One is permitted to ad lib the act of contrition, did you know that? There are many different versions, mine is usually basically in my own words, covering all the important points of the prayer. (I’m sorry for my sins, I will try to avoid these sins with the help of Jesus Christ, and in the name of Jesus I ask for forgiveness.
Yes, but there are very few Protestants who know what an Act of Contrition is, or what the parts are. (an expression of sorrow for sins and omissions, a prayer for forgiveness, resolve to avoid future sin and to seek to do good).
Not all priests seem to want me say as an opening “Bless me father for I have sinned”, there seems to be some variance to that.
The Vatican II variant (or I guess more properly, the Pauline variant) is, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. My last Confession was …” And if you go to a Tridentine priest (FSSP) you don’t say anything at all - he does the opening ritual
for you, and then asks you when your last good Confession was.
I think a lot of priests want to make the penitent feel at ease to better facilitate a good confession, and don’t split hairs on exactitude in the ritual, as long as the bases are covered.
Right, but there is still a certain order to it, that would be alien to most Protestants, is all I’m saying.
I know that, as a convert, the first few times I went to Confession, I had to explain that I was a convert, and could Father please help me, and tell me what this word means, or Father, I don’t understand my penance. I am a new convert, Father, and these things are new to me; please help me. And that would lead to a conversation about my conversion process, and where I was at in my spiritual life, and things like that.
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