Confession guide
How to go to confession
Whether it has been a few weeks or many years, here is everything you need: what happens step by step, an examination of conscience, the Ten Commandments and the Act of Contrition.
Before you go
A few things to know
Find a time
Most parishes hear confessions on Saturday afternoon, and many add weekday times. Check the times for your area, or call the parish to ask for an appointment.
Prepare with an examination
Spend a few quiet minutes looking back honestly over your life since your last confession. Our examination of conscience can help.
Do not be afraid
Priests hear confessions every week and nothing you say will shock them. What you confess is protected by the seal of confession and can never be repeated.
What happens
Confession, step by step
You can usually choose to kneel behind a screen or sit face to face with the priest.
- Begin. Make the Sign of the Cross. The priest may offer a short blessing or read a brief passage from Scripture.
- Introduce yourself. Say, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [how long] since my last confession." If you are not sure, an estimate is fine.
- Confess your sins. Tell the priest your sins simply and honestly. Mention any serious sins and roughly how often. You do not need to tell long stories.
- Listen. The priest may offer some advice and will give you a penance, such as a prayer or a good work to do afterward.
- Pray the Act of Contrition. Tell God you are sorry. You can use the prayer below or your own words, and it is fine to read it from a card or your phone.
- Receive absolution. The priest prays the words of absolution. Make the Sign of the Cross and answer "Amen."
- Go in peace. Thank the priest, and complete your penance as soon as you can.
Prayer
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 occasion of sin. Amen.
This is the traditional form of the prayer. Your parish may use a newer version, and any sincere prayer of sorrow in your own words is also acceptable.
Catholic teaching
The Ten Commandments
The traditional catechism form, with a short note on what each commandment asks of us.
Prepare
Examination of conscience
Simple questions, organized by the commandments, to help you look back honestly before confession.