You may go to Confession kneeling or sitting, anonymously behind-a-screen or "face-to-face”—these are usually your options, although the priest has the right to require anonymous confession.

After greeting the priest, you begin by making the sign of the cross saying:
“In the name o f the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
The priest may invite you to confess your sins, but he may remain silent, in which case you go on.
You say these or similar words:
“Bless me father, for I have sinned. Its been [how long: number of days, weeks, months, years]since my last confession.”
It is then helpful to reveal your "state in life":e.g., "I am a married man."
Then say: “These are my sins.”

• List by number and kind all mortalsins you have recollected in your examination of conscience.
• You may also describe the types of venial sins you have committed, and list any which are of particular concern to you.
• Close with these or similar words:

“For these sins, and all my sins, I am truly sorry.”
The priest mayask you some questions to understand your sins, guilt or situation better. He may also give you advice or counsel as you are confessing.
The priest will then give you a “penance” to perform. (If for some reason you know that you cannot fulfill his penance you must tell him so, and he may give you another penance; this is sometimes the case with particular prayers which you do not know, or limitations due to physical impediment).
You then make an Act of Contrition, in these or similar words:
“Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishment; but most of all because I have offended thee, My God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.”
Either during or immediately after your prayer the priest will say the prayer of absolution which concludes with the words (as he makes the sign of the cross):
“I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
You make the sign of the cross and respond: Amen.
The priest will then say a dismissalto which you respond, using one orbothof the following:
Priest:“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.”
You respond:“His mercy endures forever.”
Priest: “Go in peace.”
You respond:“Thanks be to God.”
As you are leaving the confession it is polite to say, “Thank you, Father.”
Leave the confessional and do your penance as soon as possible, immediately in church if you can