What is an Examination of Conscience?
 
See Page below for an example of an Examination of Concience or visit: USCCB Examinations
 
What is the prayer you say at confession?
 
Make the Sign of the Cross and say: “Bless me father, for I have sinned, it has been ___ long since my last confession and these are my sins:   (here you will confess your sins to the priest).  After this (and possibly a short time of counsel and advice from the priest), he will ask you pray the Act of Contrition (you will find two different versions below that you can use).
 
“O, my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you.  I detest all my sins because of your just punishment, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all-good and deserving of all my love.  I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin.”
 
“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.”
 
Other Reference Material –
 
Hail Mary (Traditional Version):
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.  Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.  - Amen.
 
Our Father (Traditional Version):
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  
- Amen.
Examination of Conscience: