Catholic Prayers

Pray, learn the Rosary, go to confession

Today's Mass Readings

The daily Scripture for today

Prayers Intentions Rosary Chaplet Confession

Going to Confession

Nervous, or haven't been in a while? That's okay — the priest is there to welcome you, not to judge you. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.

Before you go

Examine your conscience

Take a few quiet minutes to recall your sins since your last confession. Be honest and simple — God already knows; this is for your healing.

· How have I loved God — in prayer, at Mass, with reverence?
· How have I treated others — family, friends, strangers, the poor?
· Have I been honest, pure, patient, forgiving?
· What do I most need God's mercy for right now?

Say a prayer to begin

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you make a good confession.

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.

In the confessional

How it begins

Make the Sign of the Cross and say:

"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [time] since my last confession."

Then simply tell your sins. If you forget the words, the priest will gently help you.

Confess your sins

Tell the priest your sins simply and honestly. You don't need perfect words. When you're finished, you can say, "I am sorry for these and all my sins."

Listen, then pray the Act of Contrition

The priest may offer guidance and will give you a penance (a prayer or action). Then he'll ask you to express your sorrow — pray the 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.

Receive absolution

The priest extends God's forgiveness through the words of absolution. Your sins are truly forgiven. Respond "Amen." — and breathe. You are made new.

After

Do your penance + give thanks

Complete the penance the priest gave you, and thank God for His mercy. Many people feel a real lightness afterward. Welcome home.

Find a confession time near you