Rite of Reconciliation

* Greet the priest

* Make the Sign of the Cross

* Listen as the priest prays

* Read from or listen to the Word of God (optional)

* Confess your sins (Mention how long it has been since your last confession. For mortal sin, tell how often it has occurred)

* Speak about anything that is troubling you

* Listen to the priest's advice

* Accept your penance

* Pray an act of contrition (You may use your own words, the act of contrition on this web site, or the following:

   "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 art

   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."

* Receive absolution, silently making the Sign of the Cross. Respond, "Amen."

* Proclamation of praise and dismissal:

    Priest: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

    Response: His mercy endures forever.

* Say, "Thank you, Father."

Spend some time in prayer and thanksgiving.

DO YOUR PENANCE!