RECEPTION OF THE PENITENT
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.
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.
Penitent: Amen.

READING OF THE WORD OF GOD (OPTIONAL)

CONFESSION OF SINS AND ACCEPTANCE OF SATISFACTION
Penitent: (says a general formula for confession before he confesses his sins, for example) I confess to almighty God…
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.)

PRAYER OF THE PENITENT AND ABSOLUTION
Penitent: (to express his sorrow, which 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.

– Or –

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

ABSOLUTION
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.
Penitent: Amen.

PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE OF GOD AND DISMISSAL
Priest: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
Penitent: His mercy endures for ever.
Priest: (dismisses the penitent who has been reconciled, saying) The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace.

– Or- 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 to 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. 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.