Baltimore Catechism #1 - THE RIGHT MANNER OF CONFESSING

THE RIGHT MANNER OF CONFESSING

[From Father Finn's Prayer Book for Catholic Youth.]

PRAYER BEFORE EXAMINING YOUR CONSCIENCE

O Holy Spirit, help me to know all my sins. Help me to remember that
Jesus died for me. Help me to make a good confession and I promise that
I will try never to sin again.

Now think of your sins.

PRAYER BEFORE ENTERING THE CONFESSIONAL

O God, I am very sorry for all my sins. I promise that I will try to be good and never again to hurt You by sin. Dear Jesus, help me. Mother of God, pray that I may please Your Son by true sorrow for my sins.

When your turn comes, go into the confession box. Make the Sign of the Cross and wait till the priest opens the little door. Say what you have been taught to say. Or you may say this:

Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It is (say how long) since my last confession. Since then I have committed these sins.

Now tell all your sins and how many times you committed each. If there is something you don't know how to tell, just say, "Please help me, Father," and the priest will help you. After you have told all your sins, say what you have been taught to say. Or you may say:

That is all, Father.

In case you have no big sins to confess, it is well to end your confession with: "In my past life I sinned through anger or impurity" (or some sin that you know you did and that you are sorry for).

The priest tells you what prayers to say for a penance. Then he tells you to say the Act of Contrition. When you come out, kneel down near the altar. Say your penance at once. Then thank God for being so good to you.

Next - Baltimore Catechism #1 - COMMUNION PRAYERS