Bishops Meeting: Reception & Grave Reason

[marci]

From the time I attended ccd as a child, through conformation instruction as an adolescent and now into adulthood, I have known that I could not receive communion if I was in a state of mortal sin without having prior gone to confession. My mother used to use the words “sacrilege and blasphemous” for one who would knowingly approach the eucharist without being properly disposed to receive. There have been times in my life when I wasn’t living my faith and therefore did not receive communion even though the congregation may not have been the wiser. I knew it would be a sin to receive, I didn’t need anyone to tell me that. Now, when it comes to catholic politicians who, for example, are pro-abortion, when they receive communion it creates public scandal. Not only must they go to confession, but they must also publicly admit their stance was sinful and try with all fervor to never support, vote for, or help enact future pro-abortion legislation. Why this is even a question for debate amazes me. My eight year old son could figure this one out.

 

[mommyof4]

What about when living in a town where it’s almost impossible to go to confession? There are two Catholic parishes where I live. In the first parish, confession is only offered AFTER Mass, and then only if one asks the priest before Mass to hear one’s confession after Mass. (Regularly scheduled confession is once in Advent and once in Lent.) I’ve also tried to make an appointment during the week to have one of the two priests hear my confession, but was told that the priests do not take appointments to hear confessions (maybe it gets in the way of their tee times). This parish sends the message that confession is a big bother for the priests and really not that important anyway; just sin and receive the Eucharist.

The second parish is on the campus of a large university. Confessions are offered on Saturday, which is traditional. However, confession is suspended and not heard IF the university has home sports events on Saturday, which is often. So, rooting for the local football team is more important than God’s grace and the salvation of one’s soul (I didn’t find that doctrine in the Catholic Catechism last time I checked).

Owing to the large numbers of parishioners who receive Communion at each Mass, where confession is as scare as the sacrament in the local First Baptist Church, I feel in the minority–I guess I’m the only sinner in the crowd who is in need of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I’ve even started to sway towards Luther’s views on imputed righteousness by faith just to feel some peace of soul.

Wow. That’s really sad.

 

[fullofzeal]

I don’t go to the Eucharist when in grave sin or even if it’s been awhile since confessing and I have venial stuff piled up… and I’m not ever to judge anyone, but Ive never seen anyone NOT go to communion, maybe because I sit towards the front… and there is only me, my kids and two others at confession? When I read about the popes of past and the saints, church laws and traditions seemed to be taken way more seriously and publically and without reserve…I don’t understand the lack of orthodoxy in certain ways in our church and I have trouble explaining this to my kids when they see it, or don’t see it Ishould say. Iteach them the great things about our church and they don’t get it in their cath school or at mass from the pulpit. I’ts the future generations that will be affected by apathetic leadership from some of those in our holy church…so sad indeed, that our faith’s “rules”, which are only a procaimation of truth and joy are being hidden, as something to be ashamed of.

peace

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

What about when living in a town where it’s almost impossible to go to confession? There are two Catholic parishes where I live. In the first parish, confession is only offered AFTER Mass, and then only if one asks the priest before Mass to hear one’s confession after Mass. (Regularly scheduled confession is once in Advent and once in Lent.) I’ve also tried to make an appointment during the week to have one of the two priests hear my confession, but was told that the priests do not take appointments to hear confessions (maybe it gets in the way of their tee times). This parish sends the message that confession is a big bother for the priests and really not that important anyway; just sin and receive the Eucharist.

The second parish is on the campus of a large university. Confessions are offered on Saturday, which is traditional. However, confession is suspended and not heard IF the university has home sports events on Saturday, which is often. So, rooting for the local football team is more important than God’s grace and the salvation of one’s soul (I didn’t find that doctrine in the Catholic Catechism last time I checked).

Owing to the large numbers of parishioners who receive Communion at each Mass, where confession is as scare as the sacrament in the local First Baptist Church, I feel in the minority–I guess I’m the only sinner in the crowd who is in need of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I’ve even started to sway towards Luther’s views on imputed righteousness by faith just to feel some peace of soul.

My opinion would be to plan to go to a nearby parish that has Confessions on Saturday, on a regular basis once a month, make it a day trip and go to Mass while there. In this case if you feel the need to go to Confession between these monthly trips. Attempt to go locally and if not able, just don’t receive Holy Communion until you do.

 

[LindaS]

Re: post #19

It is my understanding, and I could be wrong here, that a priest cannot refuse to hear Confession unless there is a good reason, ie just before Mass. If you are being told that the priests at your parish “don’t make appointments” to hear Confessions, make an appointment with the priest to discuss this situation. You do not need to tell the secretary why you want to speak to the priest. Sometimes, the office staff acts out of turn, possibly in a misguided attempt to help the usually overworked priests. If it continues, contact your Bishop. Hope it gets better for you.

Peace,
Linda

 

[Michael_Heinzen]

Good suggestion. I think you are correct that sometimes office personnel do try to protect and triage for the sake of the priest. If the priest himself knows of one’s desire to go to confession, he may be happy to oblige.