Act of Contrition

There are different versions of the Act of Contrition you can use to say you are sorry for what you've done wrong. Choose one of the three versions of the Act of Contrition below for your child to memorize.

Act of Contrition from the Rite (1975)
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.
Amen.

Traditional 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 are all good 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.

Amen.

A simple Act of Contrition

Dear God,

I am very sorry for any ways

that I failed to love and committed sins.

I'm sorry because I know you love me very much.

I promise to do better and I know you will help me.

Amen.