Deaf and Confession

[Carmelite1]

How does a person who is almost totally deaf go to Confession? This would be a person who has recently lost hearing.

 

[LilyM]

How does a person who is almost totally deaf go to Confession? This would be a person who has recently lost hearing.

They could use a sign language interpreter (who of course would be bound to keep the contents of the confession secret under the seal of the confessional) or else employ lipreading (if they are comfortable confessing face-to-face with the priest) or writing. Such things are not forbidden.

 

[Carmelite1]

This person can speak and would be able to tell the Priest her confession - just not able to hear his response; even in face to face. Can’t see how a sign language person would help. This person who only recently lost hearing would not understand the sign language.

 

[LilyM]

This person can speak and would be able to tell the Priest her confession - just not able to hear his response; even in face to face. Can’t see how a sign language person would help. This person who only recently lost hearing would not understand the sign language.

If the person cannot hear or employ sign language then they can either read the priest’s lips when he says his responses (which can be done in a face to face confession) or else the priest can write down his response for them if necessary.

They just need to make sure at the start of the confession that the priest knows that they need either to lipread or need him to write things down for them.

 

[Aeden]

Use a notepad to have the priest write down his responses, advice, and the penance he assigns. Then, burn the paper to make sure that the seal of confession remains unbroken. (technically burning isn’t the only way, but it strikes me as the most complete and efficient way)

 

[Carmelite1]

Thank you Aeden, I believe the notepad would be the most logical solution.