Guide to Reconciliation

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You may confess to the priest anonymously from the behind the screen or face-to-face. After the priest greets you, make the Sign of the Cross and say, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [duration] since my last Confession. These are my sins." Tell your sins to the priest simply and honestly. When you are finished, say, "I am sorry for these and all the sins of my life." The priest may offer some council at this time, he will then assign your penance. Say an Act of Contrition (below) to express your sorrow and commitment to amend your life. Acting in Persona Christi, the priest will absolve you of your sins (see John 20:23), and then dismiss you saying, "The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace," to which you may respond, "Thanks be to God!" Carry out the penance you were given as soon as possible.

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Five conditions must be fulfilled in order to make a good Confession:

1. An examination of conscience.

2. Sorrow for the sins.

3. A firm desire of amendment.

4. To tell the sins to a priest.

5. To complete the penance that he imposes on us.

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Three conditions are required for a sin to be mortal:

1. That the matter be grave.

2. That it be committed with full knowledge.

3. That it be committed with deliberate consent.

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Examination of Conscience

How long has it been since my last good confession? Have I voluntarily concealed any mortal sin in a past confession? Do I have true sorrow for my sins and the desire to change? Have I completed the penances from past confessions and repaired the injustices committed? Have I received communion in the state of mortal sin?

 

First Commandment: I am the Lord thy God: Thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.

Have I seriously doubted some truth of faith? Did I do it in front of others? Have I failed to trust in the help of God? Have I spoken irreverently about the things of God, of the Church, and its ministers? Have I neglected prayer or the sacraments? Am I superstitious? Do I believe in fortune tellers, witches, amulets, or similar things? Have I read books, magazines or webpages that are contrary to faith or morals? Do I seek to know more about the faith? Do I have other “gods,” that is to say, things that occupy me more than God –money, my profession, my studies, pleasures, etc.–?

 

Second Commandment: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain.

Have I been irreverent with the name of God, of the Virgin Mary, or of the Saints? Have I offended them with blasphemies (insults to God)? Have I given false witness or given witness without necessity? Have I done it in front of others? Have I made a vow, oath, or promise and left it unfulfilled through my own fault?

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Third Commandment: Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.

Do I believe all that the Catholic Church teaches? Do I show the proper docility to Church authorities, as representatives of Christ? Do I skip Mass or arrive late on Sundays or days of obligation? Have I worked unnecessarily on Sunday? Have I fulfilled the precepts of the Church1 and the conditions for making a good confession and communion2 ? Have I observed the laws of penance on the Fridays of the year3 ? Have I participated in the apostolic works of the Church?

 

Fourth Commandment: Honor thy father and thy mother.

For children: Was I disobedient or disrespectful toward my parents and superiors? Did I neglect to help my parents in their material and spiritual needs? Do I ask Masses for my deceased parents?

For parents: Have I given bad example to my children? Have I been concerned with their spiritual formation? Have I fulfilled my duty to educate them? Have I abused my authority toward them? Have I tolerated scandal or moral dangers among those who live in my house? Have I fought with my spouse? Do I care for my spouse’s needs?

 

Fifth Commandment: Thou shalt not kill.

Have I caused harm to the life, reputation, or goods of others? Have I consented, collaborated, or obtained an abortion, participating in this serious crime? How many times? Do I have true love for my neighbor, or have I taken advantage of him by using him for my personal benefit? Have I been a source of serious scandal to my neighbor with my words or actions? Do I hold enmity, hate, or rancor against anyone? Have I been carried away with anger? Have I desired serious evil for my neighbor, or have I been happy at his troubles?

 

Sixth and Ninth Commandment: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife. Have I stained my body with some improper action? Alone or with another? Have I placed myself in the near occasion of sin against purity? Have I read or watched anything, or had any conversation against purity? Have I participated in shows or entertainment contrary to Christian and human integrity? Have I been, in this, the cause of sin for others? Have I amused myself with improper thoughts or memories, even though I have not carried them out? Have I dressed immodestly?

Spouses: Am I married in the Church? Have I used or consented to contraceptives or other unnatural methods against procreation?

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Seventh and Tenth Commandment: Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.

Have I stolen or aided in a robbery? Have I returned the goods and repaired the damage committed? Have I been fair, responsible, and honest in my work? Have I paid a just salary, fulfilled contracts? Have I paid just taxes? Have I supported projects of social action that are immoral or anti-Catholic? Am I selfish with the things I have? Am I envious of the things others have? Do I do whatever possible to help the poor and help in the works of the Church?

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Eighth Commandment: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Have I lied? Have I slandered (to say serious and false things about another)? Have I made rash judgments (bad statements about another without a fair basis)? Have I gossiped (talking without reason about the defects and faults of others)? Have I revealed secrets without just cause? Have I repaired the harm done by saying these things?

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Precepts of the Church:

1. To attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.

2. To confess your sins at least once a year.

3. To receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.

4. To observe the days of abstinence from eating meat and fasting established by the Church.

5. To provide for the needs of the Church.