EDITED: Changes to the Act of Contrition?

[DeniseNY]

I think I jumble a bunch of these together when I go. But a person can make their very own and that’s OK. The important thing is to express contrition and a desire to do better. One time, during a particularly difficult confession, the priest asked me to make my Act of Contrition and I found that my mind was totally blank! I asked the priest for help since there were no “cheat sheets” in the confessional, and he asked me:

“Are you sorry for your sins?”

Me: “Yes.”

Priest: “Are you going to try to stop doing them?”

Me: “Yes.”

Priest: “There you go - there’s your Act of Contrition.”

(In this case I was confessing sins related to perfectionism, scrupulous tendencies - so I think he wanted to make sure that I understood that being forgiven and absolved was not just a matter of me reciting prayers perfectly.)

I had a similar experience, but not due to scrupulosity. I had not been to confession (and indeed, I had been away from the church for about 20 years). Although I tried to remember the Act of Contrition I learned in CCD, and tried to prepare before entering the confessional, I was so nervous that I couldn’t get out the words. i lexplained this to the priest, and he was very understanding and said the most important thing was that I was truly sorry for my sins, wanted to confess them (I had 20 years worth to get through!), and was back in Church

The one that I learned in the 1970s:

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and
I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments,
but most of all because they offend Thee, my God,
Who art all-good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin.

 

[FrDavid96]

In the Act of Contrition when and how did the ending resolve to avoid the near occasion of sin start replacing the resolve to sin no more?

There never was an “official” act of contrition. Many people think that there was one because they think that what they were taught in their youth was an “official” version.

I have a pocket version of the Roman Ritual from 1953 and it clearly states that the penitent makes some act of contrition. Even then, the ritual was clear that the Church did not require any particular formula. The closest thing to an “official” form would be that the ritual suggested using the Confiteor from Mass–but still only suggested it.

 

[shawnbm]

From the Baltimore Catechism, yet another ending.An Act of Contrition.
O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art allgood and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.
From the new rite for the Sacrament of Penance from 1974, one may use this short prayer for the act of contrition:
“Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” ewtn.com/library/CURIA/CDWFORMA.HTM

I attended confession today for the first time in two months. The only thing I’ll say about it is that I did a mix of the act of contrition and the Jesus prayer. I like. KGB of them and my confessor was comfortable with it apparently. Reconciliation is such a wonderful gift to us from the LORD through His Church. Praise God!

 

[acseawell]

I quess I’m a lot older. I was taught the ending:

I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

I guess I must be your age-- this is the ending I was taught.

 

[MissRose73]

Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

Actus contritionis

Deus meus, ex toto corde pænitet me ómnium meórum peccatórum, éaque detéstor, quia peccándo, non solum pœnas a te iuste statútas proméritus sum, sed præsértim quia offéndi te, summum bonum, ac dignum qui super ómnia diligáris. Ídeo fírmiter propóno, adiuvánte grátia tua, de cétero me non peccatúrum peccandíque occasiónes próximas fugitúrum. Amen.

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

The English version is posted in the confessional where I went recently even had it on a piece of paper right near the kneeler as I admit that I do not have it memorized.

 

[Pax2u]

Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

This is the Act of Contrition I learned as a child, and the one I still pray today.

 

[Big_Feet]

‘Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

 

[jen71]

Interesting that’s there isn’t one official version. Here’s the version I know as taught to me by a friend almost 15 years ago:

O, my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the nearest occasion of sin.

 

[jesuspsr]

Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

Actus contritionis

Deus meus, ex toto corde pænitet me ómnium meórum peccatórum, éaque detéstor, quia peccándo, non solum pœnas a te iuste statútas proméritus sum, sed præsértim quia offéndi te, summum bonum, ac dignum qui super ómnia diligáris. Ídeo fírmiter propóno, adiuvánte grátia tua, de cétero me non peccatúrum peccandíque occasiónes próximas fugitúrum. Amen.

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

Yeah, and this is how I was taught many years ago. Inside our confessional they have it printed a little different then this. I was also taught to say the act of contrition before entering the confessional, now the priest is making us say it in the confessional.

 

[dantasticguy]

Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

This is the version of the prayer that I say, but I know that the words (no matter what version of the prayer I say) are meaningless unless they are heartfelt!

 

[Royal_leaf]

Sorry, ‘was caught up with retirement maze, local travels plus inordinate browsing on local political issues & concerns.

