In 1961 I was taught the following to make a confession: Bless me father, for I have sinned, it has been ( a month) since my last confession. I did this and that so many times and I am sorry for the sins of my past especially......
the following is a form that I ran across, and I do like this one so much better:
I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary and all the saints, and to thee, my spiritual father that I have sinned exceedingly, in thought, word , and deed, and by omission ; by my fault, by my own fault, by my own grievous fault. Especially I confess that, since I received absolution, I have done these sins....... For these, and for all my other sins which I cannot now remember, I am heartily sorry, and I purpose amendment. Wherefore I pray Almighty God to have mercy upon me, and forgive me my sins; and of thee, father, I ask penance, advice, and absolution. I beg blessed Mary, and all the saints, and thee, father, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
what were you taught to say to begin your confession?