Examination of conscience. It is very important to spend time BEFORE entering confession to think of the sins you need to confess. Have you broken any of the commandments? Do you wish you would have done something differently? Make a list. Write your sins on a piece of paper if you need to. If you don’t already know the things you want to confess when you enter the confessional, you are not ready.Also, the vast majority of sins that are brought to confession are venial sins (minor sins that do not need to be sacramentally absolved). Remember, only mortal sins (serious acts done with full knowledge and consent of the will) need to be confessed. Bad thoughts, getting angry, and experiencing temptation usually are not mortal sins.
Have contrition (sorrow). Sorrow for your sins indicates that you want to change and do better next time. The priest can not offer absolution to a person who clearly lacks contrition or intends to commit the same sin again.
Resolve to avoid sin and the near occasion of sin in the future. The intention to commit the same sin again shows a lack of contrition and the priest cannot offer absolution in these cases. Nevertheless, do not wait until you have “fixed”the problem before coming to confession.
Confess YOUR sins to the priest, openly and honestly. You should not offer a lengthy explanation of you sins unless the priest asks. DO NOT CONFESS THE SINS OF OTHERS or focus on their actions - this is about your actions. If you forget to confess a sin, it is still forgiven unless you intentionally withhold it from the priest. Also, remember that this is CONFESSION, not counseling - try to avoid asking for advice, especially if there is a line. If you want to have a longer conversation with the priest you can make an appointment to see him outside of confession. It should only take a few minutes to make a good confession of your sins.
Receive absolution and do the penance the priest gives you. Do not expect the priest to give you a lengthy counseling session, especially if others are waiting to confess.