[@xander4043]

I am planning to go today or tomorrow if there is a priest available, I called the parish and they said they’d let me know. Glad this video is out.

[@josephsullivan6021]

He loves you. You will feel so much better after the sacrament of confession. Whoever you are rest softly knowing that you will join Him in Paradise. Trust His dying promise.

[@FaithfulMel]

The timing... is incredible

[@Joscruz08]

Love you Father!! Always high in spirits , sharing the word . God bless you always .

[@StarBoy-ew3yx]

Today I went to confession after 8 years! Very nervous about it but after I feel so much better. Thanks be to God. I remember why we do what we do, to live with Jesus Christ for eternity.

[@heavensangel3108]

Hi there Star! I am very happy to hear you went to Confession after a long hiatus! Isn't GOD good? 🙌🙌🙌

[@victoriabillah6125]

Man o man what a timing fr.! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@ks7343]

You give such great explanations! Thank you Fr. Mike!

[@R.C.425]

Thank you so much for this father I have forgotten something I did as a teenager that was bad but I brought forth all the very mortal horrific sins from my adulthood 1st and I laid them out and I forgot about that 1 from my teenage years and from my childhood and I'm so grateful that you said that I don't need to worry about it now because I did pray over it thank you. It had been over 4 decades since I had made my last confession and now I feel wonderful.

[@msFilomena1]

Thank you Fr. Mike be blessed

[@mariec9446]

Confession is a wonderful sacrament. Thank you Fr Mike. Greetings from the UK.

[@msluisinaciofull]

Thanks for this video, not only will help me on my next confession but I learned things that I didn't know.

[@maricorsalvador2410]

Thank you so much, Fr. Mike for this very clear understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

[@susanokafor3271]

Having been a catholic for decad_es l was about to ask for this and hey....thanks fr Mike you and 2 or 3 priests from America you got me through the pandemics and thought me so much about teachings of the church. Salvation comes from America hallelujah!

[@donnaeberle7473]

Thank you Father. Your zeal and love for our Lord and the Sacraments are inspiring. The Holy Spirit is working through you. God Bless. Your podcast is awesome. I look forward to it everyday

[@michelleferrao8888]

Thank u Father Mike 💫 Confession is an act of entrusting ourselves to the mercy of a loving & forgiving God🙏

[@soniab9116]

Beautiful Father! Thank you so much. God bless you!

[@annestanfa1857]

Fr. Mike, You are truly a gift from God. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with such compassion.

[@user-yh8ni1qz3q]

I have had a very strong desire to return to the church after being gone for a very long time. I came across your podcast of the Bible in a year and found you to be so understandable in breaking down many of the questions I have had. Thank you for the way you share the way of God, and the church, and worship, and the humility you share of yourself as an infallible human being. I love watching hearing your lectures you keep it real!

[@stillthinkingaboutit...5502]

From someone who bought that little book when it first came out...it is super helpful, especially for someone who experiences a lot of anxiety about confession. 10/10 would buy again. Thank you Fr. Mike!

[@marycabral7104]

Thank you Father Schmitz, thank you for your insight, it was so helpful. Have a blessed day!!

[@AR-bv9hx]

It's been 30 years for me. I'm scared but preparing. 😬 This video was very helpful. Thank you!

[@worldonfire6154]

How crazy am I that I watched two-and-a-half videos just to find that anecdote because I find it so beautiful?

[@MyChrisfish]

Thank you Fr. Mike And Fr. Josh. "The pocket guide to the sacrament of reconciliation" to me is so much more than just a guide to the sacrament. It is such a wise collection of truly catholic teachings. Thank you and the Holy Spirit for this book !

[@sweetemme2964]

Wow. It was just yesterday when I had my confession after a year of challenges and struggles. I was apprehensive and nervous at first but I kept asking our Lord Jesus to help me make a good confession through the intercession of Mama Mary. I was able to go yesterday and the encounter just left me in tears. I never realized how much I missed going to confession regularly. I was glad I was able to finally make it yesterday. Thank You Jesus for this gift, for the invitation, for the sacrament of reconciliation. Thank You Mama Mary for your intercession. Thank you Father Mike and everyone in Ascension Presents, your videos and podcast brought enlightenment to my life as a Catholic Christian. Please pray for me dear brothers and sisters that I may remain in the state of grace. Let us pray for one another🙏

[@josephzammit8483]

I've just published a KZbin video entitled ST JOHN BOSCO AND MARQUISE MARIA VITELLESCHI. I think it might be of a great help to you. Thank you.