Here’s hoping to join soon: asking questions, or chat’g with other members.

Am presently attending a Retreat and will pray for the Forum…

R leaf…

 

[Cat]

Reminder–I’m a convert to Catholicism from Evangelical Protestantism.

Although I love so many of the beautiful Catholic prayers and have memorized as many as my middle-aged brain will hold, I continue to pray extemporaneously when it comes to the act of contrition.

To me, it’s the difference between getting a greeting card from my husband and hearing him speak endearments to me off the cuff. I love cards when they are all about how much he loves me–cards use such beautiful imagery and language. But when there has been a conflict and my husband is in the wrong and needs to apologize and promise to do better, I want to hear him say it from his heart, in his own words, not in someone else’s words.

 

[Phemie]

Have to say that I have not been asked to say an Act of Contrition in at least the last 20 years. Knowing that, I always say the one I learned as a child before going in. My version is in French.

Mon Dieu, j’ai un extrème regret de Vous avoir offensé, parce que Vous êtes infiniment bon, infiniment amiable et que le péché Vous déplaît. Pardonnez-moi par les mérites de Jésus-Christ, Notre Sauveur. Je me propose, moyennant Votre Sainte Grâce, de ne plus Vous offenser et de faire pénitence.

 

[maryjk]

Reminder–I’m a convert to Catholicism from Evangelical Protestantism.

Although I love so many of the beautiful Catholic prayers and have memorized as many as my middle-aged brain will hold, I continue to pray extemporaneously when it comes to the act of contrition.

To me, it’s the difference between getting a greeting card from my husband and hearing him speak endearments to me off the cuff. I love cards when they are all about how much he loves me–cards use such beautiful imagery and language. But when there has been a conflict and my husband is in the wrong and needs to apologize and promise to do better, I want to hear him say it from his heart, in his own words, not in someone else’s words.

My most memorable Act of Contrition was me crying and mumbling the words, “I’m sorry.”

 

[jnjinnc]

This is the version of the prayer that I say, but I know that the words (no matter what version of the prayer I say) are meaningless unless they are heartfelt!

*"Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen."
*

This must be “the right one” because I was taught it by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, circa 1955, and EVERYONE knows, if Sister says so, it MUST be true":extrahappy::extra happy::

 

[Vico]

In the Act of Contrition when and how did the ending resolve to avoid the near occasion of sin start replacing the resolve to sin no more?

The new rite for the Sacrament of Penance of Pope Paul VI (1974) for the Sacrament of Reconciliation has the following ten acts of contrition:
PRAYER OF THE PENITENT

*Before the Absolution is given, the penitent expresses *sorrow for sins 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.

Or:

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.

Or:

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

Or:

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

Or:

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 promised Paradise: “Lord, remember me in your Kingdom.” Holy Spirit, fountain of love, I call on you with trust: “Purify my heart, and help me to walk as a child of light.”

Or:

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.

Or:

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.

Or:

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.

Or:

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

Or:

The Jesus Prayer

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

 

[felsguy]

*"Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen."
*

This must be “the right one” because I was taught it by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, circa 1955, and EVERYONE knows, if Sister says so, it MUST be true":extrahappy::extra happy::

Same version as taught by the Sisters of the Holy Humility of Mary so obviously it was “the right one.” Anyhow I still remember our pastor often remarking that he lost count of how many times someone came in and said “O my God, I am hardly sorry for having offended Thee.”

 

[powerofk]

Same version as taught by the Sisters of the Holy Humility of Mary so obviously it was “the right one.” Anyhow I still remember our pastor often remarking that he lost count of how many times someone came in and said “O my God, I am hardly sorry for having offended Thee.”

Right, because “heartily” and “hardly” sound almost the same to young children - and many kids can’t say “heartily”, so the word “hardly” comes out when they’re trying to say “heartily”.

Regardless, the main reason why we have scripted prayers (outside the Hail Mary + rosary prayers and prayers used in Mass) is to help the people praying (because not everyone finds praying with one’s own words easy). Unfortuanately, this can lead to people (especially people who suffer from scrupulosity and people who are superstitious) to think that if they don’t pray with the “right” script, the prayer isn’t valid. IIRC, the only prayers with “official” translations/scripts are the prayers used for Mass. Honestly, as long as one tells Jesus “I’m sorry”, it’s a valid Act of Contrition (though, asking Him for help to avoid sinning in the future is a good, and worthy, addition).