Lenten Penance Service

The Structure of the Service

Public Prayer
Usually, a communal penance service includes a Scripture reading and brief exhortation by the priest. This is followed by an examination of conscience, and then the entire community prays the Act of Contrition together. Sometimes, a single, general penance is assigned to everyone participating; at other times the assignment of a penance is done during the individual confession.

Individual Confession and Reconciliation
After the communal part of the ceremony, those present will individually confess their sins to the priest and receive absolution and a penance if it has not been assigned in the communal setting. The Act of Contrition is not repeated privately, because it has been part of the communal section of the service. The words of absolution are said by the priest individually over the penitent or a collective penance is given.Before celebrating the Sacrament of Penance, one should prepare themselves with an examination of conscience.  An examination of conscience is a "prayerful self-reflection on our words and deeds in the light of the Gospel to determine how we may have sinned against God" (— Glossary, The Catechism of the Catholic Church.)


Below are a few examples of Examinations of Conscience that can help you prepare for the Sacrament.


Examination of Conscience based on the Ten Commandments
Examination of Conscience in Light of Catholic Social Teaching 

Examen de Conciencia a la Luz de la Enseñanza Social Católica

Examination of Conscience for Children
Examination of Conscience for Young Adults
Examination of Conscience for Single People
Examination of Conscience for Married Persons