Went to my first confession in about 15 years today.. what a weight off my shoulders.
I’m a 29 year old cradle Catholic who drifted from the faith shortly after my confirmation in my high school years. My priorities were all wrong and I just left God behind. I returned to Mass a few months ago after feeling the pull of the Holy Spirit and gave myself time to perform a sincere examination of conscience and finally went to confession today.
I was trembling with nerves and shame as I listed mortal sin after mortal sin but the priest spoke to me with such gentleness and from a place of love and compassion. He forgave the sins I confessed and all sins i’ve committed (just in case i remembered something afterwards, which was another relief). I was reminded of what confession is all about, receiving Gods forgiveness and rebuilding your relationship with God. I am so thankful for Gods mercy and I still have so much work to do but I feel good about the path I’m on.
Unfortunately, I still can’t receive the eucharist since my wife (she’s non-religious) and I married outside of the church during my absence from God but I’m excited she’s on board with convalidation and getting married in the church, we’re working on those steps already! Next on the calendar is baptizing our baby this summer!