What is Confession and How Do We Do It? (Explained for Kids)
In this Juice Box episode, families will learn what confession is, what happens inside the confessional, and how kids can feel calm and confident before they go.
How to Go to Confession for Kids (Simple Steps)
Confession is a sacrament, a special way God gives us grace. It’s where we tell God we’re sorry (out loud) and He forgives us and helps us start fresh. It’s also called the Sacrament of Reconciliation because it brings us back close to God.
Before you go, you do an Examination of Conscience, which is just a quiet moment to think about your choices (it’s not a test). In confession, you say, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned,” share what you’re sorry for, listen to the priest, and say an Act of Contrition (you can read it or say it in your own words).
Then the priest gives absolution (God forgives you) and a penance, which is not a punishment, but a small “remember God’s love” step.
For kids, confession is a brave, peaceful reset: come with a messy heart and leave clean because God is always happy you showed up.
Key Takeaways
- Confession is not a “dungeon”, and it’s not about getting in trouble. It’s about being forgiven and starting fresh.
- The Examination of Conscience is a simple check-in: “Was I kind? Did I tell the truth? Did I listen? Did I hurt someone?” (not a test).
- The basic steps are easy: walk in (or sit near the priest), say “Bless me, Father…,” share what you’re sorry for, listen, and pray your sorry prayer.
- The priest won’t be mad, and you don’t need perfect words. If you forget something, it’s okay; bring it next time.
- No sin is “too big” for God’s mercy, and saying things out loud helps us be honest and brave.
- You’ll leave with a penance (a small helpful step) and the best news: God forgives you, every time.
Episode Summary
A lot of kids think confession is going to be scary, like you’re walking into trouble. This episode flips that idea fast: confession isn’t a punishment zone, it’s a “God helps me start fresh” zone.
We learn what confession actually is (a sacrament), and why saying sorry out loud can be a good thing. Not because the priest replaces God, he doesn’t, but because God uses priests to help us hear forgiveness clearly and safely. (And yes: the priest can never tell anyone what you said.)
Then the episode turns confession into simple, doable steps. You prep with an Examination of Conscience, walk in, say the confession “hello,” share what you’re sorry for, listen to the priest, pray the Act of Contrition (even in your own words), and receive absolution. You leave forgiven, with a small penance that helps you remember God’s love.
Episode Highlights
Transcript
[00:00:00 --> 00:00:02] Ah! Stop it! (whimsical music)
[00:00:02 --> 00:00:05] No, please. I'm too young.
[00:00:05 --> 00:00:07] Some kids think that during a confession
[00:00:07 --> 00:00:09] is like going to the dungeon.
[00:00:10 --> 00:00:12] I have a family.
[00:00:12 --> 00:00:13] But it's actually not.
[00:00:13 --> 00:00:14] (video warbling)
[00:00:14 --> 00:00:17] (groovy music)
[00:00:17 --> 00:00:19] You don't even look mad.
[00:00:19 --> 00:00:22] Our friend here is about to do something very important
[00:00:22 --> 00:00:25] and something he's a little nervous about.
[00:00:25 --> 00:00:27] He's going to his first confession.
[00:00:27 --> 00:00:30] (dramatic music) (child gasping)
[00:00:30 --> 00:00:31] "Juice Box."
[00:00:31 --> 00:00:33] (animation popping) (children giggling)
[00:00:33 --> 00:00:35] If it's not a torture dungeon.
[00:00:35 --> 00:00:36] What is confession?
[00:00:36 --> 00:00:38] Confession is a sacrament.
[00:00:38 --> 00:00:41] I should take notes.
[00:00:41 --> 00:00:43] Sacrament. (pen scratching)
[00:00:43 --> 00:00:47] A sacrament is a special way that God gives us His grace.
[00:00:47 --> 00:00:49] Special way (pen scratching)
[00:00:49 --> 00:00:51] God helps us.
[00:00:51 --> 00:00:55] In confession, we say that we're sorry out loud
[00:00:55 --> 00:00:56] and God forgives us
[00:00:56 --> 00:00:58] and then we get to start afresh.
[00:00:58 --> 00:01:01] So it's not about getting in trouble?
[00:01:01 --> 00:01:03] No. It's about being forgiven.
[00:01:03 --> 00:01:06] It's also called reconciliation
[00:01:06 --> 00:01:09] because in reconciliation, we become closer to God.
