Confession Sins List: A Comprehensive Guide
The Sacrament of Confession (also known as Reconciliation or Penance) is a vital practice in the Catholic Church, offering the faithful a way to be forgiven for their sins, reconciled with God, and renewed in grace. But many Catholics wonder:
👉 What sins should I confess?
👉 Are there examples of sins to say at confession?
👉 What are the most commonly confessed sins?
This guide offers a clear, practical list of sins to confess at confession, real examples of sins, and the top 10 most confessed sins—all aimed at helping you grow in spiritual clarity and peace.
🛐 Steps of a Proper Catholic Confession
Before exploring specific sins, here’s a quick overview of the confession process:
- Examination of Conscience – Reflect prayerfully on your actions, thoughts, and omissions.
- Contrition – Feel genuine sorrow for your sins and desire not to repeat them.
- Confession – Verbally admit your sins to a priest.
- Absolution – Receive forgiveness through the priest, who acts in persona Christi.
- Penance – Accept and complete the act or prayer assigned by the priest.
📋 List of Sins to Confess at Confession (Examples by Category)
Below is a categorized list of sins that are commonly confessed. This includes both mortal and venial sins.
🟥 Mortal Sins (Must Be Confessed If Committed Knowingly and Willingly)
- Skipping Sunday Mass without serious reason
- Sexual activity outside of marriage (fornication, adultery)
- Use of pornography or masturbation
- Abortion or assisting in an abortion
- Hatred or serious unforgiveness
- Theft or fraud of serious nature
- Getting drunk or using illegal drugs
- Blasphemy or deliberate profanation of holy things
- Physical abuse or violence
- Occult practices (tarot, witchcraft, ouija boards)
🟨 Venial Sins (Recommended but not strictly required)
- Gossip or unkind speech
- Impatience or anger
- White lies or half-truths
- Laziness or procrastination in duties
- Jealousy or envy
- Judgmental thoughts
- Failing to pray regularly
- Wasting time or resources
- Minor disobedience
- Excessive vanity or pride
🔟 Top 10 Most Confessed Sins (According to Priests and Surveys)
| Rank | Sin |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Impure thoughts or actions (including pornography) |
| 2️⃣ | Missing Sunday Mass or Holy Days of Obligation |
| 3️⃣ | Lying (from small lies to serious deceit) |
| 4️⃣ | Gossip or speaking badly about others |
| 5️⃣ | Impatience, anger, or losing temper |
| 6️⃣ | Masturbation |
| 7️⃣ | Using the Lord’s name in vain |
| 8️⃣ | Disrespect toward parents or authority |
| 9️⃣ | Envy or jealousy |
| 🔟 | Failing to pray or neglecting spiritual duties |
These sins may seem "ordinary," but repeated venial sins can dull the conscience and lead to more serious spiritual damage over time.
✅ Examples of Sins to Say at Confession (Sample Phrases)
Sometimes it's hard to put our sins into words. Here are ways to express them clearly and respectfully:
- “I have used God’s name in vain several times.”
- “I’ve looked at inappropriate images and committed impure acts.”
- “I’ve missed Mass without a valid reason.”
- “I gossiped about my coworkers/friends.”
- “I harbored resentment and have not forgiven someone.”
You do not need to list every detail—only the type of sin and approximate frequency.
✝️ Types of Confession in the Catholic Church
- Individual Confession – One-on-one with a priest; most common and recommended.
- Communal Penance Services – In groups, often during Lent or Advent, followed by individual confession.
- General Confession – A comprehensive review of sins over a long period (e.g., before a major life change).
🌿 Spiritual Benefits of Frequent Confession
- Complete forgiveness of mortal sins
- Healing of guilt and anxiety
- Strength to resist future temptation
- Deeper relationship with God
- Restoration of peace and joy in the soul
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…”
(1 John 1:9)
📌 Tips for a Good Confession
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Examine your conscience prayerfully | Helps identify sins honestly |
| Be clear and honest | The priest can give better guidance |
| Express real sorrow | Contrition is required for forgiveness |
| Accept the penance humbly | It helps repair the damage of sin |
| Make a firm purpose of amendment | Shows intention to change and grow in holiness |
🙏 Final Thoughts: Confessing with Confidence
Whether it's your first confession or your hundredth, remembering the list of sins to confess at confession and reflecting on examples of sins to say can lead to spiritual renewal and deeper peace. Don’t be afraid—God waits to forgive, heal, and restore through this beautiful sacrament.
FAQs Confession Sins List
What is a confession sins list?
A confession sins list is a list of sins that a person has committed and confesses to a priest during the sacrament of Penance.
Why do Catholics confess their sins?
Catholics confess their sins to receive absolution from a priest. Absolution is the forgiveness of sins granted by God through the priest.
What are the benefits of confession?
Confession is a powerful sacrament that can help Catholics to grow in holiness and to draw closer to God. It washes away venial sins, restores sanctifying grace lost through mortal sin, and reconciles the penitent with the Church.
How often should I go to confession?
The frequency of confession varies from person to person. Some Catholics go to confession weekly, while others go less frequently. It is important to go to confession regularly, especially if you have committed serious sins.
What should I do before going to confession?
Before going to confession, you should examine your conscience and identify the sins that you have committed. You should also make a resolution to avoid these sins in the future.
What should I say to the priest during confession?
During confession, you should tell the priest the sins that you have committed. You do not need to confess every single sin, but you should confess any sins that are serious or that have caused you particular distress.
What happens after I confess my sins?
After you confess your sins, the priest will give you absolution. The priest will also typically assign you a penance to do. The penance is a prayer or a good work that helps you to make amends for your sins.