Questions / Confession and the sacraments

How often should I go to confession?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Catholic Answers

Video: How often should I go to confession?, Catholic Answers Live, published Jan 19, 2015. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: Serious sins at least once a year, and the Church strongly recommends going regularly for everyday stuff too. CCC 1457 CCC 1458

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

Each of the faithful is obliged to confess serious sins at least once a year. CCC 1457

Confession of everyday faults is not strictly necessary but strongly recommended. CCC 1458

Our words

Once a month is a good rhythm for a lot of people. Whatever you pick, don’t let fear keep you away. It’s a place of mercy.

Short on time? Quick answer · 2 min

Play video: How Often Should I Go to Confession? | Catholic Advice, Jason Evert, from Jason Evert, 2 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Video: How Often Should I Go to Confession? | Catholic Advice, Jason Evert, published May 18, 2022. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube only when you press play.

Watch another on this

Play video: How to Go to Confession (COMPLETE Step-by-Step Catholic Guide), Ascension Presents, from Ascension Presents, 6 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

How do I go to confession?

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Sources on this page

How we know · 2 Catechism paragraphs

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1457, 1458 (official text on vatican.va).

Stone & Incense restates Church teaching in plain words and cites every teaching claim. Our own wording is not an official Church text. Found a mistake? Report an errorCorrections.