[00:01:09 --> 00:01:12] No dungeon. - Draw a heart there
[00:01:12 --> 00:01:13] in your notebook.
[00:01:13 --> 00:01:16] (pen scratching) (gentle music)
[00:01:16 --> 00:01:18] Now scribble on it.
[00:01:18 --> 00:01:20] (pen scratching)
[00:01:20 --> 00:01:21] Come on, give it some more scribbles.
[00:01:21 --> 00:01:23] (pen scratching)
[00:01:23 --> 00:01:25] Oh no. - That's what sin does.
[00:01:25 --> 00:01:28] Confession is when God cleans it.
[00:01:28 --> 00:01:30] So I can bring in my messy heart
[00:01:30 --> 00:01:32] and God will clean it?
[00:01:32 --> 00:01:35] Exactly. Come messy and leave clean.
[00:01:35 --> 00:01:36] All clean. (gentle music continues)
[00:01:36 --> 00:01:37] (video chiming)
[00:01:37 --> 00:01:39] Okay. That feels less scary.
[00:01:39 --> 00:01:42] Good, because it shouldn't be scary.
[00:01:42 --> 00:01:43] What if I forget what to say?
[00:01:43 --> 00:01:45] What if I say the wrong thing?
[00:01:45 --> 00:01:47] What if the priest is mad?
[00:01:47 --> 00:01:48] What if I'm the worst kid ever?
[00:01:48 --> 00:01:50] Whoa, whoa, whoa.
[00:01:50 --> 00:01:51] Let's, let's slow down.
[00:01:51 --> 00:01:53] How do I know what to say?
[00:01:53 --> 00:01:56] That's where the examination of conscience comes in.
[00:01:56 --> 00:02:00] Examination of conscience. (pen scratching)
[00:02:00 --> 00:02:02] Hey, is this a test?
[00:02:02 --> 00:02:04] Nope, it's a quiet moment where you think about
[00:02:04 --> 00:02:07] how you love God and others.
[00:02:07 --> 00:02:09] Thinking about (pen scratching)
[00:02:09 --> 00:02:10] my choices.
[00:02:11 --> 00:02:13] You can ask yourself questions like...
[00:02:13 --> 00:02:14] Did I listen (animation popping)
[00:02:14 --> 00:02:16] to my parents and teachers?
[00:02:16 --> 00:02:18] Did I tell the truth? (animation popping)
[00:02:18 --> 00:02:20] Did I hurt someone (animation popping)
[00:02:20 --> 00:02:21] with my words?
[00:02:21 --> 00:02:22] Did I say that (animation popping)
[00:02:22 --> 00:02:23] I was sorry?
[00:02:23 --> 00:02:24] Did I pray (animation popping)
[00:02:24 --> 00:02:26] even a little?
[00:02:26 --> 00:02:27] I remember something. (animation binging)
[00:02:27 --> 00:02:28] Let me write that down.
[00:02:28 --> 00:02:31] It looks like your conscious is working great.
[00:02:31 --> 00:02:32] (bright music) (video binging)
[00:02:32 --> 00:02:34] What if I forget something?
[00:02:34 --> 00:02:37] Well, if you forget something, that's okay.
[00:02:37 --> 00:02:38] God's not grading you.
[00:02:38 --> 00:02:41] If you remember something, then you can bring it back
[00:02:41 --> 00:02:42] to your next confession.
[00:02:42 --> 00:02:45] Not a test. (pen scratching)
[00:02:45 --> 00:02:47] What if the priest gets mad?
[00:02:47 --> 00:02:48] (transition chiming) (priest groaning)
[00:02:48 --> 00:02:51] (child crying)
[00:02:51 --> 00:02:51] (transition chiming)
[00:02:51 --> 00:02:54] Ugh, I, I promise. I promise.
[00:02:54 --> 00:02:56] I've never been mad at confession.
[00:02:56 --> 00:02:59] Never? - Never.
[00:02:59 --> 00:03:01] I'm always happy when kids go to confession
[00:03:01 --> 00:03:03] and most importantly, so is God.
[00:03:03 --> 00:03:05] Priest won't (pen scratching)
[00:03:05 --> 00:03:08] get mad.
[00:03:08 --> 00:03:10] What if the sin is just too big?
[00:03:12 --> 00:03:15] God's mercy is bigger than any sin.
