Videos
Learn the importance of making a good Confession and how to improve your Confessions.
Fr. Casey Cole OFM
It is evident in this video that Fr. Casey Cole has a great love for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. One of his disappointments is that some who come to to Confession have not been given proper formation in how to make a good Confession.
Because the confessional is not always conducive for instruction on "How to make a proper Confession", Fr. Casey has created Tik Tok videos featuring seven different common ways people can misuse the sacrament.
The videos are exaggerated scenarios where Fr. Casey plays the priest hearing Confession and the penitent individual. What is most clearly expressed in this video is Fr. Casey's deep love and respect for those coming to Confession and his hope that all who come to the sacrament can experience God's amazing love for them.
Key Takeaways
- Fr. Casey desires to "teach" and "form" individuals in the proper use of the Sacrament of Confession
Some ways people do not use the sacrament properly:
- List - Individuals can come to Confession with a long list of sins without much evidence of contrition for any of them.
- Burying the Lede - There are some who hurriedly squeeze a serious sin between two venial sins without giving an indication that there's a difference between the two.
- Confessing everything as mortal - Not all sins are serious. It is important to know the difference between the two.
- Scrupulosity - The frequent, habitual use of Confession is usually an indication of a mental health issue. The CCC #1393 and 1394 show how our sins are expiated through our reception of the Eucharist at mass. This may not be enough for those who suffer from obsessive, compulsive disorder, but it may give some comfort to them.
- Vagueness - Confessing that you have broken commandments 1, 5 and 8 is not enough information for the priest to understand what you are struggling with.
- Naming other's sins - Confession is about your relationship with God. It is not meant to be a time to discuss the faults of others.
- The Rambler - Confession is not the time to discuss theological questions or sorting out how you feel about things. It is always about confessing the ways in which you've failed to love God.
- Welcome Home - It it clearly shown how much having someone return to the Sacrament of Confession means to Fr. Casey in this last short Tik Tok video. True contrition is a joy to see.
Questions for Reflection
- Did any of the videos make you think of the way you go to Confession?
- Were you convicted by any of the videos?
- Will viewing these videos help you think about how you approach the sacrament the next time you go?
- Can you sense how Fr. Casey feels about the Sacrament of Confession?
Other Resources
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Videos
Why Confess My Sins To A Priest?
This video is short but it says a lot! Chris Stefanick is a passionate, joyful evangelizer who shares his thoughts on why you should go to Confession.
The Sacrament of Confession is scriptural. When we confess our sins to a priest, we are obeying Christ and how He envisioned us relieving the burden of our transgressions. If we are a follower of Christ we do what He asks us to do!
Chris gives us four main reasons to go to Confession. Some of the reasons he suggests are ones that are not typically mentioned : psychological health, going straight to God instead of relying on ourselves , making sure our serious, mortal sins are forgiven and healing our community through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
There is so much packed into this short video you may have to watch it several times to catch it all.
Make sure you're taking notes!
Key Takeaways
- The devil is a liar. His desire is that our sins would fester in our heart, harming us mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. When you confess your sins, you are removing their power over you.
- When you go to Confession you are going straight to Christ himself. The priest is "In personaChristi", in English, " In the person of Christ". Professing your sins to Christ is preferable to saying them to yourself in your room.
- Mortal sin breaks the friendship we have with God. If we desire to restore this relationship we must seek absolution from a priest. We can be sure of this healing when we hear the words the priest speaks during the sacrament.
- The only way to heal the damage we have done to the community when we sin is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- My relationship with God does not depend on my perfect love for Him but on His perfect love for me.
Questions for Reflection
- Were any of the reasons Chris mentioned for going to Confession new to you?
- What do you think about the words the priest speaks to you in the sacrament? Did this video give you a greater appreciation of what is said in Confession?
- What do you think of the concept that Christ died to give us grace and mercy? Do you think of that reality in relationship to the Sacrament of Confession?
Examinations
A Guided Examination of Conscience
This Examination of Conscience is a wonderful tool that can be used every time you prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. One good word of advice: Make sure you pray before you prepare.
Fr Mark-Mary walks you through the Ten Commandments in a way which enables you to go deeper into your examination before going to Confession. The questions he asks are helpful to anyone who desires to more thoroughly prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Videos
Catholicism 101: Confession!
Learn the importance of making a good Confession and how to improve your Confessions.
In this short, humorous video created by the Institute for New Media, we are given the boost we may need getting to Confession. It covers many of the fears we may face returning to the Sacrament if we've committed a sin we are especially embarrassed about.
Key Takeaways
- The video is short and to the point
- Clever images and vocalizations used to ease anxiety about Confession
- Highlights God's Mercy
- Emphasizes Confession is not about judgement
Questions for Reflection
- Did this video put your mind at ease regarding Confession?
- Is it easier for you to believe that Confession is not something you should fear after watching this video?
- Can you identify what's keeping you from returning to Confession?
Church Documents
Catechism Of The Catholic Church
Excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church on Confession: paragraphs 1420-1498
Articles
Examination of Conscience Using the Beatitudes
Looking for a different way to examine your conscience? Using the Beatitudes is a wonderful tool to see how we are not living up to the Lord's standards. "Am I gentle with others or am I harsh?" "Do I truly yearn for God's Will to be done, in my life and in all things?" " Do I love purity and honesty?" These probing questions and more are in this beautiful examination.