Help! Confession Vs Perfect Contrition

[fides' Jack]

When I was younger, I memorized the Act of Contrition (which, though it has since changed, and there are multiple forms, might help some to understand).

"Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all, because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all good and worthy of all love. [u][b]I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.[/b][/u] Amen."

I was taught at the time that to make an act of perfect contrition, one had to say these words. I've come to understand that while these specific words are not absolutely necessary, actually having perfect contrition (even just for a moment) includes the intention to confess to a priest. If you don't intend to confess if/when you can, then you don't really have perfect contrition.