Expert: Tom Schott - 1/28/2010

Question
When my first child was born,(33 years ago) I was baptized into the Catholic Church(my husband was Catholic & I wanted to raise our children Catholic)  Prior to that, I had never been baptized and had no religious upbringing-I attended the Catholic church regulary for a while, strayed, and in the past 3 years have come back to the church.I attend mass weekly, receive communion & try and say the Rosary daily. What I know about the Catholic religion,I have taught myself by reading & watching Catholic TV. I realize the importance of going to confession.  Before becoming Catholic, I committed a mortal sin (I was 18 years old) and it is my understanding that when I was baptized into the church, God forgave me this sin.(i have a hard time forgiving myself). Is this true? I have never gone to confession-it has been 33 years and I am ready to go and get right with God. I am so nervous.  Have I sinned by not going all these years? I am trying so hard to get close to God.I know how much I need him in my life.  I want to confess my sins and be cleansed. How can I possibly confess all sins from 33 years ago? Please guide me. What if I can't remember sins that I have committed? .  

Answer
Marie,

Please be at easy. This process is not nearly as frightening as you might think. Don't worry. The key is getting a priest you like and respect to do this with you. Rest assured that when you were baptized, all of your previous sins, large and small were obliterated. God forgives, He always forgives, and he doesn't need confession to do it, but the sacrament, as you seem to realize is healing and soothing to the soul.

Don't worry about having to remember all the sins of 33 years. Don't worry about it. Arrange when you do this, to have a face-to-face talk with your confessor and just tell him that you've never done this before. He will understand, believe me, and will be glad to assist you. The main thing is to go into this experience with anticipation and joy. I think you will find this process to be enriching to your spirit. What did Jesus say? Do not be afraid. He was right, of course.