How to Make a Fruitful Confession

Apr 25, 2026

A lively sermon on making confession truly effective. It covers why penance matters, the three requirements for valid confession, and dangers of lax modern practice. Practical guidance is given on examination of conscience, avoiding occasions of sin, and finding a steady confessor. The talk also explains true sorrow, making necessary sacrifices, and how to fulfill penances promptly.

01:16:41

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ANECDOTE

Hospital Chaplaincy Revealed Many Dying Without Confession

Father Isaac Mary Raleigh recounts hospital chaplaincy showing many dying without sacraments after long absence.
He describes patients who've been away 25 years wanting communion but unable to recall last confession.

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ADVICE

Give Approximate Frequencies When You Don't Know Counts

If you cannot recall exact counts, tell the confessor approximate frequency and let him guide you.
Father Isaac Mary Raleigh recommends priests help estimate number of times and species to give proper penance.

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INSIGHT

Steady Confessor Heals Scruples Rooted In Pride

Scruples are often rooted in pride and can be relieved by a steady, strict confessor.
Father Isaac Mary Raleigh explains steady confessors diagnose prominent vices and give firm remedies to break scrupulous cycles.

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Confession's Importance for All Catholics

00:11 • 52sec

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Post‑Conciliar Damage to the Sacraments

01:03 • 3min

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Our Lady of Good Success on Penance

03:37 • 2min

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Perfect Contrition vs. Sacrament

05:54 • 2min

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Priests' Role and the Need for Priests

08:04 • 2min

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Sacrilege and the Hospital Ministry Crisis

09:47 • 2min

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Condemning Modern Erroneous Absolution

11:49 • 3min

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Three Integral Parts of Penance

15:10 • 5min

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Grace, Merit, and Restoration After Sin

19:49 • 2min

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Three Obligations of the Penitent

21:26 • 2min

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Preparation: Examination of Conscience

23:20 • 2min

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Overcoming Scruples with a Steady Confessor

25:29 • 8min

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General Confession When Changing Life

33:17 • 2min

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Nature and Necessity of True Sorrow

34:56 • 5min

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Signs of Genuine Contrition

39:34 • 7min

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Perfect and Imperfect Contrition Explained

46:51 • 2min

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Three Conditions for Purpose of Amendment

48:30 • 5min

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Occasions of Sin: Proximate vs Remote

53:38 • 2min

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Absolution Requires Removing Occasions

55:16 • 4min

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Making Necessary Occasions Remote

59:19 • 2min

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Extreme Remedies and Cutting Off Scandal

01:00:52 • 1min

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How to Make an Entire Confession

01:02:14 • 3min

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Humility and Respect in the Confessional

01:05:04 • 3min

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Avoiding Lies and Disguised Confessions

01:08:01 • 2min

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Penance: Purpose and Proper Prescription

01:09:32 • 2min

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Practical Guidance on Fulfilling Penance

01:11:53 • 58sec

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Timing and Completing Penance Promptly

01:12:51 • 33sec

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Recommendation: Frequent Confession and a Confessor

Guide For Confessors From The Praxis Confessorii Of St Alphonsus Liguori

Guide for Confessors

St. Alphonsus Liguori

St. Alphonsus Liguori's Praxis Confessorii is a foundational pastoral manual offering thorough guidance to confessors on moral theology, the sacrament of penance, and the spiritual care of penitents. It covers how to examine consciences, distinguish sins, assign suitable penances, and lead penitents toward true contrition and amendment. The work aims to form both prudent and compassionate confessors who can guide souls to reconciliation and growth in virtue. Over centuries it has been highly influential in Catholic pastoral practice and remains a standard reference for priests and those studying confessional ministry. Its practical prescriptions and moral reasoning have made it a touchstone for traditional confessors and spiritual directors.

St. Alphonsus’ Daily Meditations and Readings for Every Day of the Year

St. Alphonsus Liguori

St. Alphonsus Liguori's daily meditations compile short reflections and prayers for each day of the year aimed at deepening the reader's interior life and commitment to virtue. Grounded in Thomistic and Catholic devotional spirituality, the meditations address themes such as contrition, mortality, growth in charity, and practical means for overcoming vice. They have been used for centuries by priests and laity seeking structured daily spiritual reading that cultivates repentance and perseverance. The entries are practical and pastoral, often prompting acts of contrition and concrete resolutions to avoid occasions of sin. For those preparing for frequent confession or striving for sanctity, these meditations serve as a steady companion in spiritual formation.

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• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Douay-Rheims Bible

(D-R)

The Douay-Rheims Bible is an English translation of the Bible made from the Latin Vulgate. It was translated by members of the English College, Douai, under the direction of Cardinal William Allen. The New Testament was published in Rheims in 1582, and the Old Testament was published in Douai in 1609–1610. It was the standard English Bible used by Catholics for over 300 years. The Douay-Rheims Bible is known for its formal style and its adherence to the Latin Vulgate text.

In this sermon Father teaches us how to make a truly fruitful confession, emphasizing that the sacrament of penance is a necessary means of salvation after mortal sin. He explains in detail the required elements of a valid confession—contrition, confession, and satisfaction—while warning against modern errors, laxity, and misuse of the Sacrament. We must avoid sin, especially occasions of sin, to cultivate true sorrow, and to seek a regular confessor in order to grow in grace and reach heaven.

Links, Reading Material, and Books:

Guide For Confessors From The Praxis Confessorii Of St Alphonsus Liguori
(Leather-bound) Douay-Rheims Bible
(Paperback) Douay-Rheims Bible
St. Alphonsus’ Daily Meditations and Readings for Every Day of the Year

"Video" versions of the podcasts are posted to Odysee, Rumble and sometimes on YouTube (The censors at YouTube don't like Father's preaching so we're not posting everything because we don't want his channel nuked).

To financially support the work of Fr. Isaac you can donate to him via the following: Mailing address

If you would like to mail a card, letter, or donation to Father Isaac you can do so at the following address:

Franciscan Friars of Our Lady of Good Success
974 E Stuart Ave STE D
Box 203
Galax, VA 24333

Checks should be made out to "Franciscan Friars of Our Lady of Good Success" which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and donations are tax deductible.

To submit questions for future episodes send email to [email protected] -- for emails SPECIFICALLY for Father and ONLY for Father, send emails to [email protected]

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