I first picked up the habit of going to Confession weekly after reading that Pope John Paul II did it himself. If a saintly pope could humble himself that regularly before God, I knew I had no excuse. What began as a discipline has now become a lifeline.
Weekly confession keeps me spiritually grounded. It reminds me that I am not in control. It shows me how much I need God and how easily I can drift from Him when I rely on myself. When I miss it for a week or two, I feel it. I am less focused. Less joyful. Less spiritually strong.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is not just about listing sins. It is about returning home. It is a face-to-face encounter with the mercy of Jesus. When I kneel in that confessional, I am reminded that I am a son. A sinner, yes, but a son who is loved and welcomed back by the Father every single time.
We have made this a regular part of our family’s life as well. As our children have grown, they have seen us make confession a priority. Not just as something we do when we have messed up in a big way, but as a normal and healthy part of the spiritual life. Like spiritual maintenance. We try to go weekly, or at least every other week. We build it into our rhythm. Sometimes it is on a Saturday afternoon. Sometimes we find a weekday parish nearby. The point is, we go.
Why? Because we want to live in a state of grace. We want to walk freely, unburdened by the weight of sin. We want our children to grow up knowing that they can always return to Jesus. No matter what.
Here is the truth: I need confession because I sin. I fall short in my words, my attitudes, my fatherhood, my leadership. This sacrament keeps me humble. It reminds me that strength is not about having it all together. It is about knowing where to go when you do not.
What Is Confession, Really?
Confession is one of the seven sacraments of the Church. Through it, Christ forgives sins committed after Baptism. But it is more than forgiveness. It is healing. It is strength. It is grace. The priest acts in the person of Christ. He is there not to judge, but to restore. Jesus said to His apostles, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (John 20:23). That power is still alive today.
Practical Tips for Making Confession a Weekly Habit
- Find a parish that offers regular confession times and mark it on your calendar
- Prepare with a short examination of conscience — there are great ones for adults and kids
- Teach your children the steps slowly and gently. Model peace and confidence, not fear
- Do not wait until things feel really bad. Go regularly to keep your soul clean and free
- Stay after confession for a few quiet minutes of prayer and thanksgiving
Confession Is a Gift
We do not go to confession because we are holy. We go because we are not. And yet, every time we return, we meet a God who is already running toward us.
Make it a part of your rhythm. Bring your spouse. Bring your children. Bring your weakness, your pride, your tiredness. Bring it all. God will meet you there with mercy.
