41. When the penitent comes to confess his sins, the priest welcomes him warmly and greets him with kindness.

42. Then the penitent makes the sign of the cross which the priest may make also.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The priest invites the penitent to have trust in God, in these or similar words:

May God, who has enlightened every heart, help you to know your sins and trust in his mercy.

The penitent answers: Amen.

Other forms of reception of the penitent may be chosen from nos. 67-71.

43. Then the priest may read or say from memory a text of Scripture which proclaims God’s mercy and calls man to conversion.

A reading may also be chosen from those given in nos. 72- 83 and 101-201 for the reconciliation of several penitents. The priest and penitent may choose other readings from scripture.

44. Where it is the custom, the penitent says a general formula for confession (for example, I confess to almighty God) before he confesses his sins.

If necessary, the priest helps the penitent to make an integral confession and gives him suitable counsel. He urges him to be sorry for his faults, reminding him that through the sacrament of penance the Christian dies and rises with Christ and is thus renewed in the paschal mystery. The priest proposes an act of penance which the penitent accepts to make satisfaction for sin and to amend his life.

The priest should make sure that he adapts his counsel to the penitent’s circumstances.

45. The priest then asks the penitent to express his sorrow, which the penitent may do in these or similar words:

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.

Other prayers of the penitent may be chosen from nos. 85-92. Or:

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

46. Then the priest extends his hands over the penitent’s head (or at least extends his right hand) and says:

God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name † of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The penitent answers: Amen.

47. After the absolution, the priest continues:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

The penitent concludes:

His mercy endures for ever.

Then the priest dismisses the penitent who has been reconciled, saying:

The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace.

67. Ezekiel 33:11: The Lord does not wish the sinner to die but to turn back to him and live. .Come before him with trust in his mercy.

68. Luke 5:32: May the Lord Jesus welcome you. He came to call sinners, not the just. Have confidence in him.

69. May the grace of the Holy Spirit fill your heart with light, that you may confess your sins with loving trust and come to know that God is merciful.

70.May the Lord be in your heart and help you to confess your sins with true sorrow.

71. 1 John 2:1-2: If you have sinned, do not lose heart. We have Jesus Christ to plead for us with the Father: he is the Holy One, the atonement for our sins and for the sins of the whole world.

72.  Let us look on Jesus who suffered to save us and rose again for our justification. Isaiah 53:4-6:

73.  Let us listen to the Lord as he speaks to us: Ezekiel 11:19-20:

74.  Let us listen to the Lord as he speaks to us: Matthew 6:14-15:

75.  Mark 1:14-15

76.  Let us listen to the Lord as he speaks to us: Luke 6:31-38

77.  Luke 15:1-7

78.  John 10:19-23

79.  Romans 5:8-9

80.  Ephesians 5:1-2

81.  Colossians 1:12-14

82.  Colossians 3:8-10, 12-17

83.  1 John 1:6-7, 9:

84.  A reading may also be chosen from those given in nos. 101-201 for the reconciliation of several penitents. The priest and penitent may choose other readings from scripture.

85.  Psalm 25:6-7: Remember, Lord, your compassion and mercy which you showed long ago. Do not recall the sins and failings of my youth. In your mercy remember me, Lord, because of your goodness.

86.  Psalm 50:4-5: Wash me from my guilt and cleanse me of my sin. I acknowledge my offense; my sin is before me always.

87.  Luke 15:18; 18:13: Father, I have sinned against you

and am not worthy to be called your son. Be merciful to me, a sinner.

88. Father of mercy, like the prodigal son I return to you and say: “I have sinned against you and am no longer worthy to be called your son.” Christ Jesus, Savior of the world, I pray with the repentant thief to whom you promised paradise: “Lord, remember me in your kingdom.” Holy Spirit, fountain of love, I call on you with trust: “Purify my heart, and help me to walk as a child of the light.”

89. Lord Jesus, you opened the eyes of the blind, healed the sick, forgave the sinful woman, and after Peter’s denial confirmed him in your love. Listen to my prayer: forgive all my sins, renew your love in my heart, help me to live in perfect unity with my fellow Christians that I may proclaim your saving power to all the world.

90. Lord Jesus, you chose to be called the friend of sinners. By your saving death and resurrection free me from my sins. May your peace take root in my heart and bring forth a harvest of love, holiness, and truth.

91. Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Lamb of God; you take away the sins of the world. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit restore me to friendship with your Father, cleanse me from every stain of sin in the blood you shed for me, and raise me to new life for the glory of your name.

92. Lord God, in your goodness have mercy on me: do not look on my sins, but take away all my guilt. Create in me a clean heart and renew within me an upright spirit.

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

93. In place of the proclamation of God’s praise and the dismissal, the priest may say:

May the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all the saints, whatever good you do and suffering you endure, heal your sins, help you grow in holiness, and reward you with eternal life. Go in peace.

Or: The Lord has freed you from sin. May he bring you safely to his kingdom in heaven. Glory to him for ever.
          R/ Amen.

Or: Blessed are those whose sins have been forgiven, whose evil deeds have been forgotten. Rejoice in the Lord, and go in peace.

Or: Go in peace, and proclaim to the world the wonderful works of God, who has brought you salvation.

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