1. Preparing Your Heart

Before confession, pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help you examine your conscience properly. In a spirit of prayer, reflect on all your actions in the light of the Ten Commandments and the example of Jesus Christ. The following questions are meant to help you conduct a careful examination of conscience.

When confessing, be specific about your sins and, if possible, mention the number of times you have committed them since your last confession. Avoid generalizing sins or making excuses by blaming others.

Sin is a thought, word, action, or desire that goes against God’s law—it is an offense against God that harms both ourselves and others. There are two types of sin:

• Mortal sin: A deliberate violation of a serious commandment of God, fully understood and freely committed. Mortal sin breaks our relationship with God.
• Venial sin: A lesser offense or a serious matter committed without full knowledge or complete consent. Venial sin weakens our love for God and inclines us toward greater sin.

Confession is required for mortal sins, but venial sins can be forgiven through prayers, acts of charity, sacrifices, and other devotions. However, confessing venial sins is highly encouraged as it helps us avoid sin and grow in holiness.

When confessing, it is also helpful to let the priest know your state in life (whether you are married, single, or consecrated).

2. Examining Your Conscience

For centuries, Catholics have prepared for confession by examining their conscience through the Ten Commandments. Reflecting on these in a spirit of prayer will help you recognize areas where you need God’s mercy.

2.1 Prayers to Say Before Confession

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

"Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth."

Act of Faith

"O Lord, I firmly believe that You are one God in Three Divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity became man, suffered, died, and rose again to redeem us. I believe all that Your Holy Church teaches because You have revealed it, and You are Truth itself. Amen."

Act of Hope

"O Lord, trusting in Your promises and the infinite merits of Jesus Christ, I hope for the grace to live a faithful life and attain eternal happiness. Amen."

Act of Charity (Love of God)

"O Lord, I love You above all things with my whole heart and soul because You are infinitely good and deserving of all my love. I also love my neighbor as myself for the love of You. Amen."

Prayer for Enlightenment

"Lord, enlighten my heart and mind, so I may recognize my sins and sincerely repent. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions, so I may live according to Your will. Amen."

Confiteor (I Confess)

"I confess to Almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and what I have failed to do: through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore, I ask Blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. Amen."

Act of Contrition

"O Lord, You are all good and worthy of all my love. Yet I have sinned against You. I am truly sorry for all my sins and resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the occasions of sin. Amen."

2.2 Examining Your Conscience Based on the Ten Commandments

1. I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me.

• Have I prayed daily and put God first in my life?
• Have I engaged in superstition, fortune-telling, occult practices, or idolatry?
• Have I trusted more in wealth, power, fame, or people than in God?
• Have I received Holy Communion while in a state of mortal sin?

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.

• Have I used God’s name disrespectfully?
• Have I spoken irreverently about holy things?

3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.

• Have I missed Mass on Sunday or Holy Days of Obligation without a serious reason?
• Have I arrived late to Mass or left early without necessity?
• Have I failed to make Sunday a day of rest and worship?

4. Honor your father and mother.

• Have I been respectful and obedient to my parents and elders?
• Have I neglected my duties to my spouse, children, or family?
• Have I caused division within my family?

5. You shall not kill.

• Have I harbored anger, resentment, or hatred?
• Have I physically harmed or abused someone?
• Have I participated in abortion, encouraged it, or failed to defend life?
• Have I abused alcohol, drugs, or my body in any way?

6. & 9. You shall not commit adultery / You shall not covet your neighbor’s spouse.

• Have I been faithful in thought and action to my spouse?
• Have I viewed pornography or engaged in impure actions?

7. & 10. You shall not steal / You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

• Have I stolen or taken what is not mine?
• Have I cheated in business or dishonored contracts?
• Have I been envious of others' possessions?

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

• Have I lied, gossiped, or spread falsehoods?
• Have I kept secrets entrusted to me?

3. How to Confess in the Confessional

1. Begin by making the Sign of the Cross:
   "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
2. Say to the priest:
   "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [time] since my last confession."
3. Confess your sins clearly and sincerely.
4. End by saying:
   "Father, I have confessed all my sins. Please ask God to forgive me for any sins I may have forgotten."
5. Listen to the priest’s guidance and the penance he gives you.
6. The priest will give you absolution:
   "I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
7. Respond:
   "Amen."

4. Doing Penance and Giving Thanks

• Complete the penance assigned by the priest (prayers or good works).
• Thank God for His forgiveness and grace.

Frequently Asked Questions About Confession

• How often should I go to confession?
  The Church encourages confession at least once a year and whenever you are aware of mortal sin.
• Can I go to confession even if I don’t have mortal sin?
  Yes! Regular confession helps grow in holiness and strengthens our souls.

Confession is a gift of healing and renewal - may you experience God’s peace, mercy, and grace every time you receive this sacrament!