- 30 March, 2025
Lent is a sacred season of repentance, reflection, and renewal. It is a time to return to God with sincerity, acknowledging our sins and seeking His mercy. Among the sins that can weigh heavily on one’s conscience are sexual sins—those that involve impurity, lust, or actions that go against God’s design for chastity.
If you struggle with how to confess these sins during Lent, this guide will help you approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation with humility and confidence in God's mercy.
Before going to confession, spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any sins you need to confess. Pray for the courage to be honest and the grace to be truly repentant. A great prayer to say is:
"Lord, open my heart to recognise my sins and give me the strength to confess them with sincerity. Help me to desire purity and to walk in Your ways. Amen."
Preparing to make a good confession starts with a thorough examination of conscience. Reflect on your thoughts, words, and actions, in the area of sexual purity. Ask yourself:
- Have I engaged in impure thoughts, fantasies, or desires?
- Have I looked at pornography or engaged in self-gratification?
- Have I committed sexual acts outside of marriage?
- Have I encouraged or led others into impurity?
- Have I been immodest in my speech, dress, or behaviour?
- Have I failed to respect the dignity of my own body or others?
If you are unsure about whether something is a sin, bring it to the priest during confession, and he can guide you.
When confessing sexual sins, it is important to be clear and truthful without going into unnecessary detail. The priest does not need a full explanation—simply state the sin and, if necessary, the frequency. For example:
- Instead of saying, "I did impure things," say, "I indulged in masturbation.”
- Instead of saying, "I messed up with my boyfriend/girlfriend," say, "I committed sins of fornication."
- Instead of saying, "I watched inappropriate things online," say, "I committed sins of impurity by viewing immoral content."
- Instead of saying, "I led someone else into sin," say, "I was an occasion of sin for another in matters of impurity."
Confessing sins is not just about listing mistakes—it is about seeking God's mercy with a sincere heart. Be truly sorry for offending God and express a firm commitment to avoid sin in the future. If this is an ongoing struggle, tell the priest that you are trying to change and ask for advice or encouragement.
After confessing, listen carefully to the priest’s guidance and the penance he assigns. This could be prayers, fasting, or another act of reparation. When he gives you absolution, believe that your sins are completely forgiven through the mercy of Christ.
Make sure to complete the penance assigned to you by the priest within 24 hours.
After confession, take practical steps to avoid future sins:
- Pray daily for purity and ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph.
- Avoid near occasions of sin (e.g., staying up late alone, inappropriate media, certain relationships).
- Receive the Eucharist frequently, as it strengthens you against temptation.
- Seek accountability from a trusted friend, priest, or spiritual director.
No matter how many times you have fallen, God’s mercy is always available. Lent is a season of grace—an opportunity to turn back to God with confidence. When you confess your sins, trust in the words of Christ:
"Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more." (John 8:11)
May this Lent be a time of renewal and freedom as you experience the healing power of confession.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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