How to Make a Good Confession
Steps in the Rite of Reconciliation
The penitent may confess face to face with the priest or privately behind a screen.
The priest will welcome you and invite you to make the Sign of the Cross. It will be helpful for the priest to know a little about you if he doesn’t already, and the time of your last confession. You many choose to begin with the traditional opening, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (weeks, months, years) since my last confession.” Relax. Be at ease. The priest is there to help you experience Gods’ mercy.
Confess your sins in your own words to the priest. An appropriate way to conclude is by saying. “I am sorry for these and all the sins of my past life.” The priest will help you from there.
After you have confessed your sins to the priest, he will give you encouragement for your moral and spiritual growth. The priest then gives you a penance2which may include a brief prayer2and asks you to make an act of contrition. Then the priest absolves you from your sins. After this you may leave the confessional.
Complete the penance the priest gives you. Thank God for his mercy. Promise yourself and God that you will try to avoid these sins in the future. Talk to God and ask for his help especially in avoiding temptations2those near occasions of sin.