Dear Parishioners, Below is the formula of how to go for Confession; 1. You always have the option to go to confession anonymously, that is, behind the screen or face to face, if you so desire. 2. After the priest greets you in the name of Christ, make the sign of the Cross. He may choose to include a reading from Scripture for reflection. 3. Then say, “Bless me Father for I have sinned.” It has been (state how long you have been away from confession). Then say, ‘these are my sins…. 4. Tell your sins simply and honestly to the priest. (You might even want to discuss the circumstances and the root causes of your sins and ask the priest for advice or direction). However, confession is not spiritual direction or a counselling session. 5. Listen to the advice the priest gives you and accept the penance from him. Then pray the act of Contrition as follows; ’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 Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy.” 6. The priest then gives you Absolution, indicating that your sins are forgiven. If he does not absolve you, your sins are not forgiven. In the long prayer he will say, you must hear these words, “I absolve you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” 7. Then the priest dismisses you with the words of praise in one or similar phrases; “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good” or “The Lord has freed you from you sins. Go in Peace!” And you respond by saying; “Thanks be to God! Or Amen” 8. When you leave the confessional, spend some quiet time with our Lord thanking him and praising him for his gift of mercy. Try to perform your penance as soon as possible!