[00:03:15 --> 00:03:17] Even the really big ones?
[00:03:17 --> 00:03:19] Especially the really big ones.
[00:03:19 --> 00:03:22] There's no sin that God's scared of.
[00:03:22 --> 00:03:24] He's heard all of them.
[00:03:24 --> 00:03:25] (gentle music)
[00:03:25 --> 00:03:27] (box clattering) - Oops.
[00:03:27 --> 00:03:28] That sin was really heavy.
[00:03:28 --> 00:03:30] I'm glad to get rid of it.
[00:03:30 --> 00:03:32] No sin is to big (pen scratching)
[00:03:32 --> 00:03:33] for God.
[00:03:33 --> 00:03:36] Well, it seems weird I have to tell you.
[00:03:36 --> 00:03:38] No offense, you seem very nice.
[00:03:38 --> 00:03:40] None taken. (groovy music)
[00:03:40 --> 00:03:45] Why can't I just tell God I'm sorry. Like directly.
[00:03:45 --> 00:03:47] Doesn't He hear our prayers?
[00:03:47 --> 00:03:48] Hello God. Are you here?
[00:03:48 --> 00:03:50] God hears every call,
[00:03:50 --> 00:03:54] but he knows something really important about us.
[00:03:54 --> 00:03:55] What does he know? (groovy music continues)
[00:03:55 --> 00:03:58] He knows that it's really hard to be honest
[00:03:58 --> 00:04:00] unless we say things out loud.
[00:04:00 --> 00:04:03] Like when I say sorry out loud
[00:04:03 --> 00:04:05] and not just in my head?
[00:04:05 --> 00:04:06] Exactly.
[00:04:06 --> 00:04:07] When you say your sins out loud,
[00:04:07 --> 00:04:10] you're being brave and truthful.
[00:04:10 --> 00:04:13] Even if it's r-really awkward?
[00:04:13 --> 00:04:16] Especially if it's really awkward.
[00:04:16 --> 00:04:17] When you go to confession,
[00:04:17 --> 00:04:19] I'm not replacing God.
[00:04:19 --> 00:04:22] God gave priests a special job.
[00:04:22 --> 00:04:23] Okay. (groovy music continues)
[00:04:23 --> 00:04:26] He trusts us to listen, to keep your confession safe
[00:04:26 --> 00:04:29] and help you hear His forgiveness out loud.
[00:04:29 --> 00:04:34] So you're kinda like God's telephone confession answerer?
[00:04:34 --> 00:04:35] I help you hear God say
[00:04:35 --> 00:04:37] (character speaking gibberish)
[00:04:37 --> 00:04:37] you are forgiven.
[00:04:37 --> 00:04:39] And no matter what you say,
[00:04:39 --> 00:04:42] I can never tell anyone else, ever.
[00:04:42 --> 00:04:43] Oh. (transition chiming)
[00:04:43 --> 00:04:47] (character speaking gibberish)
[00:04:50 --> 00:04:52] Thanks God. (transition chiming)
[00:04:52 --> 00:04:55] Okay, I think I'm ready. Let's do this.
[00:04:55 --> 00:04:57] (dramatic music)
[00:05:10 --> 00:05:12] Let's do this.
[00:05:12 --> 00:05:15] Alright, Father, give me the mission.
[00:05:15 --> 00:05:16] Step one, (animation popping)
[00:05:16 --> 00:05:20] walk into the confessional or sit down next to the priest.
[00:05:20 --> 00:05:21] That was easy. (groovy music)
[00:05:21 --> 00:05:22] Two. (animation popping)
[00:05:22 --> 00:05:25] Say the special confession "Hello."
[00:05:27 --> 00:05:30] Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.
[00:05:30 --> 00:05:31] Did I say it right?
[00:05:31 --> 00:05:34] You're doing great. - Then do I say the stuff?
[00:05:34 --> 00:05:35] Yep. (animation popping)
[00:05:35 --> 00:05:38] Go ahead and tell God the things you are sorry for.
[00:05:38 --> 00:05:40] Good thing I wrote these down.
[00:05:40 --> 00:05:44] (character speaking gibberish)
[00:05:47 --> 00:05:49] Thank you for being honest.
[00:05:49 --> 00:05:52] That wasn't terrible. What now?
