* the only ordinary way for the forgiveness of mortal sins committed after Baptism
* you must say "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It's been X days, months, or years since my last confession."
* do not be afraid to tell the priest your sins, he will not think differently of you
* if priests say your sins, they will be excommunicated and banned from the church
MY EXPERENCES personally I love confession, it clears my mind and get things off my chest. I feel like a new man when I walk out of confession. This is why confession is one of my favorite sacraments in the Catholic church.
My parish holds confession on Tuesdays (4:30-5:30)
minister: priest or bishop form: "God the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." matter: the individual's sins, contrition and confession, priestly words of absolution rite: the Act of Contrition is said, the priest absolves the person from their sins, and the person is given their Penance
REFERENCES Third Commandment Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.