Priest

Do you, then, forgive those who have sinned against you?

*Penitent*  I forgive them.

*Priest*

May Almighty God in mercy receive your confession of 
sorrow and of faith, strengthen you in all goodness, and by 
the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.  Amen.

*The Priest then lays a hand upon the penitent's head (or extends a hand 
over the penitent), saying one of the following*

Our Lord Jesus Christ, who offered himself to be sacrificed 
for us to the Father, and who conferred power on his Church 
to forgive sins, absolve you through my ministry by the grace 
of the Holy Spirit, and restore you in the perfect peace of the 
Church.  Amen.

*or this*

Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has left power to his Church to 
absolve all sinners who truly repent and believe in him, of 
his great mercy forgive you all your offenses; and by his 
authority committed to me, I absolve you from all your sins: 
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Spirit.  Amen.


*The Priest concludes*

Now there is rejoicing in heaven; for you were lost, and 
are found; you were dead, and are now alive in Christ Jesus 
our Lord.  Go (or abide) in peace.  The Lord has put away all 
your sins.

*Penitent*  Thanks be to God.