After the customary greetings, the penitent crosses himself: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." The priest urges the penitent to have confidence in God.

The Catholic Church’s Canon Law strictly prohibits ... offering absolution to the penitent who is confessing sins directly to God. The crucial role of confidentiality in confession allows ...

This year, Ash Wednesday — a solemn day of fasting and reflection to mark the start of Christianity's most penitent season ... Mary’s Help of Christians Catholic church in Aiken, South ...

and help you to confess your sins with true sorrow. Either the priest or the penitent may read or say by heart some words taken from the holy Scripture about the mercy of God and repentance, e.g.: ...