Communal Reconciliation

[MrsMeganMc]

My church is having a communal reconciliation service during Advent. It says that individual confessions will be heard as well - I am just curious as to what this is and what goes on at one.

Thanks!

 

[Phemie]

My church is having a communal reconciliation service during Advent. It says that individual confessions will be heard as well - I am just curious as to what this is and what goes on at one.

Thanks!

If it goes according to form there will be an opening hymn, an opening prayer, readings, intercessions, examination of conscience, act of contrition of some sort, private confession, Lord’s Prayer, sign of peace, closing hymn.

This is Form 2 of the Sacrament of Penance, emphasizing reconciliation with the community as well as reconciliation with God.

 

[TheDoctor]

The important point to add to Phemie’s post is that there will not (or should not) be a general absolution given. You still have to go to individual confession.

At our parish, we bring in 7-8 additional priests to assist our 3 and individual’s go to confession as the last part of the service (they can leave after they say their penance).

 

[DebChris]

I love communal reconciliation services. It does have a set liturgical format that includes Scripture and an examination of conscience. This examination of conscience is read aloud and I find a deeper awareness of what it is exactly that I need to confess as I listen. This examination comes after the homily. Very often there is something in the homily that will resonate for me.
Individual confession/absolution comes at the end. The priests that will be hearing confessions are stationed throughout the church.