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Confession: A Path to Joy and Freedom
Confession, or the Sacrament of Reconciliation, isn’t just about saying “I’m sorry.” It’s about truth, healing, and freedom. Here are two core reasons why it makes you healthier and happier—and more human.
1. Confession Makes You Real
- Real about yourself:
The moment I say, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner,” the lies I tell myself fall away. I see clearly who I am—and who I’m not. - Real about others:
If I am a sinner in need of grace, so is everyone else. That changes everything. I become more patient, more merciful. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” - Real about God:
When I confess, I begin to see God not as a vague concept or angry judge—but as a loving and forgiving Father. The mask comes off. His mercy becomes real.
2. Confession Opens the Heart
- To learning:
You can’t grow if you think you’re already perfect. Confessing you are a sinner is the first step toward wisdom. - To grace:
When I say, “O Lord, make haste to help me!” I admit my need. And when we ask—God gives. - To joy:
It begins with sorrow, but always ends in joy. The burden lifts. You can laugh again. You feel clean—not because you pretended it never happened, but because it was forgiven. - To humility:
Humility, humor, and humus all come from the same root—earth. Confession brings me back down to earth, where I belong: honest, grounded, and free.
What Else Does Confession Do?
- It softens the heart – no penitent heart remains hardened.
- It restores your humanity – helping you see others, history, and culture through the lens of mercy.
- It alerts you to eternity – makes you aware of death in a healthy, hopeful way.
- It gives angels cause to rejoice – and demons reason to tremble (Luke 15:10).
- It restores your true identity – You are a sinner, yes. But also a forgiven child of God, lifted up and sent home.
By Fr. Dwight Longenecker
RCIA: Learn the Faith. Live the Truth.
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is not just a class—it’s a journey. Come see what we believe, why we believe it, and how the Sacraments open the doors to a life of grace.
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven
and the pains of Hell, but most of all because they offend Thee,
my God, who art all-good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins,
to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.
Examination of Conscience
A guide for self-reflection using the Ten Commandments
I. I am the Lord your God.
Have I placed money, fame, pleasure, or ideologies before God? Have I involved myself in superstition, the occult, or anti-Christian movements?
II. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Have I used God’s name carelessly or with disrespect? Have I dishonored sacred objects or people? Have I received Communion in a state of mortal sin?
III. Keep holy the Sabbath.
Have I missed Sunday Mass without serious reason? Do I treat Sunday as just another day for work or errands?
IV. Honor your father and mother.
Parents: Do I lead my children in faith?
Children: Have I disobeyed or disrespected my parents?
V. You shall not kill.
Have I supported or encouraged abortion, euthanasia, or revenge? Do I harbor hatred or endanger others?
VI & IX. You shall not commit adultery or covet your neighbor’s spouse.
Have I engaged in impure acts, including fornication, pornography, or contraception? Have I entertained lustful thoughts or jokes?
VII & X. You shall not steal or covet possessions.
Have I stolen or cheated? Do I envy others or put money above faith and family?
VIII. You shall not bear false witness.
Have I lied, gossiped, or ruined another’s reputation? Do I spread secrets or enjoy hearing bad things about others?
Ready to return to grace?
Come to Confession.
Find your nearest parish on the Utah Mission Directory and take the first step.
You don’t need to be perfect—just honest.
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