[00:05:52 --> 00:05:54] Now you've listen. (animation popping)
[00:05:54 --> 00:05:56] Sometimes the priest gives you advice.
[00:05:56 --> 00:05:58] Sometimes he'll give you encouragement.
[00:05:58 --> 00:06:02] Sometimes he'll give you a reminder that God loves you.
[00:06:02 --> 00:06:06] God still loves me. (pen scratching)
[00:06:06 --> 00:06:08] Oh no. Isn't there a prayer now?
[00:06:08 --> 00:06:10] What if I forget it? - Oh no.
[00:06:10 --> 00:06:11] D-don't worry.
[00:06:11 --> 00:06:13] You can either read it off of your notes
[00:06:13 --> 00:06:15] or you can say it in your own words.
[00:06:15 --> 00:06:18] Oh, phew. Let's give it a go.
[00:06:18 --> 00:06:22] God, I'm sorry for the things I've done wrong.
[00:06:22 --> 00:06:24] Please help me do better.
[00:06:24 --> 00:06:26] Amen. What happens now?
[00:06:26 --> 00:06:28] The priest forgives you (groovy music continues)
[00:06:28 --> 00:06:28] and then the priest (animation popping)
[00:06:28 --> 00:06:30] will raise his hand and say a prayer
[00:06:30 --> 00:06:33] saying that God forgives all of your sins.
[00:06:33 --> 00:06:36] All of them? - All of them.
[00:06:36 --> 00:06:37] Your sins are forgiven.
[00:06:37 --> 00:06:38] You've got a squeaky clean heart.
[00:06:38 --> 00:06:41] Am I grounded? - No.
[00:06:41 --> 00:06:43] The priest will give you a penance,
[00:06:43 --> 00:06:44] which isn't a punishment.
[00:06:44 --> 00:06:46] A penance is something small
[00:06:46 --> 00:06:48] that helps you remember God's love.
[00:06:48 --> 00:06:51] It might be a prayer you have to do
[00:06:51 --> 00:06:53] or something nice to do for someone else,
[00:06:53 --> 00:06:54] or maybe the priest will ask you
[00:06:54 --> 00:06:56] to read something from the Bible.
[00:06:56 --> 00:06:58] That's it? - That's it.
[00:06:58 --> 00:07:00] And whenever you feel lost
[00:07:00 --> 00:07:02] or you're not sure what to say, don't worry.
[00:07:02 --> 00:07:04] The priest will help you walk right through it.
[00:07:04 --> 00:07:05] (upbeat music)
[00:07:05 --> 00:07:09] I thought confession was scary. (vocalizing)
[00:07:09 --> 00:07:10] Now I know exactly what to do.
[00:07:11 --> 00:07:13] And God is always happy you came.
[00:07:13 --> 00:07:16] I gotta tell my friends about this confession thing.
[00:07:16 --> 00:07:17] Key points. (animation popping)
[00:07:17 --> 00:07:20] Confession is not a dungeon. (animation popping)
[00:07:20 --> 00:07:21] That's very important. (bright music)
[00:07:21 --> 00:07:24] God hears me when I pray. (animation popping)
[00:07:24 --> 00:07:26] And he forgives you every time.
[00:07:26 --> 00:07:27] Saying things out loud (animation popping)
[00:07:27 --> 00:07:29] helps me to be honest.
[00:07:30 --> 00:07:32] Confession is a sacrament, (animation popping)
[00:07:32 --> 00:07:35] which means it's a special way God helps me.
[00:07:35 --> 00:07:38] Confession cleans my heart (animation popping)
[00:07:38 --> 00:07:40] and helps me start fresh.
[00:07:40 --> 00:07:41] Confession brings me (animation popping)
[00:07:41 --> 00:07:43] closer to God. (bright music continues)
[00:07:43 --> 00:07:45] I've that underlined twice.
[00:07:45 --> 00:07:48] Confession is not scary. (animation popping)
[00:07:48 --> 00:07:50] It's mercy.
[00:07:50 --> 00:07:51] You don't have to be perfect.
[00:07:52 --> 00:07:53] You just have to show up.
[00:07:53 --> 00:07:54] (transition chiming)
[00:07:54 --> 00:07:56] Does this help you?
[00:07:56 --> 00:07:59] And you want more videos that help explain the faith?
[00:07:59 --> 00:08:02] You can so subscribe! (vocalizing)
[00:08:02 --> 00:08:03] And watch with your family.
