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.

“Elphege Daignault will repent. The neighbors told me.” Good Catholic wives glanced at the crucifix on the wall, tried not to think of excommunicates. Elphege Daignault is an attorney-at-law ...

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.: ...