[UPDATE 5/26/15: In June 2014, Liguori Publications purchased Catholic Update and other parish resources from Franciscan Media. As such, the text for any posts I’ve published utilizing Catholic Update or Scripture From Scratch is no longer available to view for free online, however, I will do my best to provide links to purchase hard copies, which are available at the Liguori Publications website.]

If we’re really being honest, confession (an aspect of the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance), is probably one of the most feared parts of being Catholic (or maybe it’s just me?). I don’t know anyone who looks forward to dredging up past sins and speaking them out loud. Yes, when all is said and done, the feeling of relief and forgiveness is absolutely freeing. And yes, as an incarnational people, there is something about actually hearing the words, “your sins are forgiven.” But that time leading up to confession can be stressful and nerve-wracking, even for someone who’s been going to confession their whole lives.

I say all this in case there’s anyone out there who’s been thinking about going to confession, but it’s been a long time and you have no idea what you’re doing. Maybe you’re a parent whose child is making their confession for the first time, and you want to stand in solidarity with them by going to confession for your first time in years (good for you!). Maybe you’ve been feeling the Spirit nudge you, reminding you that the Father is ready to run out to embrace you whenever you’re ready. The resources I’ve compiled below are for you, and are a great way to start preparing for your next confession, whenever that may be:

• VIDEO: Confession 101, Part One (2:43) – Busted Halo
• VIDEO: Confession 101, Part Two (6:21) – Busted Halo
• ARTICLES: Reconciliation – AmericanCatholic.org
• Examinations of Conscience
  • Video Examination of Conscience
  • General – Loyola Press
  • For Teens – St. Mary’s Press
  • For Teens – AmericanCatholic.org