[00:08:03 --> 00:08:05] See you next time.
[00:08:05 --> 00:08:08] (video boinking)
[00:08:08 --> 00:08:09] "Juice Box."
[00:00:02 --> 00:00:05] No, please. I'm too young.
[00:00:05 --> 00:00:07] Some kids think that during a confession
[00:00:07 --> 00:00:09] is like going to the dungeon.
[00:00:10 --> 00:00:12] I have a family.
[00:00:12 --> 00:00:13] But it's actually not.
[00:00:13 --> 00:00:14] (video warbling)
[00:00:14 --> 00:00:17] (groovy music)
[00:00:17 --> 00:00:19] You don't even look mad.
[00:00:19 --> 00:00:22] Our friend here is about to do something very important
[00:00:22 --> 00:00:25] and something he's a little nervous about.
[00:00:25 --> 00:00:27] He's going to his first confession.
[00:00:27 --> 00:00:30] (dramatic music) (child gasping)
[00:00:30 --> 00:00:31] "Juice Box."
[00:00:31 --> 00:00:33] (animation popping) (children giggling)
[00:00:33 --> 00:00:35] If it's not a torture dungeon.
[00:00:35 --> 00:00:36] What is confession?
[00:00:36 --> 00:00:38] Confession is a sacrament.
[00:00:38 --> 00:00:41] I should take notes.
[00:00:41 --> 00:00:43] Sacrament. (pen scratching)
[00:00:43 --> 00:00:47] A sacrament is a special way that God gives us His grace.
[00:00:47 --> 00:00:49] Special way (pen scratching)
[00:00:49 --> 00:00:51] God helps us.
[00:00:51 --> 00:00:55] In confession, we say that we're sorry out loud
[00:00:55 --> 00:00:56] and God forgives us
[00:00:56 --> 00:00:58] and then we get to start afresh.
[00:00:58 --> 00:01:01] So it's not about getting in trouble?
[00:01:01 --> 00:01:03] No. It's about being forgiven.
[00:01:03 --> 00:01:06] It's also called reconciliation
[00:01:06 --> 00:01:09] because in reconciliation, we become closer to God.
[00:01:09 --> 00:01:12] No dungeon. - Draw a heart there
[00:01:12 --> 00:01:13] in your notebook.
[00:01:13 --> 00:01:16] (pen scratching) (gentle music)
[00:01:16 --> 00:01:18] Now scribble on it.
[00:01:18 --> 00:01:20] (pen scratching)
[00:01:20 --> 00:01:21] Come on, give it some more scribbles.
[00:01:21 --> 00:01:23] (pen scratching)
[00:01:23 --> 00:01:25] Oh no. - That's what sin does.
[00:01:25 --> 00:01:28] Confession is when God cleans it.
[00:01:28 --> 00:01:30] So I can bring in my messy heart
[00:01:30 --> 00:01:32] and God will clean it?
[00:01:32 --> 00:01:35] Exactly. Come messy and leave clean.
[00:01:35 --> 00:01:36] All clean. (gentle music continues)
[00:01:36 --> 00:01:37] (video chiming)
[00:01:37 --> 00:01:39] Okay. That feels less scary.
[00:01:39 --> 00:01:42] Good, because it shouldn't be scary.
[00:01:42 --> 00:01:43] What if I forget what to say?
[00:01:43 --> 00:01:45] What if I say the wrong thing?
[00:01:45 --> 00:01:47] What if the priest is mad?
[00:01:47 --> 00:01:48] What if I'm the worst kid ever?
[00:01:48 --> 00:01:50] Whoa, whoa, whoa.
[00:01:50 --> 00:01:51] Let's, let's slow down.
[00:01:51 --> 00:01:53] How do I know what to say?
[00:01:53 --> 00:01:56] That's where the examination of conscience comes in.
[00:01:56 --> 00:02:00] Examination of conscience. (pen scratching)
[00:02:00 --> 00:02:02] Hey, is this a test?
[00:02:02 --> 00:02:04] Nope, it's a quiet moment where you think about
[00:02:04 --> 00:02:07] how you love God and others.
[00:02:07 --> 00:02:09] Thinking about (pen scratching)
[00:02:09 --> 00:02:10] my choices.
[00:02:11 --> 00:02:13] You can ask yourself questions like...
