Format for Sacrament of Reconciliation

While the children will feel more comfortable with receiving the sacrament if they know what to do and how to do it, remember, the most important aspect of this sacrament is experiencing the love and forgiveness of God, not following the format. This is simply an aid to remind people how to receive the special graces of this sacrament.
 
1.      Think about all the many wonderful things that you do – the things you do that make you feel good about yourself. Then think about things you would like to change about yourself – things you do that you know are wrong and you wish you wouldn’t do. Maybe one big thing will pop out at you. This can be done at any time and in any place. So before Reconciliation - ask the Holy Spirit to help you think about what you want to change about yourself.
 
2.      When you are well aware of what you wish to talk to the priest about, you need to spend some time allowing yourself to feel God’s presence in your heart. There is probably so much going on in your life that you might have forgotten how much God loves you. Talk to God before you see the priest, and tell him how sorry you are for the things you have done that are wrong and tell God that you will try harder to behave as a child of God should in the future.
 
 
3.  Then comes the part so many dislike – talking over your sins with the priest. This takes faith. No one likes to tell others about the things they do that are wrong, but the priest, in this sacrament, takes the place of God. The Lord gave the power to forgive sins to the Church. “If you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven them.” (John 20:23). So remember God is present in the priest in a special way during this sacrament. You know that God never judges, so don’t be afraid to tell the priest anything – he has heard it all before, and he knows how hard it is for human beings to do the right thing all the time. Sit before the priest. Make the sign of the cross. Say: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been _______ since my last confession." Talk to the priest about your life - what is really wrong – what things you would like to change. Listen carefully when the priest talks to you. Say the Act of Contrition (written below) if priest asks.

 

 
4.      The priest will give you a penance – usually some special prayers or things to do. Then he will say: "I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit". You will answer “Amen" and make the sign of the cross. When the priest says, "Go in peace", answer "Thank you".
 
5.      Then, return to your seat and say your penance (if a prayer) or do your penance (if an action) sometime soon afterward. Take a moment to thank God for his understanding and forgiveness and remind yourself once again of how much God loves you.
 
                                                                             
ACT OF CONTRITION
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 Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy.