How to Go to Confession

I spend some time thinking about the ways
in which I have hurt God or other people.

I go into the Reconciliation Room and kneel
before the screen or sit in front of the priest.

The priest greets me and tells me that God loves me and forgives me.

I make the sign of the cross and say: “Bless me Father, for I have
sinned, it has been _________ (months) since my last Confession.”

I tell my sins to the priest, and he will talk to me about trying harder 
to follow Jesus.

The priest will give me a penance to do to help make up for my sins.
I will do my penance after leaving the Reconciliation Room.

I say the act of contrition to tell God how sorry I am:

Dear God, I am sorry for all my sins. 
I am sorry for the wrong things I have done.
I am sorry for the good things I have failed to do.
I will try to do better.
Help me to show Your love. Amen.

Lord Jesus, Son of God,                   
have mercy on me, a sinner.
Amen.

The priest says the prayer of absolution,
and then says, “Go in peace” or “God bless you.”

I say, “Thank you, Father,” and leave the Reconciliation Room.

I do the penance I was given.

The Ten Commandments and
An Examination of Conscience
for Young Children

I am the Lord your God. You shall not have any other gods before Me.
~ Do I think about God every day and pray to Him often?

You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain.
~ Do I use the names of God and Jesus only when I pray and never in anger?

You shall remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.  
~ Do I pay attention at Mass on Sunday?
Do I join in celebrating in prayer and song? 

You shall honor your father and mother. 
~ Do I obey and respect my parents, teachers,
and others who are in charge of me?

You shall not kill.
~ Do I try to be a peacemaker, to avoid
fighting and hurting others?

You shall not commit adultery.
~ Do I respect myself and all other people,
knowing that we are all made in the
image and likeness of God?

You shall not steal.
~ Do I treat other people’s things carefully and
never take anything that does not belong to me?

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
~ Do I always tell the truth? Have I told lies that I should ask forgiveness for?

You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
~ Am I ever jealous of others? Have I ever said unkind words about others 
because of my jealousy?

You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
~ Do I try to be happy when others get something I would like to have,
or am I jealous of their good fortune?