1. The priest begins with the Sign of the Cross.
2. Tell the priest how long it has been since your last confession.
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (days/months/years) since my last confession.”
3. Share your sins with the priest. Don’t worry about being judged, or shocking the priest. He is there in the person of Christ, who is overjoyed you’ve come to receive his mercy!
It takes a great deal of courage to come to confession. Know that anything you share in confession can never be shared outside of it.
When you finish, say, “I’m sorry for these and all my sins.”
4. Listen as the priest speaks. He may offer you guidance and a penance to complete. The penance might be a prayer or an action.
4. Listen as the priest speaks. He may offer you guidance, and will give a penance to complete. The penance might be a certain prayer or an act of service.
5. When prompted, pray an 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.”
6. The priest prays the prayer of absolution. By the power of the Holy Spirit, your sins are washed away. Close with the sign of the cross.
7. When you leave: Take time to thank God for his mercy, and to complete your penance (if possible).