The Sacrament of Penance (also called “Confession” or “the Sacrament of Reconciliation”) is a great gift through which we receive the mercy, forgiveness and peace of Christ, as well as the graces we need to make changes in our life.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Great Sacrament of God’s Mercy
“May the Lord Jesus welcome you.
He came to call sinners, not the just. Have confidence in him.”
1. Spend a brief while in preparation by completing an Examination of Conscience.
2. As you enter the confessional the priest will welcome you, and you and the priest will make the Sign of the Cross out loud together (even if you can’t see one another.)
3. The priest may share a consoling word, reminding you how much God loves you and that God’s mercy is unlimited.
4. The priest invites you to confess your sins: BEGIN BY SAYING:
Bless me Father for I have sinned; my last confession was ___ (weeks, months or years ago) and these are my sins. (Here name your sins and how many times you committed each.)
You may conclude by saying I am sorry for these and all my sins, especially sins of ________. (You may name a sin with which you have particular difficulty.)
5. The priest will give you a penance (a sign of your resolution to do better, or something to help repair the harm caused by sin) and ask you to make an Act of Contrition: See Link
6. The priest will offer sacramental absolution (the Church’s prayer of forgiveness) and conclude with a prayer of praise and thanks. “Go in peace.”
7. You leave the confessional and complete your penance.