Confession in Ten Steps

Confession in Ten Steps

A Guide for Children

Conduct an Examination of Conscience

We examine our consciences to find out how we have loved God and others. We ask ourselves how we failed to keep God's commandments.

How Much Have I Loved God?

Have I remembered to speak to God in prayer each morning and evening? How well have I prayed?

Have I always used God's name with love and respect?

Have I celebrated the Eucharist on Sunday (or Saturday evening) and holy days? How well have I prayed and sung during Mass? Have I been on time?

Have I thanked God for his goodness and all he has given me?

Have I told God I was sorry when I sinned?

Have I asked God to help me?

How Much Have I Loved Others?

Have I obeyed my parents, teachers, and others who take their place? How have I shown them my love by my words and actions?

How have I cared for the gifts of life? Have I been kind to everyone in my family? To others? Have I hurt anyone by something I have said or done?

Have I been peaceful? Have I kept from hitting other people and animals?

Have I shown respect for my body and those of others? Have my thoughts, words, and actions been pure?

How well have I cared for all that God has given me? Have I been careful with or damaged the things of others?

Have I been honest? Have I returned what I borrowed? Have I taken something that was not mine?

Have I spoken the truth? Have I kept the secrets of others? Have I kept all my promises?

Go into the confessional; if there is a door, close it. If you are going to confession fact-to-face, sit down on the chair. If you are going to confession with the screen, kneel down.

The priest will say: "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

You make the sign of the cross while he says this.

Then you begin by saying: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned."

Next, you say: "It has been ____ since my last confession."

You continue: "These are my sins:"

Then you tell the priest your sins--those that you remember because of the Examination of Conscience that you made in Step 1.

After telling the priest your sins, you say: "I am truly sorry for these and for all of my sins."

The priest may then say a few words to you. Listen to him.

The priest will next give you a penance (usually a prayer).

If he simply tells you what you are to do, you say, "Thank you, Father."

If he asks you whether you will do something as your penance, you say, "Yes, Father."

The priest will then ask you to say the Act of Contrition.

You say:

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. Amen"

Then the priest will give you the Lord's forgiveness.

The priest says:

"God the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His son,
has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins;
through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace,
and I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Lastly the priest dismisses you.

You respond by saying: "Thank you, Father."

You then stand up and leave the confessional.

Finally, you do the penance that the priest assigned you. Also, thank God for His mercy and strength that you have received in the Sacrament of Penance and say a prayer for the priest who administered the Sacrament to you.