Saying the act of contrition during confession

[Angelabove13]

When you have to say the act of contrition during confession, is it usually said aloud or silently? I’ve always said it aloud but my friend says she says it silently. Does it even matter?

 

[PaulfromIowa]

No, it is a good practice, but it does not matter. It is necessary to have contrition, not to say any particular Act of Contrition.

 

[Todd977]

Before a priest absolves you he needs to know not only that you committed sins but also that you are sorry and do not intend to commit them again. How is he suppose to know that if your act of contrition is not said aloud?

 

[Gordon_Sims]

I’ve always been told to say it aloud. It’s not a prayer I know by heart and one time in the confessional the priest’s cheat sheet was missing (perhaps stolen, lol). I always assumed it was there just for people who didn’t know it but when he realized it was missing the priest drew a blank and couldn’t recite it and have me repeat it (I’ve had them do that as well). After a minute or so of laughing about how awkward it was, he told me just to make something up. He said as long as I was sincere, it counted.

 

[thistle]

Before a priest absolves you he needs to know not only that you committed sins but also that you are sorry and do not intend to commit them again. How is he suppose to know that if your act of contrition is not said aloud?

You do not need to say an act of contrition (out loud or not) to actually have contrition.
The priest knows you are contrite by your Confession which he hears. In most confessions I have been to in different countries an act of contrition is not even asked for at all.

 

[Nelka]

Say it so the priest can hear you or he may start absolving you half way through.

 

[Mystical_Seeker]

No, it is a good practice, but it does not matter. It is necessary to have contrition, not to say any particular Act of Contrition.

I’ve always been told to say it aloud. It’s not a prayer I know by heart and one time in the confessional the priest’s cheat sheet was missing (perhaps stolen, lol). I always assumed it was there just for people who didn’t know it but when he realized it was missing the priest drew a blank and couldn’t recite it and have me repeat it (I’ve had them do that as well). After a minute or so of laughing about how awkward it was, he told me just to make something up. He said as long as I was sincere, it counted.

My pastor’s cheat sheet was missing one time and ok so I don’t go enough yeah but, but I remembered something he had said during a homily. He said one time that to him, “forgive me Lord, a sinner,” is just as good, and even better if done more sincerely, than a prepared statement. So I said, “forgive me father, a sinner,” and he went right on with the show.

Say it so the priest can hear you or he may start absolving you half way through.

Yes, I know what you mean. I have a pretty loud voice, though, so even when I whisper he usually understand me.

I wonder if those behind me in line imagine this guy when I’m in there: kpeople: