Sorry to keep bugging you, Vico, but I really wasn’t thinking of the past mortal sin until I was saying the Act of Contrition. I was thinking at home, before the Confession, of how I would avoid being put in the occasion of sin for one of my venial sins. I am, however, sorry for all the serious sins of my life and wish I had lived my life better. I keep trying to tell myself that even if I realized I wasn’t sufficiently sorry for the venial sins I had confessed, I didn’t know that not being sorry for any of them was sacrilege. I didn’t know that until I was reading online after the Confession. So if I didn’t have full knowledge that I was committing sacrilege, then I’m not currently in a state of mortal sin. Still, I wonder if I shouldn’t go back, at least by Saturday, and tell the priest about my concerns. That would give me more time to spend in prayer, asking for better contrition. I think I must have been somewhat sorry, or I wouldn’t have agreed to pray about avoiding these sins in the future. So lately God has been healing me of my fear of Hell, and I have been trusting more in His mercy. But somewhere in the process, I feel I’ve been starting to think of venial sin as not that “big of a deal”, if that makes sense, and thus, I don’t think I had the same contrition that I usually strive to have before Confession. I don’t think I realized I wasn’t sufficiently sorry until I was saying the Act of Contrition and then after my Confession, it really hit me.
Contrition may not always be of the same quality (perfect contrition vs attrition) but is still acceptable. There is one great thing about God’s mercy that He accepts imperfect contrition, through the sacrament of Penance. The Act of Contrition is part of confession, so from what you said, you did have and express true sorrow
during your sacramental confession.
From the RITE FOR RECONCILIATION OF INDIVIDUAL PENITENTS - Congregation for Divine Worship
PRAYER OF THE PENITENT AND ABSOLUTION45. The priest then asks the penitent to express his sorrow, which the penitent may do in these or similar words:
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.
Other prayers of the penitent may be chosen from nos. 85-92.
Or:
Lord Jesus, Son of God have mercy on me, a sinner.
ewtn.com/library/CURIA/CDWFORMA.HTM
Prayers 85-92: 85. Psalm 25:6-7
Remember, Lord, your compassion and mercy which you showed long ago. Do not recall the sins and failings of my youth. In your mercy remember me, Lord, because of your goodness.
- Psalm 51:4-5
Wash me from my guilt and cleanse me of my sin. I acknowledge my offense; my sin is before me always.
- Luke 15:18; 18:13
Father, I have sinned against you and am not worthy to be called your son. Be merciful to me, a sinner.
Father of mercy, like the prodigal son I return to you and say: “I have sinned against you and am no longer worthy to be called your son.” Christ Jesus, Savior of the world, I pray with the repentant thief to whom you promises paradise: Lord, remember me in your kingdom.” Holy Spirit, fountain of love, I call upon you with trust: “Purify my heart, and help me to walk as a child of the light.”
89
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.
Lord Jesus, you chose to be called the friend of sinners. By your saving 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.
Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Lamb of God; you take away the sins of the world. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit restore me to friendship with your Father, cleanse me from every stain of sin in the blood you shed for me, and raise me to new life for the glory of your name.
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.
