What is penitential rites?

In the Roman Catholic Church, the Penitential Rite is a part of the Introductory Rites of the Mass. The Penitential Rite is a time of reflection on one's sins and a prayer for God's mercy. While the Penitential Rite is similar to the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, the priest does not offer absolution; this differs from Anglicanism, where absolution is offered during the Penitential Rite.