Sacrament of Reconciliation

Rite for Reconciliation of Individual Penitents
 
1. Priest welcomes the penitent
 
2. Penitent makes sign of priest (priest may also)
 
3. Priest says word of welcome
 
4. Reading of the Word of God (optional)
 
5. Confession of Sins
     (penitent should include how long since last confession and any relevant details about state of life, e.g. married, single, working ...)
 
6. Priest may give advice, and proposes an act of Penance
    (Penitent should agree to say act of penance. Usually priest says 'for your penance will you say ...' and penitent replies 'Yes, father'. Penitent can say no - s/he may not know the prayer!)
 
7. Penitent says prayer of sorrow
    (often 'O my God, because you are so good, I am truly sorry ...)
 
8. Priest gives the absolution (God, the father of mercies ...)
 
9. Priest praises God and dismisses the penitent.