Confession Opened or Closed & Laying on of hands

[dizzy_dave]

Is confession behind the screen better or not? I’ve always done it this way, except maybe a couple times as a kid. I’ve heard it’s better to go face to face and if you confess this way you can get the laying on of hands. Is that something you ask for or does the priest just do it?
Why do they do it? Is it helpful?

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Dave,

The penitent makes the choice of face-to-face or behind the screen. My own preference is face-to-face. Since the laying on of hands is a traditional symbol in the Church, it’s nothing to be afraid of. It is used, in this case, as a symbol of the healing power of the sacrament and, for me, is a great comfort.

Deacon Ed

 

[baltobetsy]

Actually, the priest has the right to choose whether or not he will hear confessions face to face. This is especially important now that so many have been accused of improper behavior.

Nothing is added to absolution by the laying on of hands. It’s a nice symbol, but the reality of forgiveness is in the absolution itself.

My personal preference is for behind the screen. It’s easier to be brutally sincere when you’re not looking at the priest. Some people intentionally go face to face as a penance for the embarrassing sins, but that is not necessary, or even advisable if there’s *any chance at all * you’ll wimp out and not say the shameful stuff. There is no requirement to make yourself uncomfortable in Confession - only that you be completely truthful and repentant.

Betsy

 

[thann]

I returned to REAL confession about four years ago after an absence of 30 years (during that time I always found a way to go to “communal penance services,” which were not legit unless they offered individual confession, too). So, I was never receiving the sacrament properly, and I had some mortal sins I needed to confess.

One Sunday four years ago all during Mass I felt this urgent need to receive confession properly, and to use the visiting priest as my confessor. After Mass I practically accosted him, dragging him into the confessional! And that was the FIRST time I ever received the sacrament face-to-face. It was the most amazing experience I had ever had. And afterward HE thanked ME for honoring him!

SInce then I attend regularly (about once a month), and ALWAYS face-to-face, and almost always to my regular confessor, my pastor, a good and holy man of God.

I do not understand how someone can think nothing about telling their deepest failings to a psychiatrist or psychologist face-to-face, but will not go to confession in the same manner.

BUT, confession in either form is a Wonderful Gift, so either way that works for you is good!

'thann

 

[Forgiven]

I used to only confess behind the screen but when I know my pastor is the confessor I do face to face, because he is such a great confessor, and I find much healing in confessing to him. Receiving absolution with his hands upon my head is very profound for me, very spiritual and moving and helps me greatly in my penances. When there are other priests hearing confessions I often stay behind the screen, mainly because I don’t know them as well, and they tend to seem very formal and distant in ways my pastor does not seem to be, which is fine but just different. I get a lot out of confessing behind the screen, too. Mainly, confession for me is very redemptive and hope-inspiring so I go often!

 

[Mary]

I usually go behind the screen, I find it easier to concentrate… But I once had a mortal sin to confess that had been weighing on me for awhile, and I went face to face, I don’t know why exactly, but it helped me. And my last confession was face to face as well (not my choice), it was also helpful, especially when the priest was speaking after I had confessed. His words directly touched what I had just said, and it was easier to connect with his advice…

Laying on of hands? I have never had that in confession. Maybe Nova Scotian priests don’t do it… ?