How to Go to Confession
(take this guide with you... it's okay, really)
Before You Go...
Examine your conscience, that is, reflect on what sins you have committed. To guide you, there is an examination of conscience adapted from the Rite of Penance, Appendix III.
Introduction
When you come before the priest, begin by making the Sign of the Cross (praying the words out loud), and continue by saying, "Bless me, Father, I have sinned. It has been (how long) since my last confession. These are my sins..."
Confession
List the sins you have committed that came to mind when doing your examination of conscience. Don't be too general (like, "I haven't been a good person"), but a lot of detail is not necessary either (you don't need to tell the whole story of how a sin came about). If you're not sure if something is a sin is, just ask the priest. The priest will usually give you some counsel on how to, with God's grace, avoid these sins.
Penance
The priest will suggest something for you to do or pray as a response to God's mercy. You'll have to remember what this is and do it after the confession is over, so pay attention.
Contrition
The priest will then ask you to pray your "Act of Contrition," demonstrating your sorrow for your sins. This needs to be prayed out loud for the priest to hear, but need not adhere exactly to one formula.
ACT OF CONTRITION
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
ACT OF CONTRITION
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
Absolution
Don't get up to leave after that prayer, because the best part is yet to come: the priest will extend his hands in your direction and he will pray the Prayer of Absolution: "God, the Father of Mercies, through the death and 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 grant 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. Amen." (Make the sign of the cross as the priest is absolving you.)
You respond: Amen.
You respond: Amen.
Conclusion
The priest will then likely say something like, "Go in Peace." To which you can respond: "Thanks be to God."
After You Leave...
Don't forget to do your penance. If it is saying certain prayers, it's best to do it right away in the church before you forget.