Tip #21: Receive the sacrament of reconciliation

W.P. Wittman Photo

I celebrated my first confession with Msgr. Forbes. He was an elderly priest, cheerful and frank. He loved telling jokes, and he tended to chew his Tootsie Rolls in the confessional. Fr. Nick complimented my purse when I came in, and I left with insightful, practical advice. Fr. Bill's quiet confidence and kindness softened any nerves. I've had two-minute confessions and 30-minute confessions. I've cried, laughed, talked and listened. Hail Marys, Our Fathers, reflections, readings, actions, direction. Many priests over the years have given me advice on how to conquer reoccurring sins, answered questions and helped me grow spiritually.

The sacrament of reconciliation can be an unbelievable blessing in our lives. Don't just rattle off sins, punch a card and leave. Rather, embrace confession as an opportunity for spiritual direction. What a gift from the ultimate giver – our Lord!

This Sunday we celebrate Gaudete Sunday – a special celebration of joy marking the halfway point to Christmas. What better way to experience that joy than to shed the weight of our sins by going to confession? I know I am. I confess, I haven't been to confession in about six months, and I can tell. Regular confession opens the door to God working in our lives. We just have to take that step.

To make a good confession, check out these confession guidelines at osv.com.

For more ideas on how to rid Advent and Christmas of stress, download this PDF of "30 ways to make Advent, Christmas stress-free."