Angered while in line for confession

[blessedstar]

Yes, of course I would let them go before me if they would only ask. I sure don’t think I would ever do something like that (i.e., cutting them off). I am sure those people needed it more than I did.

You didn’t queue jump, but you sure did something wrong to be inline for confession didn’t you? You are a sinner like me I take it, so then don’t judge the queue jumper like I cannot judge the queue jumper and I cannot judge you.

Mercy not sacrifice!

In the Living Prayer of my life

 

[housewife]

I have been frustrated while in line of confession, but not because people cut into line. We have confessionals at our church and people in line, stand in line outside the doors along the back wall of the church. If you are sitting in a pew, you are not in line. perhaps you can ask your priest to clarify the process for how to wait for confession in an announcment or the bulletin. Also, our priests will not start Mass late because of confession lines. They will stop confessions at the appointed time in order that Mass starts on time. If you were in line, you just need to come to the next confession time or make an appointment for confession.

Yes, I think this is what I will do. I would not want for anyone else to go through this problem. I am even thinking that it would be a great idea to designate an usher for the confessional area.

The confessionals are right next to the altar, therefore, everyone can see you going in and out of them. The best thing to do is wait seated in that left area of the church. If people were to get in line, they would more than likely end up blocking the altar or one of the entrances that is right next to the confessionals on the other side. I think an usher is the best thing to do in this case.

 

[housewife]

You didn’t queue jump, but you sure did something wrong to be inline for confession didn’t you? You are a sinner like me I take it, so then don’t judge the queue jumper like I cannot judge the queue jumper and I cannot judge you.

Mercy not sacrifice!

In the Living Prayer of my life

TRUE.

 

[TraderTif]

Wow!!

No, I’ve never experienced that problem. Come to think of it…I’ve never actually seen a line for Confession…

I once had to wait for someone ahead of me, but I’ve never actually seen a line…

Maybe the people in my area are just really, really good??
Tif

 

[Rachele_Ann]

If it makes you feel a little better, I had a similar problem once. I was last in line and the line was bickering about who arrived first, who had to cut because of appointments, one poor girl was being confirmed that weekend and ended up leaving with her mother, and there was all sorts of complaining and sighing. As I listened to this I became so angry. I got into the confessional, made my confession as I had prepared myself to do so and then confessed being so angry at the confession line. The priest started chuckling, and said, “So that’s the problem!” He must have picked up on the frustration and anger of everyone else.

It is sad that people approach the sacraments in such a way but we all have different spiritual growth curves, perhaps the line-cutters at this church are just not at an adult level yet. No doubt the extra time you had to wait in church was not time wasted in the Lord’s eyes. But still, I feel your pain, its a terrible way to feel especially in Church.

 

[blessedstar]

I can’t believe what I am reading.

Do you think the Good Lord Jesus is happy with this?

Do you think the Good Lord Jesus who had many crowds pushing and pulling at Him said ‘Now just a minute you bad queue jumper, get inline you are upsetting everyone!’. No Jesus did not do that and I have a sneaking feeling He wouldn’t want us to go about our dealings with each other like this.

Ok so some guy went infront, I can’t say why he went infront or for what reason, but he did and many times I have watched others go infront, take favour for little effort, speak badly about me with no grounding etc. Now let me ask you what would you do? Would you stand up and make a big noise about that or would you let it be as it is?

All that you are infuriated about is pride. You got there early, (your reward will be greater) you endured your brother or sister taking before you and a late comer what you had waited a long time for ( still your joy should be great for them, they are at that moment a saint) how greater then your joy and reward because you add to your crown because you were meek and allowed your brothers and sisters to enter before you.

You cry it isn’t fair, they bust the system… well the Cross of Jesus isn’t fair either, Jesus didn’t do anything to warrant dying for our sins.

Perhaps you might like to think about the great and unfair offering of His Life Jesus made for you because you and everyone else is a sinner, save our Blessed Virgin Mother Mary and next time someone queue jumps you might not feel like you do right now.

In the Living Prayer of my life.

 

[housewife]

Wow!!

No, I’ve never experienced that problem. Come to think of it…I’ve never actually seen a line for Confession…

I once had to wait for someone ahead of me, but I’ve never actually seen a line…

Maybe the people in my area are just really, really good??

Tif

LOL!! Funny!

 

[jules11]

I can’t believe what I am reading.

Do you think the Good Lord Jesus is happy with this?

Do you think the Good Lord Jesus who had many crowds pushing and pulling at Him said ‘Now just a minute you bad queue jumper, get inline you are upsetting everyone!’. No Jesus did not do that and I have a sneaking feeling He wouldn’t want us to go about our dealings with each other like this.

Ok so some guy went infront, I can’t say why he went infront or for what reason, but he did and many times I have watched others go infront, take favour for little effort, speak badly about me with no grounding etc. Now let me ask you what would you do? Would you stand up and make a big noise about that or would you let it be as it is?

All that you are infuriated about is pride. You got there early, (your reward will be greater) you endured your brother or sister taking before you and a late comer what you had waited a long time for ( still your joy should be great for them, they are at that moment a saint) how greater then your joy and reward because you add to your crown because you were meek and allowed your brothers and sisters to enter before you.