[00:02:13 --> 00:02:14] Did I listen (animation popping)
[00:02:14 --> 00:02:16] to my parents and teachers?
[00:02:16 --> 00:02:18] Did I tell the truth? (animation popping)
[00:02:18 --> 00:02:20] Did I hurt someone (animation popping)
[00:02:20 --> 00:02:21] with my words?
[00:02:21 --> 00:02:22] Did I say that (animation popping)
[00:02:22 --> 00:02:23] I was sorry?
[00:02:23 --> 00:02:24] Did I pray (animation popping)
[00:02:24 --> 00:02:26] even a little?
[00:02:26 --> 00:02:27] I remember something. (animation binging)
[00:02:27 --> 00:02:28] Let me write that down.
[00:02:28 --> 00:02:31] It looks like your conscious is working great.
[00:02:31 --> 00:02:32] (bright music) (video binging)
[00:02:32 --> 00:02:34] What if I forget something?
[00:02:34 --> 00:02:37] Well, if you forget something, that's okay.
[00:02:37 --> 00:02:38] God's not grading you.
[00:02:38 --> 00:02:41] If you remember something, then you can bring it back
[00:02:41 --> 00:02:42] to your next confession.
[00:02:42 --> 00:02:45] Not a test. (pen scratching)
[00:02:45 --> 00:02:47] What if the priest gets mad?
[00:02:47 --> 00:02:48] (transition chiming) (priest groaning)
[00:02:48 --> 00:02:51] (child crying)
[00:02:51 --> 00:02:51] (transition chiming)
[00:02:51 --> 00:02:54] Ugh, I, I promise. I promise.
[00:02:54 --> 00:02:56] I've never been mad at confession.
[00:02:56 --> 00:02:59] Never? - Never.
[00:02:59 --> 00:03:01] I'm always happy when kids go to confession
[00:03:01 --> 00:03:03] and most importantly, so is God.
[00:03:03 --> 00:03:05] Priest won't (pen scratching)
[00:03:05 --> 00:03:08] get mad.
[00:03:08 --> 00:03:10] What if the sin is just too big?
[00:03:12 --> 00:03:15] God's mercy is bigger than any sin.
[00:03:15 --> 00:03:17] Even the really big ones?
[00:03:17 --> 00:03:19] Especially the really big ones.
[00:03:19 --> 00:03:22] There's no sin that God's scared of.
[00:03:22 --> 00:03:24] He's heard all of them.
[00:03:24 --> 00:03:25] (gentle music)
[00:03:25 --> 00:03:27] (box clattering) - Oops.
[00:03:27 --> 00:03:28] That sin was really heavy.
[00:03:28 --> 00:03:30] I'm glad to get rid of it.
[00:03:30 --> 00:03:32] No sin is to big (pen scratching)
[00:03:32 --> 00:03:33] for God.
[00:03:33 --> 00:03:36] Well, it seems weird I have to tell you.
[00:03:36 --> 00:03:38] No offense, you seem very nice.
[00:03:38 --> 00:03:40] None taken. (groovy music)
[00:03:40 --> 00:03:45] Why can't I just tell God I'm sorry. Like directly.
[00:03:45 --> 00:03:47] Doesn't He hear our prayers?
[00:03:47 --> 00:03:48] Hello God. Are you here?
[00:03:48 --> 00:03:50] God hears every call,
[00:03:50 --> 00:03:54] but he knows something really important about us.
[00:03:54 --> 00:03:55] What does he know? (groovy music continues)
[00:03:55 --> 00:03:58] He knows that it's really hard to be honest
[00:03:58 --> 00:04:00] unless we say things out loud.
[00:04:00 --> 00:04:03] Like when I say sorry out loud
[00:04:03 --> 00:04:05] and not just in my head?
[00:04:05 --> 00:04:06] Exactly.
[00:04:06 --> 00:04:07] When you say your sins out loud,
[00:04:07 --> 00:04:10] you're being brave and truthful.
[00:04:10 --> 00:04:13] Even if it's r-really awkward?
[00:04:13 --> 00:04:16] Especially if it's really awkward.
[00:04:16 --> 00:04:17] When you go to confession,
[00:04:17 --> 00:04:19] I'm not replacing God.
[00:04:19 --> 00:04:22] God gave priests a special job.
