Before You Go…
Examine your conscience, that is, reflect on what sins you have committed. The two documents below, open as pdfs in a new window so they can be printed.Examination of Conscience for Children
Examination of Conscience for Adults
It’s even alright to make a list to bring with you to confession if that helps.
1. Introduction
When you come before the priest, begin by making the Sign of the Cross (praying the words out loud), and continue by saying, “Bless me, Father, I have sinned. It has been (how long) since my last confession. These are my sins…”
2. Confession
List the sins you have committed that came to mind when doing your examination of conscience. Don’t be too general (like, “I haven’t been a good person”), but a lot of detail is not necessary either (you don’t need to tell the whole story of how a sin came about). If you’re not sure if something is a sin is, just ask the priest. This isn’t counseling, so unless you ask, the priest likely won’t give you advice. He’ll just move on to…
3. Penance
The priest will suggest something for you to do or pray as a response to God’s mercy. You’ll have to remember what this is and do it after the confession is over, so pay attention.
4. Contrition
The priest will then ask you to pray your “Act of Contrition,” demonstrating your sorrow for your sins. This needs to be prayed out loud for the priest to hear, but need not adhere exactly to one formula. Here is one example:
ACT OF CONTRITION
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against You whom I should love
above all things. I firmly intend, with your help,
to do penance, to sin no more, and
to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
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5. Absolution
Don’t get up to leave after that prayer, because the
best part is yet to come: the priest will extend his hands in your direction and he will pray the Prayer of Absolution: “God, the Father of Mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son, has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the ministry of the Church, may God grant you pardon and peace. And I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
You respond: Amen.
6. Conclusion
The priest will then likely say something like, “God has freed you from your sin. Go in Peace.” To which you can respond: “Thanks be to God.”
After You Leave…
Don’t forget to do your penance. If it is saying certain prayers, it’s best to do it right away in the church before you forget.
(From BustedHalo.com)
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