More about Reconciliation for the person with Poor Memory

A while back I posted a formula for going to Roman Catholic Confession (to a priest) for people with memory impairment. I spoke to the Archbishop of Santa Fe, Michael J, Sheehan, a few weeks ago and he told me that even if a person cannot remember beyond the current moment, they can and should go to confession with a priest if only to ask for the graces of a good confession. So, I am reprinting the formula below:

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Opening:

Bless me father for I have sinned. It has 

been ____ months since my last 

confession.

I am not aware of any grave sin since then.  

But I want to acknowledge again my sorrow 

for all my sins of my past life.

For these and any sins I do not remember, I 

am truly sorry.

                    

Act of Contrition:

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.

Amen

Sacrament of Reconciliation when Memory Loss hits

I discovered an act of devotion that can be used at Roman Catholic Confession and is referred to at the Franciscan St. Anthony Messenger site. It looks like it would be good for those who want to receive the graces of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but have great trouble recalling the recent past, including any sins committed. If one has the great fortune of going to confession with a priest who helps prompt the person with memory impairment, then that is so much better. It seems a few more priests are kind enough to do that these days (an example being Fr. Jonas Romea at Queen of Heaven Catholic Parish). If you are interested in the act of devotion as it could be used in confession, it is as follows (I added the Act of Contrition so one has the two bits of info in one location):

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Opening:

Bless me father for I have sinned. It has been 3 months since my last confession.

I am not aware of any grave sin since then. But I want to acknowledge again my sorrow for all my sins of my past life.

For these and any sins I do not remember, I am truly sorry.

                    

Act of Contrition:

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.

Amen