For many new or preparing Catholics, one question often causes anxiety: What will my first confession be like?

On The Inner Life, a caller named Lynn from Albuquerque shared her thoughts. At 56 years old, she has decided to become Catholic, not because of marriage or obligation, but because she feels deeply called by God. As she prepares to enter OCIA, the idea of confession feels overwhelming.

“I’m imagining my first confession,” she admitted. “How could I possibly remember everything? How would I even know numbers?”

Guest Fr. Rob Kroll responding quickly put her at ease. Even lifelong Catholics, he explained, sometimes make what’s called a general confession, a prayerful inventory of the sins from one's entire life, often before major milestones like religious vows or ordination. Perfect recall isn't expected.

“It would be unrealistic,” he said, “to expect you to remember every single sin.”

Instead, the Fr. Kroll encouraged Lynn to reflect on her life in stages, childhood, young adulthood, adulthood, and to use a detailed examination of conscience, often based on the Ten Commandments. The focus is on patterns, especially patterns of serious sin, not an exhaustive list.

Confession, he emphasized, is not meant to trap someone in scrupulosity. It’s an act of trust, honestly placing one’s life before Christ and asking for mercy.

To underscore the heart of the sacrament, Fr. Kroll contrasted St. Peter and Judas. Both betrayed Jesus. One repented and trusted in mercy; the other despaired.

“We never want to be like Judas,” he said. “We always want to be like St. Peter.”

God does not want us discouraged or afraid. He desires to forgive, heal, and restore.

Lynn left the call encouraged and grateful. She was excited, not fearful, about coming home to the Church. Her story is a reminder to anyone considering Catholicism: your past does not disqualify you. God’s mercy is already waiting.

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