[@heathervancalcar4446]

I am going to confession today for the first time since Dec. 2019. Before CoVid. Pray that the Holy Spirit guide my forgetful brain through it all. I did take the advice to write things down. I don't have a few days to think about it though. It's literally today lol , but I think taking the time right now to reflect was good. Thank you for the advice. God Bless!

[@TheKyPerson]

I have the best confessor. He has helped me so much and I will be ever grateful.

[@monicag.k.tambajong]

I haven't been to confession since the pandemic started (glad I went just a week before all churches closed) and I am planning to go to confession next month when they open confession again. This video is what I need! Thank you Fr. Mike.

[@angelalemos9811]

Great little mini video on confession. 💙💜🖤 I'm not the target audience that needs to hear this but there is plenty of people out there who need this

[@jamesmouritz2398]

Hey father, god bless you and your words. As a believer in Jesus in the process of coming to the Catholic church your words inspire me to look forward to confession, the eucharist and coming home.

[@chloevanrooyen1596]

WONDERFUL FATHER🤗THANK YOU💖💖💖

[@ethelekh9403]

WOW!! I have been thinking about this for a number of years. Here’s your SIGN.

[@ScarECrow7227]

This was incredibly helpful. I was born Catholic, and never lost faith, but did lose hope in many things. This caused me to indulge in sin to look for a sense of (even if brief) happiness when I was miserable 24/7. I am currently saying yes to God and working on stopping my sinful ways. But it has been a long time since I had the energy to bring myself back to Mass, let alone confession. I didn’t know if I could squeeze in everything I needed to say and receive feedback from the priest with the limited time of Saturday evening confession times.

[@mish130]

Thank you Father. You gave me the courage to attend my first Confession. The Preist was very good and didn't demolish me as I feared. He even reassured me before hand that I didn't need to be nervous.

[@kathyworland7032]

This is the best book! I read it & couldn’t wait to go to Confession. I felt so free after. The best book ever! Wish I had this book prior to teaching Reconciliation to my First Communion classes. So easy to understand & apply. Very comforting. Worth every penny. Thanks Fr. Mike for coauthoring this awesome tool of comfort.

[@donnabullinger117]

How do you order it

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Can’t wait to receive Communion mañana! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@JaneBurgei]

I enjoyed reading thr Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, it was very informative and helpful. Thank you.

[@tatronhox8711]

i was at the confession last sunday for the first time in a long time. what a coincidence!

[@CA-si4fx]

Thank you Father!

[@carissahanson9887]

The Bible in a year program is excellent thanks

[@paulhill7726]

Thank You Fr Mike

[@roseandrowich263]

You’re awesome at teaching and thank you so much

[@JayRedding12_12]

I love the Sacrament of Confession. Since Christ instituted it it's a great way to Receive God's Grace. I also love how Compline encourages us to do an examination of conscience. Everyday. Christ said to take up our cross DAILY and follow Him.

[@beckyholbrook7253]

I feel so good after confession, I try to go once a month. I have Fathers book, it has really helped me. I bring it to confession with me.

[@thinman8621]

Always a good message. Thank you.

[@mazikode]

Thsnk you father K Mike..that was so insightfuļ

[@lozu8947]

There is nothing that compares to having made a good confession. It is what our world needs on a large scale.

[@robertascani4462]

Just happened to me. 25 yrs! I wish I hadn't waited so long.

[@pattymankowski8200]

This was very helpful.bless you

[@R_Thomp]

Thank you Father

[@dannineharkins1667]

I went to confession for the first time in many many years. I only confessed one sin that was on my heart. I felt such grace mercy and felt cleansed of the sin. I am planning on doing a general confession and lay down everything at the foot of the cross.

[@geraldinedickins2830]

The book is awesome indeed! Very helpful

[@janetandrews1306]

Thanks Father Mike!

[@kerrylemay8778]

My sponsor sprung my 1st confession on me at a Latin Mass. Something definitely changed after it.. its beautiful to say to Christ forgive me.. & He does. Confession is humbling.

