The Sacrament of Mercy
In Confession sins are forgiven and penance is done. Penance is both to make up for those sins already forgiven and to help preserve the penitent from future falls. All Mortal Sins that one recalls since his last good confession must be confessed by both kind and number. Venial sins may also be confessed.
Sorrow must be for a supernatural motive (filial fear of God’s punishments and/or filial love for God who has been offended). Some purpose of amendment must be included with true sorrow (firm resolve to not sin again and to remove any obstacles/occasions which can and ought to be removed).
Remember the 5 Steps to make a good confession:
1) Find out your sins with an examination of conscience
2) Be sorry for them
3) Make up your mind not to sin again
4) Confess your sins to the priest
5) Do the penance he gives you
Visitors who are not familiar with the Traditional Latin Rite need not worry, for only the absolution prayers are said in Latin by the priest. After kneeling in the confessional, begin with some customary formula such as, “Bless me father, for I have sinned. My last confession was [mention how long since last confession] and these are my sins…” If you need help, advice, or have a question, don’t be afraid to ask the priest.
After listening to his advice/admonition, pray your act of contrition when he tells you to, and begin your penance after departing the confessional.
Confession times are posted here