I am in the same boat.
Speak directly to God. He will listen.
Part of your problem may be the need for an intermediary. You might try confessing all of it to God himself directly and in the name of Jesus. This may sound radical but you should try it and see/feel the peace it brings.
On cell now but send additional “warmup” in a minute. Please listen . . .
God bless you!
Pastoral ping
A retreat with FSSP or ICKSP will provide an opportunity with a confessor who is expecting it. Some shrines (e.g. Stockbridge MA) also offer such opportunities with priests who are experienced and take it seriously.
Why not make that appointment with the priest who suggested it and let him lead you? Sounds like you are heading in the right direction.The closer we get to God, the clearer our vision of who we are and where we have been becomes.You are in my prayers.
9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. 1 John 1:9-2:2 NASB
Sorry for the disconnect but listen to this. Especially the background music. Salvation Army style but goes to show you are never to low for God’s help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KAwFPxpGGY
You may want to request that the moderator make this a Catholic Caucus thread. Just hit the Report Abuse button on your first post and let them know it should have been a Caucus.
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Confession is indeed good for the soul.
Big sins grieve God the most.
Ernest effective confession requires telling the full truth about your sin with genuine contrition and conviction to not sin again.
These pious experts may be able to advise further:
Same as it ever was.
Keep the faith and eyes on God.
Avoid corrupt racketeering institutions.
I’m not an expert, but part of the structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is based on the Ten Commandments. The point is to teach us about conduct by which we may live out our love for God (above all) and for neighbor. It is instructive in showing us where we can do better and in this way may incidentally remind us of where we have fallen short. The commandment-by-commandment structure can help organize an important and daunting effort such as preparing for a general confession. But, again, I am not an expert but have pinged the only Deacon I know here at FR.
Not wise enough to make a [Catholic Caucus] thread of this... ehh?
You dont need to be posting on the internet about this.
Just go to confession,have a cocktail/beer if necessary.
Make a list of your sins that you can read off of. Take time and thought to create a proper list, major/mortal sins only.
Dealing with fear through an internet post is not dealing with it!
And get off the Novus Ordo vs Traditionalist crap
https://www.catholicparents.org/faith/examination-conscience/
Catholic ping!
Just run through the Ten Commandments, perhaps with the aid of the Catechism.
And the precepts of the Church. Usually listed as six.
Do not be scrupulous about any details of your sins. Just try to name them and give a number. For something like missing Mass, just say, “I missed all Sundays and Holy Days for 20 years...” or however many.
Don’t be scrupulous about the numbers, either.
Don’t keep reviewing your life after your general confession. If there is anything important to confess, you won’t have to dig for it.
Having been a Catholic padre for 25 years who does take this divinely instituted sacrament very seriously (John 20: 19-23), my suggestion would be to ask around to find a good confessor. In addition, read about the life of St. John Vianney, who is the patron saint of parish priests and would spend 14 to 18 hours a day hearing Confessions.
I found this:
http://www.teachpeace.com/generalconfession.htm
I know checklists aren’t the best approach to spirituality but it might help you organize your thoughts before writing your confession out.
Ask the Lord to lead you. You don’t have to do them all at once. Cover the Ten Commandments. The priest will probably lead you. Or catalog a page or two, the ones that are nagging at you. And welcome back. Sounds like you have a priest who is invested in his job.
When we converted, the very liberal parish we attended told us - ‘Just choose one sin; the priest is busy.’ !!! The ones you don’t confess that needed to be confessed will bubble up and you can chuck them next time around.