Confession - The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an essential sacrament in Catholicism, allowing the faithful to receive forgiveness for sins, reconciliation with God, and renewal of their spiritual relationship. It is not just a religious act but also a journey of self-examination, amendment, and inner peace.

How Often Should We Go to Confession?

According to Canon Law, we should go to confession at least once a year if we have committed a grave sin, and we should receive Holy Communion at least once during the Easter season.

What Prayers Should Be Said Before Confession?

Before confession, penitents are encouraged to pray and reflect on their actions based on the Commandments. Here are some essential prayers to say before confession:

• Prayer to the Holy Spirit
• Act of Faith (Apostles' Creed)
• Act of Hope
• Act of Charity (Love of God)
• Prayer for Enlightenment
• Confiteor (I Confess)
• Act of Contrition

STEP 1: EXAMINING CONSCIENCE BEFORE CONFESSION – PRAYERS TO SAY

1. 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."

2. 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."

3. 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."

4. 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."

5. 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."

6. 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."

7. 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."

STEP 2: CONFESSION FOR CHILDREN – INSIDE THE CONFESSIONAL

When entering the confessional:

1. Kneel down and make 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 [number of days/weeks/months] since my last confession."

3. Confess your sins (example sins for children):

   • I have been lazy in praying in the morning or at night [number of times].
   • I have talked or played during Mass instead of paying attention [number of times].
   • I have used God's name without respect [number of times].
   • I have missed Sunday Mass or arrived late [number of times].
   • I have disobeyed or disrespected my parents and elders [number of times].
   • I have teased or hurt someone intentionally [number of times].
   • I have been angry, stubborn, or rude [number of times].
   • I have fought or argued with someone [number of times].
   • I have harbored bad thoughts or jealousy [number of times].
   • I have used bad words or called someone by mean names [number of times].
   • I have held onto grudges and refused to forgive [number of times].
   • I have looked at inappropriate pictures, read bad content, or played harmful games [number of times].
   • I have stolen or taken something without permission [number of times].
   • I have borrowed things and not returned them [number of times].
   • I have cheated [number of times].
   • I have damaged someone’s belongings on purpose [number of times].
   • I have lied [number of times].
   • I have been envious of others [number of times].
   • I have desired things that belong to others [number of times].

4. When finished, say:
   "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 say the words of 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."

STEP 3: PENANCE (ACT OF SATISFACTION)

After confession, complete your penance by praying the assigned prayers or performing the good actions given by the priest.

Finally, thank God for His mercy and forgiveness.

Confession is a gift of grace, allowing us to renew our relationship with God and find peace in our hearts. By preparing well, sincerely repenting, and following the priest’s guidance, we grow closer to God and become better versions of ourselves.

May every confession bring you peace, renewal, and a heart filled with God's love