Bad communal penance service idea

[decn2b]

Communal absolution is for instances like…well… umm… Picture a multi-warhead tipped Intercontenental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) heading straight for your parish and notice given it will hit in 3 minutes.

That is when a communal absolution is supposed to be given.

Anyone seen the original war of the worlds? I think that is a communal penance service.

It is for emergencies.

But hey like someone else said, its the new springtime.

 

[Walking_Home]

Came across the following.

ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?Pgnu=3&Pg=Forum6&recnu=52&number=488619

Reconciliation Service with “Communal Absolution”
Question from James Regency on 12/11/2006:

Hello Fr Levis

Our new Pastor has decided that during Advent and Lent he will hold a Reconciliation Service. Fine! One would presume the congregation get together, listen to Scripture, examine their consciences, then go to Confession and Absolution. Not this year! The format is this: Listen to Scripture, examination of conscience, anointing with the oil of the sick (for all present), absolution. He tells us this is the new way of doing things. Providing we have a firm purpose of amendment our sins are forgiven, without the fear of going into a box for ricular confession. Oh Fr Levis this is so worrying. What can we do? You know, this Priest is such a wonderfully holy man, orthodox and the like in everthing BUT this!

Thanks for your help. James Regency

Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 12/11/2006:
Dear James, The pastor seems to be making two very large errors. Only those dangerously sick are entitled to the Sacrament of the Anointing, canon 998, not the whole congregation. Again, auricular confession is required and apparently he has eliminated this essential act, thus invalidating the Sacrament of Reconcilition. Tell him this. The people must learn to overcome unfounded fear of confession and the only way this is done is by using the Sacrament. God bless your concern. Fr. Bob Levis

COPYRIGHT 2006

 

[palmas85]

Communal absolution is for instances like…well… umm… Picture a multi-warhead tipped Intercontenental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) heading straight for your parish and notice given it will hit in 3 minutes.

That is when a communal absolution is supposed to be given.

Anyone seen the original war of the worlds? I think that is a communal penance service.

It is for emergencies.

But hey like someone else said, its the new springtime.

Another example is when in a combat situation before going off into whatever, you can receive it. Actually at those times a lot of non Catholics would show up. Hedging their bets I guess.

 

[edward_george]

Another example is when in a combat situation before going off into whatever, you can receive it. Actually at those times a lot of non Catholics would show up. Hedging their bets I guess.

The scene from Braveheart where the old friar raises a crucifix to the kneeling Scottish army and absolves them immediately before battle comes to mind…

-ACEGC