“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (Jn 21:21-23).
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation -- also often referred to as Confession or Penance -- Jesus heals us of sin, which ruptures our relationship with God. He gives us special graces to resist sin in the future. In this sacrament, we celebrate the mercy of God, rooted in Jesus' words to the apostles.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available:
Despite the feelings of many Catholics who consider the sacrament of Reconciliation either unnecessary or frightening, that fact remains that few things could be more necessary for our salvation than this humbling sacrament. Many people have avoided celebrating the sacrament, sometimes for years at a time, because they “don’t know what to do.” More than anything, Reconciliation is an encounter with our loving God, who never ceases to desire us to know His mercy.
Review this article on how to go to confession
Reflect on this Examination of Conscience provided by the Archdiocese of New Orleans