After the customary greeting, the penitent
makes the Sign of the Cross.
In the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The priest invites the penitent to have
trust in God, in these or similar words:
May God, who has enlightened
every heart, help you to know your sins and trust in his mercy.
The penitent answers: Amen.
Either the priest or the penitent may read
or say by heart some words taken from the holy Scripture about the mercy of God
and repentance, e.g.:
“Lord, you know all things, you
know that I love you” (Jn 21:17).
The penitent confesses his sins. If
necessary, the priest helps the penitent to make an integral confession and
gives him suitable counsel. The priest proposes an act of penance which the
penitent accepts to make satisfaction for sin and to amend his life. The priest
then asks the penitent to express his sorrow, which the penitent may do in
these or similar words:
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.
The priest gives him the absolution:
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.
The penitent answers: Amen.
After the absolution, the priest
continues:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he
is good.
The penitent concludes: His mercy
endures forever.
The priest dismisses the penitent who has
been reconciled, with this or any of the alternative formulae:
The Lord has freed you from your
sins. Go in peace.
The penitent should fulfill the penance imposed.
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