Rite of Reconciliation

Reconciliation may be face-to-face or anonymous, with a screen between you and the priest.

Choose the option that is the most comfortable for you.

1. The priest gives you a blessing or greeting. He may share a brief Scripture passage.

2. Make the Sign of the Cross and say, “Bless me, father, for I have sinned. My last confession was [give the number of weeks, months, or years].”

3. Confess all of your sins to the priest. The priest will help you to make a good confession. If you are unsure about how to confess or you feel uneasy, just ask him to help you. Answer his questions without hiding anything out of fear or shame. Place your trust in God, a merciful Father who wants to forgive you.

4. Following your confession of sins, say, “I am sorry for these and all of my sins.”

5. The priest assigns you a penance and offers advice to help you be a better Catholic.

6. Say an Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow for your sins. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, then absolves you from your sins.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin.

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.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am sorry for my sins because I have offended you. I know I

should love you above all things. Help me to do penance, to do better, and

to avoid anything that might lead me to sin. Amen.