Reconciliation
Come experience God's mercy and forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation.
Examination of Conscience
Before you go to confession, it's important to make a good examination of conscience. Click here for a list of good resources.
How to go to Confession
The Sacrament of Reconciliation may be face-to-face or anonymous, with a screen between you and the priest. Choose the option that is the most comfortable for you.
Begin your confession
When you enter the confessional, the priest will give you a blessing or greeting. Make the Sign of the Cross and say, "Bless me Father for I have sinned, It has been [____ days, weeks, years] since my last confession."
Confess your sins
Confess all of your mortal sins to the priest in number and kind. Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful.
After you have confessed all of your sins
Say "For these and all my sins, I ask for forgiveness." The priest will then offer you advice to help you be a better Catholic, such as how to better work with the graces that God is giving you in your life, or ways to combat your weaknesses or habitual sin. He will then assign a penance.
Say an Act of Contrition
This is a way of expressing your sorrow for your sins.
Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins
because of your just punishments; but most of all because they offend you,
my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help
of your grace to sin no more and avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
Absolution
The priest, acting in the person of Christ, then absolves you from your sins.
Penance
After your confession is heard and the priest absolves you of your sins. Complete your penance given to you by the priest as soon as you are able.
