Has it been a while since your last confession?

Do not fear!

See the step-by-step confession guide below as well as some resources to the right. We are so glad you are here. If you are nervous - don't worry! The priest is there to help!

1. Prepare
Before going to confession, take some time to prepare. Begin with prayer, and reflect on your life since your last confession. How have you—in your thoughts, words, and actions— neglected to live Christ’s commands to “love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your  mind,” and to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:37, 39)?
As a help with this “examination of conscience,” you might review the Ten Commandments or the Beatitudes (See resources)

2. Greeting
The priest will welcome you; he may say a short blessing or read a Scripture passage.  

3. The Sign of the Cross
 Together, you and the priest will make the Sign of the Cross "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."  You may then begin your confession with these or similar words: “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, conclude with these or similar words: “I am sorry for these and all my sins.”

5. Penance
The priest will propose an act of penance (penance is the word that describes our actions to repair the damage left by sin - see CCC 1459). The penance might be 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
After the priest has conferred your penance, pray an Act of Contrition, expressing sorrow for your sins and resolving to sin no more. While there are many versions of the Act of Contrition, feel free to use one similar to the one below:
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. (Rite of Penance, no. 45)

7. Absolution
The priest will extend his hands over your head and pronounce the words of absolution. You respond, “Amen.”

8. Praise
The priest will usually praise the mercy of God and will invite you to do the same. For example, the priest may say, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.” And your response would be, “His mercy endures for ever” (Rite of Penance, no. 47). 

9. Dismissal
The priest will conclude the sacrament, often saying, “Go in peace.”