I. For those praying by themselves
Honestly, if I were you, I would leave any expression of repentance until after you have meditated through the impact of today’s Gospel on your life. It makes sense for a gathered group to have a joint penitential rite as part of their coming together for worship; much less so if you are by yourself. I take it for granted that you are relaxed about being a sinner, and know that it is as such that you are invited to take part in this prayer. If you know that, it is because you know that the One calling you to prayer loves you, warts and all, and is delighted you are trusting that He loves you. So you really don’t need to go and put on your “good girl /good boy” mask.
If however, you have something against a brother or sister (i.e. anyone else), that you know should be fixed, stop this prayer, go and do what you can to fix it, and then come back “to the altar”.
OK, if you’re happy with this:
☞ Now move on to the next section
If, however, you prefer something penitential at this point, put yourself in mind that you are praying in the midst of a great and invisible company of witnesses, and say:
I confess to almighty God,
and to you, my sisters and brothers,
that I have sinned through my own fault
in my thoughts and in my words,
(Catholics usually gently strike their breasts around here)
in what I have done,
and in what I have failed to do;
and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin,
all the angels and saints,
and you, my sisters and brothers,
to pray for me to the Lord our God
After a brief pause say this n-o-a prayer:
Lord, in empowering us to forgive others
You open us up to fulness of life;
may that forgiveness which you are instilling in me
bear fruit even in the lives of my enemies.
I ask this for your Name’s sake,
Amen
Or if you prefer:
May the Almighty God bless us,
protect us from all evil,
and lead us to everlasting life.
Amen
II. When two or more of you are praying this together:
If you are at peace with each other, and have forgiven any enemies you might have, then I suggest leaving any expression of repentance until after you have meditated through the impact of today’s Gospel on your life.
OK, if you’re happy with this:
☞ Now move on to the next section
Given, however, that an extended period of confinement in close quarters makes life stressful for even the most loving of partnerships or families, it may be helpful for you to have a simple structured penitential rite at this stage:
Principal Celebrant:
As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ’s love,
we confess that we are sinners
and ask the Lord for pardon and strength.
A pause for silent reflection follows.
All celebrants:
I confess to almighty God,
and to you, my sisters and brothers,
that I have sinned through my own fault
in my thoughts and in my words,
(Catholics usually gently strike their breasts around here)
in what I have done,
and in what I have failed to do;
and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin,
all the angels and saints,
and you, my sisters and brothers,
to pray for me to the Lord our God
Principal Celebrant (making the sign of the Cross, if that is your custom):
✠
May almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us our sins,
and bring us to everlasting life.
All celebrants (crossing yourselves, if that is your custom)
✠
Amen.