The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as penance or confession, was instituted by Christ when the Risen Lord greeted his frightened Apostles in the Upper Room on the day of his Resurrection. He said to them, “Peace be with you. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (see John 20:19-23). In this sacrament of healing love, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, we seek forgiveness and repentance, let go of patterns of sin, grow in the life of virtue, and witness to a joyful conversion. The Church sees confession as so important that she requires that every Catholic go at least once a year.
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)?
Together, you and the priest will make the Sign of the Cross. 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.”
Confess all your sins to the priest. If you are unsure what to say ask the priest for help.
Pray an Act of Contrition, or simply and sincerely say, in your own words, how sorry you are for your sins.
The priest will propose an act of penance. This might be prayer, a work of mercy, or an act of charity. Then he will extend his hands over you and pronounce the words of absolution, to which you respond, “Amen.”
The priest will conclude the sacrament, often saying, “Go in peace.”