Sacrament of mercy
Confession Guide
A simple guide for prayer, preparation, confession, contrition, penance, and thanksgiving.
If you are Catholic and returning to confession, this guide can help you prepare. If you are not Catholic but curious about confession, this page explains why the Sacrament of Reconciliation is central to Catholic life.
Private review
Return to your saved examination report.
Open the report section to review marked prompts and notes saved only on this device. If you are unsure how to confess something, bring it simply and honestly to a priest.
Private to this browser. No confession details are sent to a server.
Start here
Returning Catholics Path
If you have been away from the Church, begin with mercy, then return to Mass, prayer, Scripture, and steady Catholic life one faithful step at a time.
Grace
Confession Restores Grace
Mortal sin destroys sanctifying grace, but the Sacrament of Reconciliation restores the soul to grace through Christ’s mercy.
Eternal life
Confession Prepares the Soul to Live and Die in Grace
Confession helps the Christian prepare for judgment with repentance, peace, and trust in Jesus Christ. The goal is not fear, but mercy, truth, and readiness to meet the Lord.
Conversion
Detachment from Sin
Confession helps the heart reject sin more sincerely and return to God with peace. Learn how complete detachment from sin relates to conversion, indulgences, prayer, and the sacramental life.
Before confession
Pray Before Confession: The Seven Penitential Psalms
These ancient Psalms can help lead the heart into honesty, contrition, mercy, and gratitude before and after the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Urgent sacramental need
Need Confession urgently?
If serious sin or danger of death is involved, contact a priest or parish directly, make an act of contrition, and use the emergency guide for simple next steps.
Related priority guides
Keep mercy connected to prayer and daily Catholic life
Confession belongs to a larger Catholic path of prayer, formation, mercy, and practical next steps.
Prayer Before Confession
Come Holy Spirit, into my soul. Enlighten my mind that I may know the sins I ought to confess, and grant me your grace to confess them fully, humbly, and with a contrite heart. Help me to firmly resolve not to commit them again. O Blessed Virgin, Mother of my Redeemer, intercede for me through the Passion of Your Son, that I may obtain the grace to make a good confession. All you blessed Angels and Saints of God, pray for me, a sinner, that I may repent from my sins, and that my heart may be forever united with yours in eternal love. Amen.
During Confession
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit Amen. Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was ? (weeks, months, years) ago."
My Current State of Life
Currently: (Going to 2-5 Masses per week, monthly confessions...)
Sins Since My Last Confession
List:
Sins of the Past That Were Never Confessed
List:
Act of Contrition
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.
Amen.
Performing Your Penance
Pay close attention to the penance that the priest gives you. For after you have thanked the Lord for absolving your sins, it is time to perform your penance. Follow his instructions, and take his advice into consideration. By doing exactly as he instructs, you will be showing that you truly are remorseful for your actions, and wanting to be absolved of your sins.
Prayer After Confession
My dearest Jesus, I have told all my sins to the best of my ability. I have sincerely tried to make a good confession and I know that you have forgiven me. Thank you dear Jesus! Your divine heart is full of love and mercy for poor sinners. I love You dear Jesus; you are so good to me. My loving Saviour, I shall try to keep from sin and to love You more each day. Dearest Mother Mary, pray for me and help me to keep all my promises. Protect me and do not let me fall back into sin. Dear God, help me to lead a good life. Without Your grace I can do nothing.
Amen!