In the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal, the Penitential Rite has now become the Penitential Act. In this reconciliatory action, there are a couple of very noticeable changes to the Confiteor (the old and new text of the Confiteor are below). First, instead of saying the phrase, “I have sinned greatly through my own fault,” we will now pray, “I have greatly sinned.” The second change occurs later in the Confiteor when the faithful pray, “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault,” while striking their breast. To some, the revised prayer may appear to focus on our own sinful nature too much. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds us that, although at this point in the Mass we are not sacramentally absolved of our sins, this Penitential Act is a way of preparing our hearts to celebrate the Paschal Mystery of Christ. By recalling those times when we have not lived up to our baptismal call, we begin to reconcile our lives to Christ in the mystery of the Eucharist. For more information on the liturgical changes see the USCCB Roman Missal website. This resource also includes commentary on the changes that will help you to understand where and why the changes are occurring.
1975 Version:
I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
3rd Edition of the Roman Missal:
I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.