Acclamation

Gospel

John 19:25-27

Reflection and Examination of Conscience

During this time there is the opportunity for individual confession.

You are welcome to go to any of the priests around the chapel –if you simply wish to have a chat with one of the priests, they will be very welcome for that too.

You are welcome to stay until the end of the Service or simply leave after your confession and penance.

Examination of Conscience

Concerning God:

• Do I think of God as a loving Father?

• Do I respond in love to his goodness to me?

• Do I know Jesus as a brother, friend, a saviour, as Lord and God?

• Do I reflect on His words and actions; His life in the Gospels?

• Do I model my life on His values?

• Do I allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten me, guide, strengthen and console me?

Concerning the Church:

• Do I pray regularly each day, setting aside a certain amount of time to be with the Lord?

• Do I miss Sunday Mass when it is not convenient for me?

• Do I receive Jesus in the Eucharist without proper preparation or without thinking?

• Do I witness the faith in my daily living and by giving good example?

• Do I give my time, material goods and talents to build up the community in the Parish?

Concerning others:

• Do I take others for granted?

• Am I a different person in public to who I am in private?

• Do I harbour hurts and ills?

• Do I gossip and reveal the faults of others?

• Am I quick to praise, to blame or to console others?

Concerning myself:

• Am I lazy, selfish, proud or arrogant?

• Am I too materialistic?

• Am I insensitive to the needs of others?

• Am I compassionate, thoughtful, understanding to others?

• In my life do I live according to the Church’s moral teachings?

Acts of Contrition

The Rite of Penance gives various different Acts of Contrition; you might like to pray an alternative one this evening:

X Remember, Lord, your compassion and mercy you showed long ago. Do not recall the sins and failings of my youth. In your mercy remember me, Lord, because of your goodness.

X Wash me from my guilt and cleanse me of my sin. I acknowledge my offence; my sin is before me always.

X Father, I have sinned against you and am not worthy to be called your son. Be merciful to me, a sinner.

X Lord Jesus, you chose to be called the friend of sinners. By your death and resurrection free me from my sins. May your peace take root in my heart and bring forth a harvest of love, holiness and truth.

X Lord Jesus, you opened the eyes of the blind, healed the sick, forgave the sinful woman, and after Peter’s denial confirmed him in your love. Listen to my prayer: forgive all my sins, renew your love in my heart, help me to live in perfect unity with my fellow Christians that I may proclaim your saving power to all the world.

X Lord God, in your goodness have mercy on me; do not look on my sins, but take away all my guilt. Create in me a clean heart and renew within me an upright spirit.

X Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

X O my God, because you are so good, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you, and with the help of your grace I will not sin again.