How To Make A Good Confession

How to Make a Good Confession
Confession is not difficult, but it does require preparation.

We should begin with prayer, placing ourselves in the presence of God, our loving
Father. We seek healing and forgiveness through repentance and a resolve to sin
no more.
Then we review our lives since our last confession, searching our thoughts, words,
and actions for that which did not conform to God’s command to love him and one
another through his laws and the laws of his Church.
This is called an examination of conscience.
To make an examination of conscience:

• Begin with a prayer asking for God’s help.
• Review your life with the help of some questions, which are based on the Ten
Commandments (see next page).
• Tell God how truly sorry you are for your sins.
• Make a firm resolution not to sin again.
Rite of Reconciliation
Reconciliation may be face-to-face or anonymous, with a screen between you and
the priest. Choose the option that is the most comfortable for you.
1. The priest gives you a blessing or greeting. He may share a brief Scripture
passage.
2. Make the Sign of the Cross and say, “Bless me, father, for I have sinned. My
last confession was [give the number of weeks, months, or years].”
3. Confess all of your sins to the priest. The priest will help you to make a good
confession. If you are unsure about how to confess or you feel uneasy, just ask
him to help you. Answer his questions without hiding anything out of fear or
shame. Place your trust in God, a merciful Father who wants to forgive you.
4. Following your confession of sins, say, “I am sorry for these and all of my sins.”
5. The priest assigns you a penance and offers advice to help you be a better
Catholic.
6. Say an Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow for your sins. The priest,
acting in the person of Christ, then absolves you from your sins.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church • 1775 Grove Street Glenview, IL 60025 • 847.729.1525 • www.olphglenview.org
Questions for Examination of Conscience, Act of Contrition
Examination of Conscience
Recall your sins. Prayerfully ask yourself what you have done
with full knowledge and full consent against God’s and the
Church’s commandments.
• Do I pray to God every day? Have I thanked God for his

gifts to me?
• Did I put my faith in danger through readings contrary to
Catholic teachings or involvement in non-Catholic sects?
Did I engage in superstitious practices: palm reading or
fortune-telling?
• Did I take the name of God in vain? Did I curse or take a
false oath?
• Did I miss Mass on Sundays or holy days of obligation
through my own fault? Am I attentive at Mass? Did I keep Act of Contrition
fast and abstinence on the prescribed days?
• Did I disobey my parents and lawful superiors in important God, I am heartily sorry for
matters?
having offended you, and I
• Did I hate or quarrel with anyone, or desire revenge? Did I
refuse to forgive? Was I disrespectful? detest all my sins because I
• Did I get drunk? Did I take illicit drugs? dread the loss of heaven and
• Did I consent to, recommend, advise, or actively take part the pains of hell; but most of
in an abortion?
all because they offend you,
• Did I willfully look at pornography, entertain impure
thoughts, or engage in impure conversations or actions? my God, who are all good
Did I use artificial means to prevent conception?
and deserving of all my love.
• Was I unfaithful to my spouse? Did I engage in sexual
activity outside of marriage? I firmly resolve with the help
• Did I steal or damage another’s property? Have I been of your grace to confess my
honest and just in my business relations?
sins, do penance, and to
• Have I been responsive to the needs of the poor and
respected the dignity of others? amend my life.
• Did I tell lies? Did I sin by calumny, or detraction, of
others? Did I judge others rashly in serious matters? Amen.
• Have I envied other people?
Text excerpted from: The Light Is On ForYou © 2012 Archdiocese of Washington and Diocese of Arlington.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church • 1775 Grove Street Glenview, IL 60025 • 847.729.1525 • www.olphglenview.org

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How to Make a Good Confession

Confession is not difficult, but it does require preparation.

To make an examination of conscience:

• Do I pray to God every day? Have I thanked God for his

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