United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

536 • Conclusion and Appendices

Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia! For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia. Let us pray: O God, who through the resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, did vouchsafe to give joy to the world; grant, we beseech you, that through his Mother, the Virgin Mary, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Jesus Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Act of Contrition O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen. —Traditional version Act of Contrition (or Prayer of the Penitent) 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. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. —Alternate version from the Rite of Penance Act of Contrition (or Prayer of the Penitent) Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Grace Before Meals Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Grace After Meals We give thee thanks, for all thy benefits, Almighty God, who live and reign for ever. [And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.] Amen. —Alternate version from the Rite of Penance