“Bless me Father for I have sinned. I forget what to say and how long it’s been since my last confession!”
Always remember that the priest will help you through this Great Sacrament of Mercy. Don’t stay away because you forget the “how to”. Examine your conscience and bring your desire to be forgiven! Come renew & strengthen your soul!
Rite of Reconciliation
PREPARE
Prepare for reconciliation by praying and examining your conscience.
ENTER
Enter the reconciliation room. Either kneel behind the screen or walk around it and sit in the chair across from Father.
WELCOME
Say hello Father or Father will say some welcoming words.
BEGIN
Make the Sign of the Cross and say,
- BLESS ME FATHER, FOR I HAVE SINNED. IT’S BEEN ________ SINCE MY LAST CONFESSION. (If you don’t remember, tell Father that you don’t remember.)
LISTEN
The Priest may read God’s Word from the Bible.
CONFESS
Next, confess your sins. Speak to Father in a normal, conversational fashion.
As you confess your sins, Father may ask you some questions to help you think about your sins and why you committed them. He may talk to you and give you some advice. You may ask appropriate questions if you don’t understand something he says. Father will give you a penance to do. This could be some prayers to say or something to do.
ACT OF CONTRITION
Father will ask you to say that you are sorry for your sins. At this time, you should say an Act of Contrition. There are many different versions. Below are 2 examples:
- 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. Amen
- Oh my God, I am sorry for my sins. In choosing to sin, and failing to do good I have sinned against You and Your Church. I firmly intend, with the help of Your Son, To make up for my sins and to love as I should. Amen
ABSOLUTION
If you are not kneeling, you must bow your head as Father gives you absolution by the power given to him by God. He will extend either his right hand or both hands over you while he says the words of absolution. He will make the sign of the cross.
You should make the sign of the cross, too, and reply AMEN
DISMISSAL
Father will then say words of dismissal. After this you may leave the reconciliation room.
It is polite to say THANK YOU, FATHER.
PENANCE AND PRAYERS
Remember to do the penance that Father gave you.