Penance & Confession
The Sacrament of Penance (also known as confession) is God’s gift of forgiveness given to us. Catholics should receive the Sacrament of Penance at least once per year, but you are always welcome to go to confession! If it’s been a while since your last confession, remember that you are not alone – the priest will help guide you.
If you are looking for a church, visit our Parish Finder to find one near you.
Examining Your Conscience
- Archdiocese of New York Priest Council: Examination of Conscience & Making a Good Confession
- USCCB: How to Go to Confession | Spanish
Acts 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.
Lord
Jesus Christ,
Son of God,
have mercy
on me,
a sinner.
O my God,
I am heartily sorry
for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins
because of Thy just punishments,
but most of all
because they offend 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 occasions of sin.