The second type of sin, venial sin, that of less grave matter, does not cut us off from Christ. However, venial sin does weaken grace in the soul and damages our relationship with God. A person who frequently indulges in venial sin is very likely to collapse into mortal sin if they persist in their evil ways.

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In order for a sin to be mortal, it must meet three conditions:

• Mortal sin is a sin of grave matter

• Mortal sin is committed with full knowledge of the sinner

• Mortal sin is committed with deliberate consent of the sinner

This means that mortal sins cannot be done “accidentally.” A person who commits a mortal sin is one who knows that their sin is wrong, but still deliberately commits the sin anyway. This means that mortal sins are “premeditated” by the sinner and thus are truly a rejection of God’s law and love.

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Please examine your conscience before approaching the Sacrament of Penance.  Examinations of Conscience can be found here:

• Option A (very thorough)

• Option B

• Option C (brief)

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HOW TO MAKE ONE'S CONFESSION

 

Upon Entering the Confessional:

"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.
It has been ___________ (days, weeks, months, years) since my last confession."

Then you tell your sins.  All mortal sins must be confessed in order and number to make a good confession.  Venial sins may be confessed, and it is a very beneficial to do so on a spiritual level. 

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When you have finished, add:

"For these and all the sins that I can’t remember, and all the sins of my past life (you can specify one or another), I ask pardon of God and penance and absolution of you, Father."

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The priest then may give you some words of advice followed by your penance.  

 

"As penance..." or "In reparation..." and indicates a prayer or a good deed I should do. If what he asks you is too difficult or impossible for you (a prayer you do not know), you must tell him right away!

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Then, you say your Act of Contrition.  The priest may ask you to pray this aloud:

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An Act of Contrition

"O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishment, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all-good and deserving of all my love.  I firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin.  Amen."

The priest gives the absolution* and you do your penance in a timely manner. 

Before leaving, say to the priest:

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"Thank you, Father."

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