How to go to Private Confession

 

Your Option. You are free to go “behind-the-screen” and remain anonymous or walk around the screen, take a seat opposite the priest, and confess “face-to-face.”

 

The Priest’s Greeting. The priest may offer an opening greeting like “Welcome” or “Peace be with you.” The priest is not required to say anything, so if the priest remains silent, you should begin your confession immediately.

Initial Gesture and Words. Bless yourself with the Sign of the Cross and say either, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” or “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.”

 

Time Frame. Next, tell the priest how long it has been since your last confession. A sample second line would be, “It has been six months since my last confession.”

State in Life. It is not required, but if you would like, and in order to help the priest better understand your situation, you may volunteer your state in life by saying something like, “I am eighteen and living at home” or “I am married and the mother of three.”

 

The Confession begins with a phrase like, “And these are my sins.” At this point tell the priest the sins that you want God to forgive. Do the best you can with what you can remember. It is necessary to confess all mortal sins “in kind and number,” to say what the sin was and how often it was committed. Venial or less serious sins can and should be mentioned, but an exhaustive and detailed list is not necessary. Be humble, courageous, and honest. Never hide major sins. Once you have finished, conclude with a statement like, “For these and all my sins, I am truly sorry.”

 

Clarification and Counsel. The priest may ask a question to better understand what you have shared, or he may offer a word of encouragement, guidance, or advice.

 

The Penance. The priest will then “assign” a penance. There are four major categories: prayer, almsgiving, fasting, or good works. Restitution is always required if stealing was involved. The priest will suggest what you might do, and once you agree to it, it is “imposed.” It is best to complete the penance quickly, usually within one or two days.

 

The Act of Contrition. Next, the priest will invite you to say an Act of Contrition. There are several prayers available that you can recite, or you can offer a prayer in your own words.

 

The Absolution. Next, the priest will extend his hand over you and offer the Church’s official prayer that forgives your sins.

 

The Dismissal and Departure. Once the Prayer of Absolution is completed, the priest will say something like, “The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace.” You may reply, “Thanks be to God.” At this point, the Confession is over. As you leave, it is customary to say, “Thank you, Father.”