Going to Confession
BEFORE CONFESSION
1-PRAY - Ask God to give you knowledge of your sins and courage to confess them.
2-PREPARE - Reflect on the ways that you have harmed your relationship with God, others, and yourself. Consider using an Examination of Conscience to guide you.
DURING CONFESSION
3-GREETING - Make the Sign of the Cross Say: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (give days, months, or years) since my last confession.”
4-CONFESSION - Confess all your sins to the priest. If you are unsure what to say, ask the priest for help. When you are finished, say: “I am sorry for these and all my sins.”
5-PENANCE - The priest will propose an act of penance, like a prayer, a work of mercy, or an act of charity. He might also counsel you on how to better live a Christian life
6-ACT OF CONTRITION - Say an Act of Contrition, expressing sorrow for your sins and resolving to leave sin behind. For example: “Lord Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, for I have sinned. Amen.”
7-ABSOLUTION - The priest forgives you on behalf of Jesus with the Prayer of Absolution.
AFTER CONFESSION
1-GRATITUDE - Take a moment in prayer to thank God for his mercy.
2- PENANCE - Do the assigned penance.
3- RESOLVE - Recommit to living for God and away from sin. Share the mercy you have received with others.
*N.B. While a non-Catholic can seek guidance, only a Baptized Roman Catholic can receive confession and absolution