After you have examined your conscience, go to the priest.
Make the Sign of the Cross.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then say,
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been
since my last confession.
Proceed to list your mortal sins first, followed by venial ones. Mention the number or
frequency of each sin committed.
If you do not know whether a sin is mortal or venial, ask the priest.
Listen to the priest for whatever counsel he may judge appropriate. If you have any
questions about the faith, how to grow in holiness, or whether something is a sin, feel
free to ask him. Then the priest will assign you a penance.
Pray the Act of Contrition when the priest tells you.
Oh my God, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you. Because you are so good,
and with your help and grace, I will not sin again. Amen
Listen as the priest absolves you of your sins and enjoy the fact that God has truly
freed you from all your sins. Responding to the priest’s absolution, you say
Amen.
The priest may conclude with a dismissal, and you may respond with something
appropriate, such as Thanks be to God.
Do the penance the priest assigns you.
If you forget to confess a mortal sin, you are still forgiven, but must mention it the
next time you go to confession.
Confession is an act of honesty and courage – an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to
the mercy of a loving and forgiving God.
