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 priest may say:
May the Lord be in your heart 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.:
"Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." (John 21:17)
The penitent accuses himself of his sins. The priest gives opportune advice, imposes the penance on him, and invites the penitent to manifest his contrition. The penitent may say:
"Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
The priest gives him the absolution:
God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The penitent answers:
"Amen."
The priest dismisses the penitent with this or any of the alternative formula:
May the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all the saints, whatever good you do and suffering you endure heal your sins, help you to grow in holiness, and reward you with eternal life. Go in peace.
The penitent should fulfill the penance imposed.
From the Handbook of Prayers. Edited by Fr. Jim Socias
Printed with permission from eCatholicHub.