[00:04:22 --> 00:04:23] Okay. (groovy music continues)
[00:04:23 --> 00:04:26] He trusts us to listen, to keep your confession safe
[00:04:26 --> 00:04:29] and help you hear His forgiveness out loud.
[00:04:29 --> 00:04:34] So you're kinda like God's telephone confession answerer?
[00:04:34 --> 00:04:35] I help you hear God say
[00:04:35 --> 00:04:37] (character speaking gibberish)
[00:04:37 --> 00:04:37] you are forgiven.
[00:04:37 --> 00:04:39] And no matter what you say,
[00:04:39 --> 00:04:42] I can never tell anyone else, ever.
[00:04:42 --> 00:04:43] Oh. (transition chiming)
[00:04:43 --> 00:04:47] (character speaking gibberish)
[00:04:50 --> 00:04:52] Thanks God. (transition chiming)
[00:04:52 --> 00:04:55] Okay, I think I'm ready. Let's do this.
[00:04:55 --> 00:04:57] (dramatic music)
[00:05:10 --> 00:05:12] Let's do this.
[00:05:12 --> 00:05:15] Alright, Father, give me the mission.
[00:05:15 --> 00:05:16] Step one, (animation popping)
[00:05:16 --> 00:05:20] walk into the confessional or sit down next to the priest.
[00:05:20 --> 00:05:21] That was easy. (groovy music)
[00:05:21 --> 00:05:22] Two. (animation popping)
[00:05:22 --> 00:05:25] Say the special confession "Hello."
[00:05:27 --> 00:05:30] Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.
[00:05:30 --> 00:05:31] Did I say it right?
[00:05:31 --> 00:05:34] You're doing great. - Then do I say the stuff?
[00:05:34 --> 00:05:35] Yep. (animation popping)
[00:05:35 --> 00:05:38] Go ahead and tell God the things you are sorry for.
[00:05:38 --> 00:05:40] Good thing I wrote these down.
[00:05:40 --> 00:05:44] (character speaking gibberish)
[00:05:47 --> 00:05:49] Thank you for being honest.
[00:05:49 --> 00:05:52] That wasn't terrible. What now?
[00:05:52 --> 00:05:54] Now you've listen. (animation popping)
[00:05:54 --> 00:05:56] Sometimes the priest gives you advice.
[00:05:56 --> 00:05:58] Sometimes he'll give you encouragement.
[00:05:58 --> 00:06:02] Sometimes he'll give you a reminder that God loves you.
[00:06:02 --> 00:06:06] God still loves me. (pen scratching)
[00:06:06 --> 00:06:08] Oh no. Isn't there a prayer now?
[00:06:08 --> 00:06:10] What if I forget it? - Oh no.
[00:06:10 --> 00:06:11] D-don't worry.
[00:06:11 --> 00:06:13] You can either read it off of your notes
[00:06:13 --> 00:06:15] or you can say it in your own words.
[00:06:15 --> 00:06:18] Oh, phew. Let's give it a go.
[00:06:18 --> 00:06:22] God, I'm sorry for the things I've done wrong.
[00:06:22 --> 00:06:24] Please help me do better.
[00:06:24 --> 00:06:26] Amen. What happens now?
[00:06:26 --> 00:06:28] The priest forgives you (groovy music continues)
[00:06:28 --> 00:06:28] and then the priest (animation popping)
[00:06:28 --> 00:06:30] will raise his hand and say a prayer
[00:06:30 --> 00:06:33] saying that God forgives all of your sins.
[00:06:33 --> 00:06:36] All of them? - All of them.
[00:06:36 --> 00:06:37] Your sins are forgiven.
[00:06:37 --> 00:06:38] You've got a squeaky clean heart.
[00:06:38 --> 00:06:41] Am I grounded? - No.
[00:06:41 --> 00:06:43] The priest will give you a penance,
[00:06:43 --> 00:06:44] which isn't a punishment.
[00:06:44 --> 00:06:46] A penance is something small
[00:06:46 --> 00:06:48] that helps you remember God's love.
[00:06:48 --> 00:06:51] It might be a prayer you have to do
[00:06:51 --> 00:06:53] or something nice to do for someone else,
[00:06:53 --> 00:06:54] or maybe the priest will ask you
[00:06:54 --> 00:06:56] to read something from the Bible.
[00:06:56 --> 00:06:58] That's it? - That's it.
