The 7 steps involved in the Rite of Reconciliation
The sacrament of penance is completed in seven steps:
- Preparation - private preparation at home. A person should examine their conscience, and think of any sins they may have committed. Asking questions helps.
- Welcome of the priest - the priest welcomes the person with the sign of the cross. The person should tell the priest a little bit about themselves, for example are you married or single?, when was the last time you confessed etc
- Confession of sins - the confessions should be as complete and honest as possible. Take responsibilities for your sins. Sometimes, the priest may ask questions to prompt the person.
- Advice of the priest - the priest will offer some advice to help you in starting a new life
- Prayer of penitent - the priest will invite you to pray an act of contrition, you can learn a prayer, or make one up. It should be a prayer of sorrow
- Prayer of absolution - priest puts his hand over your head and prays the prayer of absolution, making the sign of the cross. The last part is, "I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
- Dismissal - the priest dismisses the person. They should say 'Thanks be to good.'