On this episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick reads an email from a listener who's freaking out about her first confession. She’s new to the Catholic Church, nervous about the whole process, and weighed down by a big sin from her past (she had an abortion). She’s scared of what the priest will think and honestly just has no idea what to expect. Patrick has practical advice and some solid reassurance.



Confession Isn’t as Scary as You Think



Patrick explains:



Confession is straight-up biblical. Jesus set it up in John 20 when He gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins. This isn’t some Church-made checklist; it’s how Jesus wanted us to experience His mercy.



It’s healing. Saying your sins out loud can feel super awkward, but it’s also incredibly freeing. Patrick compares it to going to the doctor. It’s not fun to put on that paper-thin gown, but the healing is 100% worth it.



Practical Tips for Your First Time Step 1: Prepare



Examine Your Conscience. Basically, take stock of your life and be honest about where you’ve fallen short. Don’t overthink it! Apps like Relevant Radio and its Confession Helper can walk you through this step-by-step.



Stick to “Number and Kind.” All you need to do is say the sin (e.g., lying, gossiping, etc.) and how often it happened (or your best guess). No need to spill every gory detail.



Step 2: Keep It Simple in the Confessional



Start with: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. This is my first confession. I’m [age] and joining the Church.”



Be honest and to the point. The priest doesn’t need a dramatic backstory: just tell him what happened.



Step 3: Choose Your Priest Wisely



It's OK to go to a priest you don’t know. You can go to a different parish if that helps you feel more anonymous.



What About “Big” Sins?



Patrick gets real about sins like abortion. He’s crystal clear: God’s mercy is bigger than any sin. The priest isn’t there to judge you: He’s there to help you leave that sin at the foot of the cross and move forward in freedom.



What Happens in the Confessional?



Act of Contrition: You’ll say a short prayer of sorrow. Don’t panic if you don’t know it: the priest can help.



Penance: The priest will give you something to do to show your sorrow, like a prayer or an act of devotion.



Absolution: This is the big moment. Your sins are forgiven, gone forever.





Why You’ll Feel AMAZING Afterward



Patrick guarantees you’ll walk out feeling lighter than air. The weight of your sins? Gone. The shame? Gone. It’s all about freedom and peace, and you’ll feel that wave of relief the second the priest says the words of absolution.



Patrick’s Final Word: Don’t Overthink It



Confession might feel intimidating, but it’s worth it. God isn’t there to condemn you: He’s ready to forgive and welcome you back with open arms. Take a deep breath, trust in His mercy, and go for it. 🙌







The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

On this episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick reads an email from a listener who's freaking out about her first confession. She’s new to the Catholic Church, nervous about the whole process, and weighed down by a big sin from her past (she had an abortion). She’s scared of what the priest will think and honestly just has no idea what to expect. Patrick has practical advice and some solid reassurance.
 
Confession Isn’t as Scary as You Think
 
Patrick explains:
 
Confession is straight-up biblical. Jesus set it up in John 20 when He gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins. This isn’t some Church-made checklist; it’s how Jesus wanted us to experience His mercy.
 
It’s healing. Saying your sins out loud can feel super awkward, but it’s also incredibly freeing. Patrick compares it to going to the doctor. It’s not fun to put on that paper-thin gown, but the healing is 100% worth it.
 
Practical Tips for Your First Time Step 1: Prepare
 
Examine Your Conscience. Basically, take stock of your life and be honest about where you’ve fallen short. Don’t overthink it! Apps like <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">Relevant Radio</a> and its Confession Helper can walk you through this step-by-step.
 
Stick to “Number and Kind.” All you need to do is say the sin (e.g., lying, gossiping, etc.) and how often it happened (or your best guess). No need to spill every gory detail.
 
Step 2: Keep It Simple in the Confessional
 
Start with: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. This is my first confession. I’m [age] and joining the Church.”
 
Be honest and to the point. The priest doesn’t need a dramatic backstory: just tell him what happened.
 
Step 3: Choose Your Priest Wisely
 
It's OK to go to a priest you don’t know. You can go to a different parish if that helps you feel more anonymous.
 
What About “Big” Sins?
 
Patrick gets real about sins like abortion. He’s crystal clear: God’s mercy is bigger than any sin. The priest isn’t there to judge you: He’s there to help you leave that sin at the foot of the cross and move forward in freedom.
 
What Happens in the Confessional?
 
Act of Contrition: You’ll say a short prayer of sorrow. Don’t panic if you don’t know it: the priest can help.
 
Penance: The priest will give you something to do to show your sorrow, like a prayer or an act of devotion.
 
Absolution: This is the big moment. Your sins are forgiven, gone forever.
 
 
Why You’ll Feel AMAZING Afterward
 
Patrick guarantees you’ll walk out feeling lighter than air. The weight of your sins? Gone. The shame? Gone. It’s all about freedom and peace, and you’ll feel that wave of relief the second the priest says the words of absolution.
 
Patrick’s Final Word: Don’t Overthink It
 
Confession might feel intimidating, but it’s worth it. God isn’t there to condemn you: He’s ready to forgive and welcome you back with open arms. Take a deep breath, trust in His mercy, and go for it. 🙌
 
 
 
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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