Firstly examine your conscience, and then express your sorrow to Our Blessed Lord for your sins and ask Him to help you make a good Confession.
Enter the Confessional. Kneel and make the Sign of the Cross.
“In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
“Bless me Father for I have sinned. It is (about) …….. days / weeks / months / years since my last Confession.”
“During that time I have ………”
Every Mortal sin, including the number of times that you committed them, as far as you can remember must be confessed.
Then confess any venial sins highlighted in your examination of conscience.
If you can remember no sins since your last Confession, say so and express sorrow for your past sins and any you may have forgotten.
“For these and any sins which I can not now remember, I am truly sorry and beg God’s forgiveness.”
The Priest may give some advice. Listen for your Penance (You must remember this and complete it as soon as possible after leaving the Confessional). Say an Act of Contrition when asked to by the Priest:
“O my God, because You are so Good,
I am very sorry that I have sinned against You,
And with the help of Your Grace
I will not sin again.
Amen.”
Make the Sign of the Cross as the Priest absolves you from your sins.
When the Sacrament is finished, leave the Confessional, complete your Penance and make your Thanksgiving.
