EXAMINATIONS OF CONSCIENCE: CHRISTMAS IS COMING! PREPARE BY CONFESSING YOUR SINS DURING ADVENT.

Christmas is coming!!!!

But first we must prepare:

Celebrate Advent, a penitential season.

During Advent let us all be sure to get to confession at least once so that we can receive Our Lord at Christmas in a state of grace.

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Take an hour or so and examine your conscience.

Here are some brief thoughts and links to great resources:

 From the New Marian Missal (Veritas Press)

The importance of making a good confession.

“Whoever you are, Christian reader, that designs to approach to the holy sacrament of Penance, remember that you are going to undertake a work on the good performance of which, more than any other duty, your eternal welfare depends.”

 Link:  Examination of Conscience through Faith, Hope and Charity.

Father Hardon provides practical norms for making our daily examination of conscience. Follow these principles and you're guaranteed to grow in the spiritual life.

As we read the Spiritual Exercises, we may be overwhelmed by the minute detail of St. Ignatius' treatment of what he calls the particular examination of conscience. At the same time, he is careful to provide, "Some Notes on Scruples." It is very important, therefore, that we form a clear and correct conscience. This means that we cultivate a sensitive judgment which is alert to the least offense against the Divine will and, at the same time, protect ourselves against the wiles of the evil spirit.

Examination of Conscience - FATHER JOHN A. HARDON, S.J   http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/examination-of-conscience.html

Link:  A Detailed Catholic Examination of Conscience

It's important for a good Catholic examination of conscience to be thorough. This will help you learn about things that you may not be aware of. It's also a chance to develop your conscience. This is a critical aid for the beginning Catholic.
To make an examination:

• Set aside some quiet time for reflection.
• Start by praying to the Holy Spirit, asking for help in making a good examination to prepare for Confession.
• Read through the items on this list and honestly reflect on your behavior for each item.
• If necessary, take this list or some brief notes (keep them private!) to Confession to help you remember things.

A Catholic examination of conscience traditionally follows the outline of the Ten Commandments and the Precepts of the Catholic Church.

 A Detailed Catholic Examination of Conscience   --  From beingCatholic.com  http://www.beginningcatholic.com/catholic-examination-of-conscience.html

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Oh my God,
I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee.

I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee my God who art all good and deserving of all my love.

I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy Grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin.

Amen.