Locate the nearest priest by contacting your local Catholic church, or use http://www.masstimes.org if you need help finding a church.  If you're not Catholic, contact a church and ask how you can enter unity with the Church so you can go to Confession and be nourished by the Sacraments.  Jesus is waiting for you with open arms.

 

When you go to Confession, you have the option of remaining behind a screen or sitting in a chair across from the priest.  If you are worried, just say you need some guidance, and he will understand.  When you are finished confessing your sins, the priest might give some advice or counseling.  You can also ask him questions about areas of your life you need help with.  Then you will say a prayer of repentance, and if you need help the priest might have a copy of one that you can use.  The priest will say the absolution where you will hear Jesus' words, "I absolve you from your sins."  Receive God's mercy.  The priest will ask you to do something good, this is called "penance."  The penance is an opportunity to correct for past wrongs and is a way to express love and devotion to God because of your thankfulness for mercy.  A common penance is a simple act of kindness, or a prayer.

 

Churches usually have a specific time each week when the priest is scheduled to be in the confessional available for Confession.  You can contact the local church to find out the time reserved for Confession.  It is anonymous, and no appointment is needed.  If you prefer to make an appointment for another time, you may do that by calling the church.  An appointment can be helpful if you would like more time to talk with the priest in greater depth.

 

Usually Confessions are heard in a small room called a "confessional" or a "reconciliation room."  Priests can hear your confession anywhere and at any time, as long as there is enough privacy so that no one else overhears.  Confidentiality is of utmost importance.  The priest is forbidden from ever telling anyone what you said in Confession.  This seal is so sacred that there have been priests in history who have given their lives rather than reveal what has been forgiven in Confession.