How to go to Confession

Before entering the confessional, collect your thoughts and try to recall all of your sins. The link below provides multiple different guides to help you examine your conscience.

Examinations of Conscience

Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind that I may clearly know my sins. Move my heart that I may be sincerely sorry for them, honestly confess them and firmly resolve to amend my life. Spirit of Wisdom, grant me to see the malice of sin and my ingratitude toward You, the all-loving God. Spirit of Fortitude, help me to make whatever sacrifice is needed to avoid sin in the future. Amen.

You will either have the option to go to confession face to face or behind the screen to remain anonymous.

The priest will greet you. You will make the sign of the cross. And then say, “Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been ( --- weeks, months, years) since my last confession. These are my sins.”

State your sins simply, honestly, and directly. Conclude by saying, "For these and all my sins, I am truly sorry."

He will usually offer some guidance and spiritual direction. He will then give you a penance, this can be a prayer, an act of service, or a scripture passage to read.

Recite the Act of Contrition out loud to express your sorrow.

The priest will extend his hands and pray the prayer of absolution. Make the Sign of the Cross and respond, "Amen."

Leave the confessional and perform your assigned penance promptly. You are forgiven.