Examination
of Conscience
based on
The
Beatitudes
Going to Confession
The penitent and the priest begin with the sign of
the Cross, saying:
In the Name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
The priest then invites you to begin.
The penitent then states his or her sins.
Express the area(s), direction(s), pattern(s) in
your life that you need to change and ask
forgiveness using the examination of conscience
found here.
After this, the priest will generally give some
advice to the penitent and impose a penance. A
penance helps us to change and to grow—to
become the best we can be—the best God
created us to be.
PRAYER OF SORROW/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.
Priest: “Give thanks to the Lord for He is
good”
Penitent: “His mercy endures forever.”
or
Priest: “The Lord has freed you from your
sins. Go in Peace.”
Penitent: “Thanks be to God.”
When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up
on the mountain; and began to teach
them, saying,
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they
shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall
inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness, for they shall be
satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall
receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they
shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they
shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who have been
persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you
and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds
of evil against you because of Me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in
heaven is great; for in the same way they
persecuted the prophets who were
before you.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city
set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does
anyone light a lamp and put it under a
basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives
light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light shine before men in such
a way that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father who is in
heaven.
Matthew 5:1-16
