In today’ society, which is full of temptations, the importance of Confession in our spiritual lives is greater than ever. Therefore, it is so important to understand the practical aspects of Confession, which we tend to forget. First, before you come to confession you need to try to prepare properly. By preparing, examine your life carefully, using the guidance of the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the list of the eight principle passions and the lists of sins in the daily prayers – especially those before sleep. If necessary, write out a list and bring it with you to confession. Try not to omit anything you may think is not important. It is up to God through the father confessor to judge what is important or not. Remember that no sin is too small to be confessed and no sin is so great that it cannot be forgiven by God. In confessing, try to be brief and to the point; although sometimes it’s necessary to explain the circumstances of a certain sin, refrain from excusing yourself or confessing the sins of others. Oftentimes there are many people who come to confession at the same time and the priest will need to hear several confessions, in this case try to be considerate of time. If you have some personal difficulties or some particularly troublesome problems in your spiritual life, and need to discuss them at length, please arrange for a special time that the priest can dedicate only to you. There are times after Confession that the priest may recommend to you what is called “epitimia”. This may represent the reading of certain prayers, a rule for fasting, or a certain number of prostrations, etc. Remember that this is not a punishment for your sins, but a necessary prescription for your spiritual healing. If you understand its importance and accept it, you are bound to follow it as closely as possible, any changes to it should be discussed with your father confessor. Overall come to confession with an open soul and remember that the person that repents and comes to receive the Sacrament of Confession properly, is not limited to just confessing their sins, but also commits to unceasingly fighting against sin and passion. Confession is not an end, but rather a new beginning in a new life in Christ.