The Penitential Act offers us the opportunity to penitence for our sins at the beginning of the Liturgy in preparation to hear sacred scripture and receive the Eucharist. During the season of Ordinary Time we will be using the second of the three options for the Penitential Act provided in the Roman Missal. The priest says, "Have mercy on us, O Lord," and the people respond, "For we have sinned against you." Then the priest says, "Show us, O Lord, your mercy." and the people respond, "And grant us your salvation." Finally, the absolution is given by the priest, "May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life," and the people reply, "Amen."

This form is based on verses of scripture (see Baruch 3:2 and Psalm 84:8), but has its liturgical orgigins in the prayers at the foot of the altar from the 1570 Missal.