Confession Guide

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

How to Go to Confession

1

Examination of Conscience

Prayerfully reflect on your sins since your last confession, using the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes as a guide.

2

Contrition

Be genuinely sorry for your sins — not merely from fear of punishment, but out of love for God.

3

Resolution to Amend

Firmly resolve not to sin again and to avoid the near occasions of sin.

4

Confess Your Sins

Kneel before the priest. Make the Sign of the Cross and say: 'Bless me Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was [time] ago.' Then confess your sins clearly and honestly.

5

Receive Absolution

The priest will give you a penance and absolve you. Respond: 'Amen.' The Act of Contrition is prayed at this point.

6

Complete Your Penance

Immediately complete any prayers or acts assigned as your penance. Then thank God for His mercy.

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Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.

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Examination of Conscience

Reflect on each commandment before your confession.

I

I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before me.

Have I neglected prayer or Mass?

Have I placed money, pleasure, or success above God?

Have I practiced superstition or the occult?

II

You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.

Have I used God's name carelessly or as a curse?

Have I broken solemn oaths or promises?

III

Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.

Have I missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days without serious reason?

Have I done unnecessary servile work on Sunday?

IV

Honor your father and your mother.

Have I been disrespectful or disobedient to parents?

Have I neglected care for elderly or sick family members?

V

You shall not kill.

Have I harbored hatred, anger, or desire for revenge?

Have I caused harm through reckless actions?

Have I failed to care for my own health?

VI

You shall not commit adultery.

Have I entertained impure thoughts or desires willingly?

Have I been immodest in dress or behavior?

Have I been unfaithful in marriage?

VII

You shall not steal.

Have I taken what belongs to another?

Have I cheated in business or work?

Have I failed to return borrowed items?

VIII

You shall not bear false witness.

Have I lied, gossiped, or spread rumors?

Have I damaged another's reputation unjustly?

IX

You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.

Have I entertained lustful thoughts about another?

Have I sought entertainment that leads to impure desires?

X

You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.

Have I been envious of others' possessions or blessings?

Have I been ungrateful for what God has given me?