The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt, 1669

You may also call the Parish Office to schedule an appointment.

The priest may greet you. If he does not, begin with the Sign of the Cross.

You may begin by saying, “Bless me father, for I have sinned. It has been [amount of time] since my last confession. In that time, I have committed the following sins:”

Then, tell the priest the about the mortal sins you have committed, both the kind of sin and the number of times.

You may also wish to confess any venial sins you have committed.

The priest may ask you some questions about the circumstances of your sins, and give you some advice. Or he may not.

The priest will then assign you a penance (a certain number of prayers to say, most likely), and invite you to make an Act of Contrition.

Act of Contrition:

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 most good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

– or –

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to good, I have sinned against You, whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with the help of Your grace, 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. Amen.

Then the priest will give you absolution and wish you well.