Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 232 - Part V.

YOUCAT Question n. 232 - Part V. What must I bring to a confession?

(Youcat answer – repeated) Essential elements of every confession are an examination of conscience, contrition, a purpose of amendment, confession, and penance.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 1458 a) Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church (Cf. Council of Trent: DS 1680; CIC, can. 988 § 2). Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful (Cf. Lk 6:36):

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) The examination of conscience should be done thoroughly, but it can never be exhaustive. No one can be absolved from his sin without real contrition, merely on the basis of “lip-service”. Equally indispensable is the purpose of amendment, the resolution not to commit that sin again in the future. The sinner absolutely must declare the sin to the confessor and, thus, confess to it. The final essential element of confession is the atonement or penance that the confessor imposes on the sinner to make restitution for the harm done.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 1458 b) Whoever confesses his sins… is already working with God. God indicts your sins; if you also indict them, you are joined with God. Man and sinner are, so to speak, two realities: when you hear "man" - this is what God has made; when you hear "sinner" - this is what man himself has made. Destroy what you have made, so that God may save what he has made.... When you begin to abhor what you have made, it is then that your good works are beginning, since you are accusing yourself of your evil works. The beginning of good works is the confession of evil works. You do the truth and come to the light (St. Augustine, In Jo. Ev. 12, 13: PL 35, 1491).

(This question: What must I bring to a confession? is continued)