Confession, Penance and Reconciliation
I. WHAT IS THIS SACRAMENT CALLED?
1423 It is called the sacrament of conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus' call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father5 from whom one has strayed by sin.
It is called the sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner's personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction.
1424 It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man.
It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest's sacramental absolution God grants the penitent "pardon and peace."6
It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: "Be reconciled to God."7 He who lives by God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brother."8
Additional Reading: Sacrament of Penance from the Catholic Encyclopedia or Lord, Have Mercy by Scott Hahn
Basic Steps for Confession
Confession begins with an Examination of Conscience and sorrow for your sins.
After examining your conscience and telling God of your sorrow, go into the confessional. You may kneel at the screen or sit to talk face-to-face with the priest.
Once you are ready to come to confession, the basic steps are:
Say "Bless me Father for I have sinned. It had been __weeks/moths/years since me last confession."
The priest may read a passage from scripture or offer a prayer here.
Confess your sins. The sin and number of times is generally all that is listed. If you have any questions, ask the priest and he will help you.
Say "I am sorry for these and all my sins."
The priest will assign a penance and may offer advice.
Say an Act of Contrition. You can choose from those below if you like.
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 are 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.
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.
O my God, I am sorry for my sins because I have offended you. I know I should love you above all things. Help me to do penance, to do better, and to avoid anything that might lead me to sin. Amen.
The priest will absolve you.
As you listen to the words of forgiveness you may make the sign of the cross with the priest. If he closes by saying, "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good," answer, "His mercy endures forever."
Complete your penance.