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 avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
The CCC says:
1451 Among the penitent's acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is "sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again."501452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called "perfect" (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.51
1453 The contrition called "imperfect" (or "attrition") is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin's ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.52
1454 The reception of this sacrament ought to be prepared for by an examination of conscience made in the light of the Word of God. The passages best suited to this can be found in the Ten Commandments, the moral catechesis of the Gospels and the apostolic Letters, such as the Sermon on the Mount and the apostolic teachings.53
I would make such an act ASAP if I were permitted to do so. I've longed to make my 1st Confession since the day I finally understood it to be a Sign by which I can be forgiven and receive Grace. However, until the annulments are granted, I cannot partake of the Sacraments. I'm going to guess our pastor didn't tell us of this because we are not yet Catholic.
Are you serious? You give bad advice here -RE: the publicly proclaimed illegitimate internal forum genre of advice that only a dissenting prelate would advise. No act of contrition however perfect it might be absolves one who chooses to and remains in a state of persistant mortal sin; e.g adultery. I will be happy to provide authentic documentation should you wish to persist in spreading this fallacy...