You cry it isn’t fair, they bust the system… well the Cross of Jesus isn’t fair either, Jesus didn’t do anything to warrant dying for our sins.

Perhaps you might like to think about the great and unfair offering of His Life Jesus made for you because you and everyone else is a sinner and next time someone queue jumps you might not feel like you do right now.

In the Living Prayer of my life.

Wow… this is beautiful. I just wish I could think like this. Something to work towards, I guess. You must be a very serene and peaceful person. It’s great to be reminded of what we should be doing. I’m one of those people who have let my peace be shaken when this kind of thing happens. I have tried to give them the benefit of the doubt… but it’s hard. Thanks for this.

 

[housewife]

Regardless, next time, if it happens, I will try very hard to accept it and I will ask God for his forgiveness for ever feeling/reacting negatively. We are only human and will continue to make mistakes, however, I know that it is important to learn from them. We will judge, without even realizing it and others will judge us, too.

Some agree that it was wrong to be in that situation while others think I was in my right to be angry. Bottomline, it is sad to say, but it is reality that we all judge a little or alot, but we all judge at one point or another.

 

[blessedstar]

Regardless, next time, if it happens, I will try very hard to accept it and I will ask God for his forgiveness for ever feeling/reacting negatively. We are only human and will continue to make mistakes, however, I know that it is important to learn from them. We will judge, without even realizing it and others will judge us, too.

Some agree that it was wrong to be in that situation while others think I was in my right to be angry. Bottomline, it is sad to say, but it is reality that we all judge a little or alot, but we all judge at one point or another.

Oh don’t beat yourself up, you’re a sinner like me, just give yourself a break and give others the same break too.

In the Living Prayer of my life

 

[proudnifi]

I’ve been upset with confession line issues before, too. If it is just a matter of waiting another 10 minutes or so, that’s one thing. But I once spent over an hour in line and wasn’t able to confess since Mass was starting - and that’s not the only time I wasn’t able to get in for confession. That particular church has had a long line every time I’ve attempted to confess there and I can’t understand why the priests haven’t realized that it’s common problem.

I think frustration is normal. I try very hard to make confession elsewhere now. Bummer when waiting in line for confession is an occasion for sin.

 

[Maria1212]

I understand your frustration at being cut-off in line. The next time this happens, please remind yourself that they might “need confession” more than you at the moment. For people who have been away from the Sacrament for awhile, it can be extremely hard to work up the nerve to go to confession. Some might feel like it is a “now or never” situation, where they have to go before they lose their nerve. I think that is why some people prefer “walk-in” confession over making an appointment.

I think we need to be patient with others who take more time in the cofessional. We have no idea what is going on in their lives. We should be glad that they are receiving the sacrament, and thank God that we still have patient priests around.

I agree that it is nice to make an appointment if you think you will need extra time, but sometimes it is a matter of urgency.

I know I often run short on patience and each day I pray for God to grant me more patience. I think in our “on demand” society, we have forgotten what it is like to wait. Next time, when others treat you rudely, just try to turn the other cheek, and pray for them as you wait in line.

If you aren`t able to make your confession, I know that is frustrating, but God knows you had the intent to go. You can always ask the priest at the end of Mass if he has time to hear your confession. Frankly, I think it is wonderful there are so many people at your church seeking the sacrament!

Sincerely,

Maria1212

 

[Gamera]

Once I was unable to confess because the guy ahead of me took so long that the time ran out, Mass had to start.

Cheer up — at least your church has people going to confession. One summer day, I walked in and found I was the only parishioner there. I walked into the confessional and said to Father, “Low turn out today, huh?” He answered, “No, actually this is more than usual.”

 

[krissy343]

I walked into the confessional and said to Father, “Low turn out today, huh?” He answered, "No, actually this is more than usual

That’s sad I couldn’t IMAGINE not going to confession! While I was away from The Church, there was such a emptiness inside of me that was finally filled when I participated in this Blessed Sacrament! :extrahappy:

 

[Jennifer_G]

I don’t know if you have ever experienced this, but yesterday while being in line for confession there was a lady and her two children who were next for confession, well, of a a sudden a couple shows up and cut them off! I was like, fine, they probably did not seem to notice that we were in line for it. So they both cut off the three in front of me. Anyhow, anyone who wishes to confess usually sits all the way to the left area of the church at the very front (that is where we were). The couple sat a few seats more to the front but in the middle area so I understand that they could not see us. Anyway, soon after, other people started showing up and sitting next to that couple so I decided to go and ask them if they were there for confession and they said yes so I told them that the reason I was asking is that on the other side, a group of us have been waiting for a while “in line” for our turn. One guy said “me, too”. I was like whatever. Another guy did not say anything just blew me off and the other one had already cut us off, his wife was in there. Mass was about to begin and the ones waiting for our turn on the left side wanted to be confessed. We got there 45 minutes earlier for that.

