The Confiteor Prayer

The Confiteor is a prayer of sorrow. It is often prayed at the beginning of Mass. In this prayer, we admit that we have sinned. We ask for the prayers of others and the mercy of God.

This prayer is also called the “I Confess” prayer. The name comes from the first words: “I confess to almighty God.” It is one of the oldest prayers used in the Church. Catholics have prayed it for many centuries. It helps us prepare our hearts to meet Jesus.

When we pray the Confiteor, we name our sins in a general way. We admit wrong thoughts, words, and actions. We also name what we have failed to do. We say that we are truly sorry. This shows humility. It reminds us that we need God’s forgiveness and grace.

The words “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault” are prayed while gently striking the chest three times. This gesture shows that the sorrow is real. We are not blaming others. We are taking responsibility for our own sins.

The Confiteor has been part of Catholic prayer life for many centuries. It was first used by priests before Mass as a private prayer of sorrow. Over time, it became part of the public prayer at the beginning of Mass. By the Middle Ages, it was used in many parts of the Church.

The word “Confiteor” is Latin. It means “I confess.” In the past, the prayer had extra parts that named certain saints. These parts were sometimes different depending on where you lived. After the Council of Trent in the 1500s, the prayer became more unified. It was used the same way across the Latin Church.

After Vatican II, the prayer stayed in the Mass but was updated slightly. The words were made easier to understand in different languages. The core of the prayer stayed the same. It still helps us admit our sin and ask for help from Mary, the saints, and one another.

Today, Catholics hear the Confiteor most often at the beginning of Sunday Mass. It is one of a few choices for the Penitential Act. Even when it is not used every week, it remains a well-known prayer of sorrow and hope.

The Confiteor is rooted in Scripture. In Psalm 51, King David says, “I acknowledge my offense.” This same honesty is found in the Confiteor. We do not hide our sins. We speak the truth about what we have done. We also admit what we have failed to do. This is a clear way to begin healing.

In youth ministry, this prayer helps young people understand sin and forgiveness. It teaches them that everyone sins. No one is perfect. But God still loves us. By saying the Confiteor together, teens learn that the Church is a place for mercy. It shows that we all need God’s help and the support of others.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The confession (or disclosure) of sins, even from a simply human point of view, frees us and facilitates our reconciliation with others” (CCC 1455). This is a message youth need today. Many feel shame or pressure to be perfect. The Confiteor gives them space to be real.

This prayer also ties into themes of community. We do not just ask God to forgive us. We ask others to pray for us too. This builds trust. It shows that being Catholic means walking together, not alone. Youth ministry can use this prayer to talk about honesty, healing, and support.

It is a usual practice to strike your breast three times when saying “through my fault”

I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

More Catholic Prayers

Looking for more ways to grow in prayer? Visit our Catholic Prayers page. You’ll find traditional prayers, short daily prayers, and prayers for special times. These can help you stay close to God throughout your day.

The Confiteor prayer is one of the many prayers found there. Whether you’re learning to pray or want to try something new, the Catholic Prayers page is a great place to start. Take a look and find a prayer that speaks to you.

What is the Confiteor prayer?

The Confiteor prayer is a prayer of sorrow for sins. It is said at the beginning of Mass. In this prayer, we tell God and the Church that we have done wrong. We ask for mercy and help.

Why do we say the Confiteor prayer during Mass?

We say the Confiteor prayer to prepare our hearts. It helps us get ready to hear God’s Word and receive Jesus in the Eucharist. It reminds us that we need God’s forgiveness.

What does “through my fault” mean in the Confiteor prayer?

It means we admit our sin. We do not blame others. We say that we are truly sorry for what we did and what we failed to do.

Why do people strike their chest during the Confiteor prayer?

Striking the chest is a sign of sorrow. We do it three times during the words “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.” It shows we take our sins seriously.

Is the Confiteor prayer only for adults?

No. The Confiteor prayer is for everyone. Children, teens, and adults can all pray it. It helps all of us ask for forgiveness and remember God’s mercy.

Can I pray the Confiteor prayer outside of Mass?

Yes. The Confiteor prayer can be prayed at any time. It is a good way to begin the day or to reflect before going to bed. It can also be used during personal prayer.

Does the Confiteor prayer forgive sins?

The Confiteor prayer helps us ask for mercy. It does not replace going to Confession. Serious sins still need to be confessed to a priest. But praying the Confiteor helps us grow in sorrow and humility.

The Confiteor prayer is a simple but powerful way to say we are sorry. It is often used at the beginning of Mass. In this prayer, we admit that we have sinned in our thoughts, words, actions, and in what we have failed to do. We ask for prayers from Mary, the saints, and the Church community.

This prayer helps us take responsibility. We do not blame others. We say “through my fault” three times and strike our chest as a sign of sorrow. These words help us reflect on how our actions affect others and our relationship with God.

The Confiteor prayer teaches us about mercy. It reminds us that we all need forgiveness. It prepares our hearts for the grace of the Eucharist. It also shows that God is ready to welcome us back with love and patience.

Youth ministers can use the Confiteor to talk about sin, mercy, and community. Teens often struggle with guilt or fear of failure. This prayer gives them a way to speak the truth, ask for help, and feel supported by the Church. It reminds them they are not alone.

Have you ever prayed the Confiteor and felt a sense of peace or healing? Take a moment to think about your experience with this prayer. Was it during Mass? A retreat? Personal prayer time?

We’d love to hear your story. Share in the comment section how the Confiteor prayer has helped you. Your words might encourage someone else to pray it too. Let’s grow in faith together.