Act of Contrition

The Act of Contrition is a Catholic prayer expressing sorrow for sins, prayed especially during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Church does not restrict it to a single formula — several approved versions have been in continuous use for centuries.

About the Act of Contrition

The Act of Contrition has been central to Catholic sacramental practice since at least the early medieval period. Its purpose is to express genuine sorrow for sin — not merely from fear of punishment, but from love of God who is offended by sin. The traditional text explicitly moves from fear of punishment to love of God as the primary motive, reflecting the theological distinction between imperfect contrition (fear) and perfect contrition (love).

The traditional form found in the Baltimore Catechism has been prayed by English-speaking Catholics since 1885 and remains the most widely recognized version. A shorter form is used when teaching young children preparing for First Confession.

When to Pray It

Prayed during the Sacrament of Reconciliation after penance is assigned and before absolution. Also traditional as part of a nightly examination of conscience.

Choose a version

Traditional Most common

The classic form from the Baltimore Catechism (1885). The version most Catholics learn as children and the most widely recognized form worldwide.

Short form For children

A simplified version for young children preparing for First Communion. Not intended for adult use in confession.

Traditional version

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishment,
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.
Amen.

Baltimore Catechism (1885). Public domain.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Act of Contrition?: The Act of Contrition is a Catholic prayer expressing sorrow for sins, prayed especially during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Church does not restrict it to a single formula — several approved versions have been in continuous use for centuries.
When do Catholics pray the Act of Contrition?: Catholics pray the Act of Contrition during the Sacrament of Confession, after the priest assigns penance and before absolution. It is also traditionally prayed as part of a nightly examination of conscience.
Which version should I use at confession?: The Catholic Church does not require a specific formula. Both the traditional form and the short form are acceptable. Your priest may prompt you with a version — follow his lead. What matters is sincerity, not the exact words.
Is there an Act of Contrition in Spanish?: Yes. The Spanish form begins Dios mío, me arrepiento de todo corazón... Use the EN/ES toggle on this page to switch between English and Spanish.
What is the difference between perfect and imperfect contrition?: Perfect contrition is sorrow motivated by love of God. Imperfect contrition is sorrow motivated by fear of punishment. The traditional Act of Contrition moves from imperfect to perfect contrition: because of Thy just punishment, but most of all because they offend Thee.

RosaryCard.net

Courtesy of rosarycard.net — Religious Gifts & Jewelry

Shop patron saint medals, rosaries & Catholic gifts handcrafted in the USA.

https://www.rosarycard.net

← Back to the Catholic Prayer Library or Catholic Prayer Directory