Anyhow, the lady with her two children was up next, and one of those men almost argues with her that its his turn because he was there first. I was so outraged! I could not beleive this was all going on right before confession and for the ones that wanted to confess. I kept praying for God to take this feeling away and I just could not feel any relief. Finally the man comes out and he apologizes to the lady. That totally reliefed me, but the others, I was like what is up with you people. I am here telling you nicely that we have a system going on and you decide to be rude anyway and still cut us all off!

I later laughed about it, but at that moment I became so upset and I did not want to. I could not control it.

Bottomline, 4 people cut us off by the time they finished it was my turn it was already time for Mass to begin. I went in and father asked me how many were behind me and I told him about 5 or 6 and he was like OMG! Let’s get started quickly. He began Mass late in order to finish confessing all. Mass must have begun about 10 minutes late.

Has anyone being through this?

Atleast you were right there to confess being angry. (…right?)

I’ve never been to a confession yet (that comes in February), so I’ll see how it goes. They did expand the confession times from 30 minutes to 1 hour. I think there’s three priests there, with 2 there at any given time.

If all else fails, I guess there’s always getting there early. Of course, then everyone else will probably start doing that.

Once I was unable to confess because the guy ahead of me took so long that the time ran out, Mass had to start.

Cheer up — at least your church has people going to confession. One summer day, I walked in and found I was the only parishioner there. I walked into the confessional and said to Father, “Low turn out today, huh?” He answered, “No, actually this is more than usual.”

I think my (new ) church’s confessional is inside of this stone building off to the side of the church (the kind every old church has.). There were a lot of people lined up to go in, as well as coming out right before a Saturday Mass.

 

[Norseman82]

Your personally imposed penance may be to pray for all those in line for confession whether they jump queue or not! They are your brothers and sisters, they are your family in God and don’t you love them more than yourself.

I can’t believe what I’m reading!

For someone who is decrying judgment, you certainly are doing a good job at judging housewife (imposing personal penances - give me a stinkin’ break!)

You didn’t queue jump, but you sure did something wrong to be inline for confession didn’t you? You are a sinner like me I take it, so then don’t judge the queue jumper like I cannot judge the queue jumper and I cannot judge you.

Mercy not sacrifice!

In the Living Prayer of my life

I can’t believe what I am reading.

Do you think the Good Lord Jesus is happy with this?

Do you think the Good Lord Jesus who had many crowds pushing and pulling at Him said ‘Now just a minute you bad queue jumper, get inline you are upsetting everyone!’. No Jesus did not do that and I have a sneaking feeling He wouldn’t want us to go about our dealings with each other like this.

Ok so some guy went infront, I can’t say why he went infront or for what reason, but he did and many times I have watched others go infront, take favour for little effort, speak badly about me with no grounding etc. Now let me ask you what would you do? Would you stand up and make a big noise about that or would you let it be as it is?

All that you are infuriated about is pride. You got there early, (your reward will be greater) you endured your brother or sister taking before you and a late comer what you had waited a long time for ( still your joy should be great for them, they are at that moment a saint) how greater then your joy and reward because you add to your crown because you were meek and allowed your brothers and sisters to enter before you.

You cry it isn’t fair, they bust the system… well the Cross of Jesus isn’t fair either, Jesus didn’t do anything to warrant dying for our sins.

Perhaps you might like to think about the great and unfair offering of His Life Jesus made for you because you and everyone else is a sinner, save our Blessed Virgin Mother Mary and next time someone queue jumps you might not feel like you do right now.

In the Living Prayer of my life.

 

[gmarie21]

For those who end up not making confession because time ran out…have you ever approached the priest after mass and asked him to hear your confession? I’ve done this a few times and have NEVER been turned away. Just because there is a posted time for confessions doesn’t mean that the priest will only hear confessions at the designated time. If he isn’t busy (usually between masses there is 15 - 20 minutes of down time) ask.

 

[CarrieH]

We usually have two priests hearing confessions. I wish one would open an “express lane” like they have at the grocery store: three sins or less in this line, everyone else in the other line!

 

[housewife]

For those who end up not making confession because time ran out…have you ever approached the priest after mass and asked him to hear your confession? I’ve done this a few times and have NEVER been turned away. Just because there is a posted time for confessions doesn’t mean that the priest will only hear confessions at the designated time. If he isn’t busy (usually between masses there is 15 - 20 minutes of down time) ask.

Yes, I would love to do that and even set up an appointment for during the week. The problem is that I have a 2 and a 3 year old and I don’t have anyone to babysit them. Yesterday, my hubby got out early from work so I told him for us to go on Saturday Mass instead so that I could go to confession right before. We took our 2 boys and I guess, that too, added to the frustration. I had them in the back of my mind thinking that we had gotten there almost 2 hours before Mass started and I was afraid that they would grow impatient (kids stuff, you know).

I know I need to relax. Next time, if something happens, well, like others posted, maybe its not time for me to confess. That I might not be spiritually ready. But then I think that maybe I should do whatever I can so that I do confess…oh well, now I am confused…

 

[housewife]

We usually have two priests hearing confessions. I wish one would open an “express lane” like they have at the grocery store: three sins or less in this line, everyone else in the other line!

LOL!! That is a really good one!