THE RECEPTION OF THE PENITENT
The Priest welcomes the penitent. Together, they make the Sign of the Cross.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Priest invites the penitent to have trust in God, in these or similar words:
PRIEST: May God, who has shone his light in our hearts, grant that you may truly know your sins and his mercy.
PENITENT: Amen.
THE CONFESSION OF SINS AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF SATISFACTION
The penitent confesses sins. The Priest may offer suitable counsel. The Priest proposes a work of penance, and the penitent accepts it to make satisfaction for sin and amend his or her life.
THE PRAYER OF THE PENITENT
The Priest then invites the penitent to express his/her contrition, using the prayer below or other options. One’s own words may also be used.
PENITENT: O my God, I am sorry and repent with all my heart for all the wrong I have done and for the good I have failed to do, because by sinning I have offended you, who are all good and worthy to be loved above all things. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid the occasions of sin. Through the merits of the Passion of our Savior Jesus Christ, Lord have mercy.
ABSOLUTION
Then the Priest extending his hands over the penitent’s heads says: God, the Father of mercies, through the Death and Resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and poured out the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God grant 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.
PENITENT: Amen
THE PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE OF GOD
PRIEST: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. PENITENT: For his mercy endures forever.
DISMISSAL OF THE PENITENT
PRIEST: The Lord has forgiven your sins. Go in peace.
Want to print out your own copy? The Order for Reconciling Individual Penitents
Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 