Confession is a wonderful gift from God that should be celebrated, not feared.

Children who are taught from a young age the importance of regular confession are more likely to grow up to be adults who regularly attend confession.

As an adult, you know there’s nothing like the feeling of absolution as you walk out of the confessional, assured that God still loves you and does not hold your mistakes against you.

That feeling of relief after facing your faults is something you want your own children to feel.  As an adult you understand this, but children can often become discouraged by not knowing where to start.  The fear of the process can often discourage kids from attempting an honest confession.

Fortunately, with a little guidance, you can help walk them through the process without the fear and angst that is often associated with it.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Confession for Children 

Or purchase our stylized Children’s Confession Guide Printable.

During Confession

Make the sign of the cross while the priest prays, “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.”

Say, “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.  It has been ____ since my last confession.”

Tell the priest your sins.  If you are unable to recall all of your sins, simply tell God you wish to receive forgiveness for all of your sins, spoken or otherwise.

The priest will say a prayer of forgiveness and tell you that your sins are forgiven.  Sometimes the priest will say, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good,” or, “The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace.”  You respond, “Thanks be to God.”

He will then give you a penance, which you should try to do as soon as possible.

Act of Contrition

Oh my God,

I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.

In choosing to do wrong

And failing to do good,

I have sinned against you

whom I should love above all things.

I firmly intend, with your help,

to do penance,

to sin no more,

and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.

Our Savior Jesus Christ

suffered and died for us.

In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

Examination of Conscience

Have I spoken unkindly about others, whether to their face or behind their back?

Do I say my daily prayers and mean them?

Do I obey my mom and dad and do what they ask?

Do I obey my teachers, grandparents or others in charge of me?

Am I mean to others or difficult to get along with?

Do I pick on my younger siblings or other children at school?

Have I neglected my chores or tried to get out of them?

Have I lied to anyone or said something that wasn’t entirely true?

Do I pay attention at Mass?

Have I missed Mass without a good reason?

Have I tried to cheat at any games or been a sore loser?

Do I get mad at others and yell or hit them?

Do I take things that don’t belong to me?

Have I said anything mean about God or the Catholic Church?

Have I taken the name of God in vain or said curse words?

Have I refused to forgive someone who hurt me or held a grudge?

Have I watched TV shows, video games or videos that are inappropriate?

Things to Remember

It’s a good idea before you go to confession to pray to the Holy Spirit to help you remember your sins and be honest in the confessional.  You can write them down if it helps you to remember.

You can choose to kneel behind a screen or face to face with the priest.  Either option is perfectly fine and it is whatever you are comfortable with.

Remember, the priest will NEVER tell your sins to anyone, including your parents.  What you confess in the confessional is between you, the priest and God.  The priest is there to help you talk to God and grant you forgiveness of your sins.  

Try to complete your penance while you are still in the Church, or as soon as possible.

Don’t be afraid to confess your sins.  It is a great blessing to receive God’s forgiveness!  He loves you very much and wishes to always be close to you.