[00:06:58 --> 00:07:00] And whenever you feel lost
[00:07:00 --> 00:07:02] or you're not sure what to say, don't worry.
[00:07:02 --> 00:07:04] The priest will help you walk right through it.
[00:07:04 --> 00:07:05] (upbeat music)
[00:07:05 --> 00:07:09] I thought confession was scary. (vocalizing)
[00:07:09 --> 00:07:10] Now I know exactly what to do.
[00:07:11 --> 00:07:13] And God is always happy you came.
[00:07:13 --> 00:07:16] I gotta tell my friends about this confession thing.
[00:07:16 --> 00:07:17] Key points. (animation popping)
[00:07:17 --> 00:07:20] Confession is not a dungeon. (animation popping)
[00:07:20 --> 00:07:21] That's very important. (bright music)
[00:07:21 --> 00:07:24] God hears me when I pray. (animation popping)
[00:07:24 --> 00:07:26] And he forgives you every time.
[00:07:26 --> 00:07:27] Saying things out loud (animation popping)
[00:07:27 --> 00:07:29] helps me to be honest.
[00:07:30 --> 00:07:32] Confession is a sacrament, (animation popping)
[00:07:32 --> 00:07:35] which means it's a special way God helps me.
[00:07:35 --> 00:07:38] Confession cleans my heart (animation popping)
[00:07:38 --> 00:07:40] and helps me start fresh.
[00:07:40 --> 00:07:41] Confession brings me (animation popping)
[00:07:41 --> 00:07:43] closer to God. (bright music continues)
[00:07:43 --> 00:07:45] I've that underlined twice.
[00:07:45 --> 00:07:48] Confession is not scary. (animation popping)
[00:07:48 --> 00:07:50] It's mercy.
[00:07:50 --> 00:07:51] You don't have to be perfect.
[00:07:52 --> 00:07:53] You just have to show up.
[00:07:53 --> 00:07:54] (transition chiming)
[00:07:54 --> 00:07:56] Does this help you?
[00:07:56 --> 00:07:59] And you want more videos that help explain the faith?
[00:07:59 --> 00:08:02] You can so subscribe! (vocalizing)
[00:08:02 --> 00:08:03] And watch with your family.
[00:08:03 --> 00:08:05] See you next time.
[00:08:05 --> 00:08:08] (video boinking)
[00:08:08 --> 00:08:09] "Juice Box."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is confession in the Catholic Church for kids?
Confession is a sacrament where we tell God we’re sorry, and God forgives us. It’s also called Reconciliation because it brings us back close to God. It’s not about being punished, it’s about mercy and a fresh start.
How do kids prepare for confession?
Kids can do an Examination of Conscience, which is a quiet moment to think about their choices. You can ask simple questions like: “Was I kind or mean? Did I tell the truth? Did I listen? Did I hurt someone?” It’s not a test, just a helpful check-in.
What do you say when you start confession?
You can start with: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” If you’ve been before, you can also say when your last confession was (like last week, last month, or last year). If you get stuck, the priest will help you.
What if I forget what to say or forget a sin?
That’s okay. God isn’t grading you, and you don’t need perfect words. If you remember something later, you can bring it to your next confession.
What is penance, and is it a punishment?
Penance is not a punishment. It’s a small, helpful step, often a prayer or a kind action, that helps you remember God’s love and keeps you moving forward. Think “tiny mission,” not “grounded.”
What are the steps in going to confession?
Here’s a simple list you can follow:
- Pray before you go in
- Examine your conscience
- Walk in
- Enter and greet the priest
- Say how long it’s been since your last confession or if it's your first
- Say what you're sorry for
- Listen and receive your penance
- Pray the Act of Contrition
- Receive forgiveness
- Then do your penance
If your kids asked a big faith question this week, you’re not alone. Subscribe so you’ve always got a short, safe, Catholic video ready for car rides, bedtime, or Sunday prep.
Free Confession Worksheet for Kids
Help your child feel brave and ready for Confession with this fun, kid-friendly worksheet! It includes fill-in-the-blanks, a coloring activity, a simple prayer guide, a step-by-step guide to Confession, and even a fun maze to keep things light while they learn.
What's Inside:
Fill-in-the-blanks About Confession
Coloring Activity: What Is Confession
Prayer Guides
Step-by-Step Confession Guide
Fun Maze To Go Through
Perfect to use while watching the companion Juice Box video
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