How to Go

1. Prepare (Examination of Conscience). Spend some time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help you remember your sins.
2. Enter and begin. You can choose to confess by either kneeling behind the privacy screen or by sitting in the chair next to the priest. Make the Sign of the Cross and say: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” If you can remember, state how long it has been since your last confession.
3. Confess your sins. Confess mortal sins in kind and number; include serious venial sins you wish to confess.
4. Receive counsel and a penance. The priest may offer you spiritual guidance and will assign a penance.
5. Pray an Act of Contrition. The Act of Contrition is posted in the confessional:
   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.
6. Absolution. The priest extends his hand and prays the words of absolution. Make the Sign of the Cross and respond, “Amen.”
7. Complete your penance. As soon as possible. Feel free to enter one of the pews to pray, do penance and thank God for His infinite love and mercy.