Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

In a step-by-step guide provided by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), individuals can find guidance on how to go to confession and seek forgiveness for their sins.

The first step in the process is preparation. This involves taking some time to reflect and pray, asking for the Holy Spirit to guide and illuminate one's heart. It is important to examine one's thoughts, words, and actions to determine if they have strayed from Christ's commands to love God and neighbor. Reviewing the Ten Commandments or the Beatitudes can help in this examination. It is also suggested to jot down any thoughts or notes to ensure nothing is forgotten during the confession.

Once prepared, individuals can enter the confessional and choose to either confess behind a screen or face-to-face with the priest, whichever allows for a more personal encounter with God's mercy.

The priest will typically begin the confession with a greeting or a short blessing. Together, the penitent and the priest will make the Sign of the Cross, and the confession can begin. The penitent may start by saying, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [give days, months, or years] since my last confession." If the priest does not initiate the conversation, the penitent can proceed with the Sign of the Cross and the confession.

During the confession, it is important to be specific and honest about one's sins. If unsure about what to say, the penitent can ask the priest for guidance. At the end of the confession, it is customary to express remorse by saying, "I am sorry for these and all my sins."

After the confession, the priest may offer counsel on living a Christian life and ask questions to promote reflection. Following this, the priest will assign a penance, which can be a prayer, a work of mercy, or an act of charity. It is essential to fulfill the assigned penance as an act of reconciliation.

The penitent will then be asked to pray an Act of Contrition, either from the heart or using a suggested prayer. This prayer expresses sorrow for one's sins and a commitment to avoid future wrongdoing.

The priest will then extend his hands over the penitent's head and pronounce the words of absolution, seeking God's forgiveness. The penitent responds with a simple "Amen."

In some cases, the priest may praise the mercy of God and invite the penitent to do the same. This may involve giving thanks to the Lord for His goodness and everlasting mercy.

Finally, the priest will conclude the sacrament by offering a dismissal, such as "Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace." The penitent can express gratitude to the priest for his role in facilitating forgiveness.

After confession, it is recommended to spend some time in quiet prayer in the church, especially if given a penance of prayer. This allows for reflection on God's unconditional love and forgiveness.

Following these steps can guide individuals through the process of confession, helping them seek forgiveness and find peace in their spiritual journey.