Begin by making the sign of the cross with the priest. Then you can say your own words or you can say:
Bless me father for I have sinned. My last confession was __ ago (say roughly how long) and these are my sins.
Now tell your sins in your own words. You can use these words if you wish when you have finished confessing your sins:
I am sorry for all these sins and for the sins that I cannot remember.
ACT OF CONTRITION
(You may use one you already know or the following)
O My God I am sorry and beg pardon for all my sins, and detest them above all things, because they deserve your dreadful punishment because they have crucified my loving Saviour Jesus Christ and most of all, because they offended your infinite goodness, and I firmly resolve by the help of your grace, never to offend you again and carefully avoid the occasion of sin. Amen.
