Sacrament of Reconciliation

Before you go to confession, pray to the Holy Spirit, Blessed Virgin Mary, all the Saints and our Guardian Angel, say the Act of Contrition, pray for the Confessor, read Psalms 51 and the Gospel of St. Luke 15:11-24.

Make a thorough examination of conscience by checking over the Ten Commandments of God, the Five Commandments of the Catholic Church; the Christian values; and duties of your state in life are essential for a good confession.

After you have made a thorough examination of conscience and written down all the sins reminded by the Holy Spirit, enter the confessional box. You may kneel or sit on a chair

Bless me father for I have sinned. (Receive the blessing with a Sign of the Cross.)

I confess to Almighty God, to Blessed Mary ever Virgin, to all the Saints, and to you father, that I have sinned.

My last confession was on ........; By the grace of God, I received absolution, performed my penance and went to Holy Communion.

Introduce yourself (this is to enable the priest to understand the background and context of your sins and give the best advice.)

I accuse myself of all the sins of my past life. (Mention all the sins reminded by the Holy Spirit.)

For these and all the sins of my past life, I am heartily sorry because I have thereby offended my Father in Heaven and deserved His chastisements. I humbly ask pardon of God and absolution and penance of you, father.

Listen to the priest for his words of advice and forgiveness ie. he will absolve you of all your sins and give you the penances (prayers)to do.

Make the Sign of the Cross with the priest and leave the confessional box. Say the penances that he advised you.

Say the prayers after Confession and thank God for His infinite mercy.