I had considered becoming Catholic for a number of years. I was raised Methodist, but fell away from that church. I've attended mass with my wife pretty faithfully for a long time, but always felt like an outsider (of course), especially so since my son was born four years ago.
One Sunday morning I just decided it was time, and asked the Priest about becoming Catholic. He explained the very basics of the faith, and sent me to instructional classes. Early on, I had huge concerns about confession because I'm 40, have never made a personal confession, and I have done some really vile things in my life. I was afraid I would receive a huge REJECTED stamp for my efforts.
I was very relieved to find, as others have said in this thread, that the only two unforgivable types of sin are those we don't confess and those we don't accept forgiveness for. Long story short, I made my first confession last Saturday, and I am absolutely elated. The feeling of the lifting of dread and despair goes way beyond what I had expected.
Thanks for the inspiring story...
Good for you. Welcome aboard.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is just that: reconciliation with God and, through the person of the priest, reconciliation with the community of the Church.
**I made my first confession last Saturday, and I am absolutely elated. The feeling of the lifting of dread and despair goes way beyond what I had expected.**
Your story brings tears of joy to my eys. May the Lord, indeed, be praised.