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The sacrament of Penance (confession) is the ordinary way by which a person receives the forgiveness
of serious sins. Catholics who are conscious of grave sin must confess their sins at least annually.
However, frequent confession is strongly encouraged as a means of overcoming sins and growing in
holiness.
See the confession schedule.
How to go to Confession:
Enter the confessional when the green light is on above the confessional.
Kneel down behind the screen if you wish to remain anonymous or sit in the chair if you wish to
confess face-to-face.
Begin by saying: Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been about __________ since my last
confession.
Continue by listing your sins. Catholics are obligated to confess serious or mortal sins in
kind and number, meaning that some indication should be given of the frequency and the seriousness
of the sin. Catholics are also encouraged to confess less serious or venial sins.
When you have finished listing your sins, say: For these and all my sins, I ask forgiveness.
The priest will offer some advice or encouragement and will give you a penance to be performed
after you finish your confession. The priest will ask you to make an act of contrition using this
or another acceptable formula:
O my God,
I am heartily sorry for having offended you.
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.
The priest will give you absolution. The priest may say, Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.
You respond, For his mercy endures forever.
The priest may say, The Lord has forgiven you of your sins. Go in peace.
You respond, Thanks be to God.
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