[@domenical.2261]

You are always in time father. I was considering going tomorrow after probably 3 years or more maybe 5 maybe 7 I don’t even remember.

[@adrianjacobson397]

I have not been to confession for a long time. I brought the catechism of the Catholic Church with me. I showed that book to the priest or I had the book anyway since I have thoughts of suicide and I’ve been hospitalized before for it, I went to that confession to confessed. If I can remember the priest told me to seek professional help, escorted me out. Besides feeling disappointed, ashamed, I felt embarrassed to go to that church again. And I haven’t gone to confession since.

[@laurahart1245]

I hope you took his advice and found professional help. Sometimes, we walk around feeling like we always feel. Then we read something, or a wise person says something to us that makes us think that we might benefit from some professional assistance. I will pray for you.

[@user-gh8sl7iu3y]

The pocket guide is excellent!

[@antoinettetroxell794]

Thank you, Fr. Mike! I just came back from confession and I feel great! I feel forgiven! I feel loved!

[@heavensangel3108]

Woo Hoo!!!! Isn't GOD Awesome Antoinette? 😇

[@just_norma7]

Thank you, that was very helpful. Good bless you 🙏🏻

[@Herdingcats1917]

Hugely helpful. Thank you!

[@MomHarper]

I went to confession for the first time since the pandemic. It felt really good to admit my sins.

[@mj6463]

Father thank you for this video. I am going to go to confession before Christmas for the first time, thanks to what I heard in my church and your video on advent, and honestly I was terrified just a few minutes ago. I am still very anxious, but now I am largely exited to mend my relationship with God. Still nervous though lol.

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

BooAhhh... went to Confession today Father Mike! Father Jim, my new buddy... living in the “State Of Grace...” Woot Woot! I am so grateful and thankful for you, Father Mike because yep “you” got me there sooner than later... I love you forever... 🙏🏻✨🙌🏻✌🏻 Thank you from the bottom of my heart all the way to the top and far beyond... whew! Yay! 😂😂😂

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Couldn’t believe my penance was one Hail Mary... God IS great! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@optango95]

Wonderful advice.... Thank you very much 🙏

[@SuperrBoyful]

Beautiful video and tips!

[@user-wh7ue2mt1t]

I need this in my life. Please pray for me!!

[@dileakadias4727]

God bless father

[@066motocross]

Father can you please help me out with this. I'm a 59 year old cradle Catholic who hasn't been to church in decades. I couldn't even if I wanted to because I made long haul trucking my life, passion, and career. I was gone from home for over a month. The big truck stops have prayer trailers. I've been in those. But my problem is that I need confession because I found my faith again. I was diagnosed with throat cancer last year and I've had a terrible year. With the surgeries and radiation it's really hard. They lost me in surgery due to a heart block but God wasn't ready for me yet thankfully I came out of it. So this whole experience has made me seek and attach myself to God. But the problem is I can't go to confession because I can't speak anymore. They took my larynx and I have no voice box now. Does this exclude me from confession and communion? I hope not 😢 please tell me how I can confess. Thanks Father and I'm enjoying the Bible in a year and catechism in a year. I bought the great adventure Bible and ascension edition of catechism. Learning so much more than I was taught in the 70s God bless you and I pray 🙏 for you Father Mike

[@patlangdon3279]

Tanks everyone 4 nice comments i felt the same we are all in it to gether dont b afraid jesus luvs me and u we all hav sinned bad bless u all my brothers and sisters🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@LarsPop-Tartus]

Excellent

[@dawnmireles2912]

Beautifully said! Most of us have sinned against all 10 Commandments. Did you kill someone’s spirit by talking bad about them? Things like that. March 28, 2022

[@richardcastro1276]

Oh Fr. Schmitz this is really good information and tips on how to go about preparing to that confession. I do want to make sure I cover all of my sins. It"s been like 20 years... although in the military I went to Catholic mass. But not confession. I am not sure if I can break it down. There is just so much to cover. I didn't go to another religion... but I did attend Protestant services when I could not go to Catholic mass... when in the Army. Plus, I need to get rid of a lot of stuff. I think I will buy the book you mentioned AND view this video several times. TY TY TY. May God bless you.

[@shielamarizpantaleon637]

Fr Mike: “General Confession” *salutes