Make a "good" confession. Do a thorough examination of your conscience each night of the things you have done wrong. When it is time to go to confession, you will be prepared and able to confess your sins honestly.

The following information is usually displayed in the confessional to assist you.

Start Your Confession:

​1. "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned."

(Make the sign of the cross while the priest blesses you.)

2. "It has been __ weeks since my last confession. I accuse myself of these sins..."

Accuse yourself of your sins, then say:

"For these and all my other sins, I am very sorry."

3. Listen to Father's advice, accept the penance he gives you.

4. Say your act of contrition to tell Jesus you are sorry for having hurt Him.

5. When Father tells you that you can go, say "Thank you, Father."

Act of Contrition:

​"O my God, I am sorry and beg pardon for all my sins, and detest them above all things, because they deserve Thy dreadful punishments, because they have crucified my loving Saviour Jesus Christ and, most of all, because they offend Thine infinite Goodness. And I firmly resolve, by the help of Thy grace, never to offend Thee again and carefully to avoid the occasions of sin Amen.​"

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Note: It may be common with traditional Confessions to have two Confessional boxes in use with the priest located in the middle to hear Confessions alternatingly. So as you go in one box the priest is likely hearing Confession in the other box. Wait patiently for the priest to open the Confessional window (still veiled) to hear your Confession.