Going to Confession When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and began to teach The penitent and the priest begin with the sign of them, saying, the Cross, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. In the Name of the Father and of 4 the Son and of the Holy Spirit. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
The priest then invites you to begin. 5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall
inherit the earth. The penitent then states his or her sins. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and Express the area(s), direction(s), pattern(s) in thirst for righteousness, for they shall be your life that you need to change and ask satisfied. forgiveness using the examination of conscience 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall found here. receive mercy.
After this, the priest will generally give some 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they advice to the penitent and impose a penance. A shall see God. penance helps us to change and to grow—to 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they become the best we can be—the best God shall be called sons of God. created us to be. 10 “Blessed are those who have been PRAYER OF SORROW/CONTRITION persecuted for the sake of righteousness, Examination for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. My God, I am sorry for my sins with all 11 my heart. In choosing to do wrong and “Blessed are you when people insult you of Conscience failing to do good, I have sinned against and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in based on to do penance, to sin no more, and to heaven is great; for in the same way they avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our persecuted the prophets who were Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for before you. us. In his name, my God, have mercy. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city Amen. set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does The anyone light a lamp and put it under a Priest: “Give thanks to the Lord for He is basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives good” light to all who are in the house. Beatitudes Penitent: “His mercy endures forever.” or 16 Let your light shine before men in such Priest: “The Lord has freed you from your a way that they may see your good sins. Go in Peace.” works, and glorify your Father who is in Penitent: “Thanks be to God.” heaven. Matthew 5:1-16 Matthew 5: When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit. attention and devotion to the Word of Blessed are those who are Am I humble enough to acknowledge God proclaimed? Am I hungry for persecuted for the sake of my total dependence on God? Am I Eucharist? justice able to admit that I don’t have all the answers? Can I admit mistakes Blessed are the merciful. Do I examine myself and my conduct in without blaming others? light of the Gospel call to be a disciple? Do I choose to forgive or do I hold a Do I follow Christ’s example and stand grudge? Do I forgive when it’s easy Blessed are those who mourn. up for what is right? Am I only a AND when it’s hard? Do I forgive the Christian when it is convenient for me, Do I stop to examine my losses, or do I unforgiveable? Do I give others the or socially acceptable? Am I able to miss the opportunity to be closer to benefit of the doubt? Am I sensitive to suffer in silence or am I always God? Do I figure out why I fail to do others’ needs? Do the needs of others complaining about something? good? Do I take my broken promises to come before my own? God? Do I turn to God when facing BONUS: Blessed are those death or loss of a loved one? Do I Blessed are the pure of heart. who trust in God. console and help those who mourn and suffer? Have I been able to say: “I am Am I a person of integrity and Do I take the time for God in my life sorry” and really mean it? sincerity? Am I honest about my own through personal and private prayer? faults and failings? Do I do what is truly Do I bring my choices to God? Did I right or do I compromise because it’s Blessed are the humble. talk to God about your important easier? Do I look for instant decisions? About family & friends? Do I align my desires with God’s will? gratification? Do I recycle to keep About how I spend my time? Do I serve my neighbors? ALL of them. God’s world pure? Do I keep myself Even the ungrateful? The people I don’t pure in mind, body, and soul? Have I like? Or the unlikeable? Am I able to allowed a particular sin or vice to Psalm 51 affirm others rather than criticize them? distract me from God? 1 Be gracious to me, O God, according to Am I a good listener? Blessed are the peacemakers Your loving kindness;
According to the greatness of Your Blessed are those who hunger for they shall be called children of God. compassion blot out my transgressions. and thirst for righteousness. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity Do I yearn for God’s justice or for Am I a person of reconciliation, peace And cleanse me from my sin. material goods? Do I work for the and mercy? Do I hold grudges or seek 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, triumph of love, peace and justice? Do revenge? Am I at peace with myself, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. with my family, friends, and those with I understand that every person is just 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation as important as me? Do I listen with whom I live and work? Do I bring peace to my world? and sustain me with a willing spirit.