Home / How to go to confession
How to go to confession.
A step-by-step guide to the sacrament of Penance, with an examination of conscience and a traditional Act of Contrition. The official rite is summarised from the Catechism and linked, not copied.
Coming back after a long time? Start with How confession works now, a gentle lesson for returning Catholics.
Before you go
The Church asks that confession be prepared for by an examination of conscience made in the light of the Word of God, for example the Sermon on the Mount and the apostolic teachings. CCC 1454 Most parishes list confession times on their website or bulletin, and you can ask a priest for an appointment. See Find a parish.
An examination of conscience
1. Exodus 20:3
“Thou shalt not have strange gods before me.”
Have I made time for God in prayer? Have I put money, success, pleasure or anything else in God’s place? Have I turned to superstition or the occult? Catechism: CCC 2084-2141
2. Exodus 20:7
“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.”
Have I used God’s name carelessly or in anger? Have I sworn falsely? Catechism: CCC 2142-2167
3. Exodus 20:8
“Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath day.”
Have I missed Mass on Sundays or holy days of obligation without a serious reason? Have I kept Sunday as a day for God, rest and family? Catechism: CCC 2168-2195
4. Exodus 20:12
“Honour thy father and thy mother.”
Have I respected and cared for my parents and family? Have I respected legitimate authority? Catechism: CCC 2197-2257
5. Exodus 20:13
“Thou shalt not kill.”
Have I harmed anyone in body or soul, or harmed my own life and health? Have I held on to hatred or refused to forgive? Catechism: CCC 2258-2330
6 and 9. Exodus 20:14 Exodus 20:17
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” “Neither shalt thou desire his wife.”
Have I been unfaithful in thought, word or action? Have I used pornography or deliberately dwelt on impure thoughts? Catechism: CCC 2331-2400 CCC 2514-2533
7 and 10. Exodus 20:15 Exodus 20:17
“Thou shalt not steal.” “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house.”
Have I taken or kept what is not mine, or been dishonest at work or with money? Have I been envious or greedy? Have I neglected the poor? Catechism: CCC 2401-2463 CCC 2534-2557
8. Exodus 20:16
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”
Have I lied, gossiped, or damaged someone’s good name? Catechism: CCC 2464-2513
Jesus summed up the Law in two commandments: love of God with your whole heart, and love of neighbour as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39
What happens in confession
The Catechism lists the elements the celebration ordinarily has: a greeting and blessing from the priest; a reading of the word of God to illuminate the conscience, and an exhortation to repentance; the confession of your sins; the imposition and acceptance of a penance; the priest’s absolution; and a prayer of thanksgiving and praise, with dismissal and blessing. CCC 1480
A simple way to begin, from the Baltimore Catechism No. 1 (1885, public domain): “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It is (say how long) since my last confession.” Then tell your sins. If you are unsure what to do, just say so; the priest will help you.
All mortal sins you are aware of after a careful examination should be confessed. CCC 1456 The Church says that when the faithful strive to confess all the sins they can remember, they place all of them before the divine mercy for pardon. CCC 1456
God, the Father of mercies, through the death and the resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
The Act of Contrition
Contrition is sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again. CCC 1451 The priest will ask you to express it. This traditional prayer is one approved way:
O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, 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 confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.
Afterwards
Do the penance the priest gives you. Absolution takes away sin, but it does not remedy all the disorders sin has caused, which is why the penitent makes satisfaction, also called penance. CCC 1459 It can consist of prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service of neighbour or voluntary self-denial. CCC 1460
Reconciliation “is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation.” CCC 1468
The seal
Every priest who hears confessions is bound under very severe penalties to keep absolute secrecy regarding the sins confessed to him; this secret admits of no exceptions and is called the sacramental seal. CCC 1467
The official rite
The full liturgical text is the Rite of Penance. Its approved English translation is copyrighted, so we summarise it from the Catechism instead of copying it. Read more from official sources: