Did I do Wrong? A Confession Question

[BlueRain]

I went to a parish today that I have never visited for Confession.

My mom and brother went along, even though they were not going for Confession.

Anyways, when I got there I saw no one was at the confessional, instead, after awhile I realized that the priest was sitting in one of the pews and confessing there. So it seems the person would sit next to the priest in the pew and confess.

I was surprised because I’m used to confessing behind the screen. I felt uncomfortable and embarrassed about confessing like that. Also, I was afraid my family might be able to hear the sins I was confessing.

So now, I feel bad and feel like a denied a gift from God and a chance to receive His Mercy and forgiveness.

 

[Dorothy]

That was unusual that you were not given the option of being able to confess behind a screen.

Parish priests need to be sensitive to the fact that some people prefer to confess behind a screen.

 

[Julian0404]

I believe there was an earlier post a few days back that stipulated that confession had to be offered with the separation, but that being said, everyone needs to confess at least once face-to-face. Our parish offers it, but it is in a closed room with two chairs. And in that “friendly” environment, like two friends are talking, it is amazing how relaxed you become.
Compared to the hidden by the screen, I will always choose face-to-face because when you can see the face of the priest, and you have eye contact, the whole “he represents JESUS” grace comes to life, reaches out and touches your soul.

But I agree with you, you still need the quiet space for only “two”.

 

[thistle]

I went to a parish today that I have never visited for Confession.

My mom and brother went along, even though they were not going for Confession.

Anyways, when I got there I saw no one was at the confessional, instead, after awhile I realized that the priest was sitting in one of the pews and confessing there. So it seems the person would sit next to the priest in the pew and confess.

I was surprised because I’m used to confessing behind the screen. I felt uncomfortable and embarrassed about confessing like that. Also, I was afraid my family might be able to hear the sins I was confessing.

So now, I feel bad and feel like a denied a gift from God and a chance to receive His Mercy and forgiveness.

For a whole week prior to Good Friday we have around 8 priests every evening after Mass who sit in various pews to hear Confession. People sit close to the priest and whisper the confession to the priest. Nobody else hears.

In another situation at our Church the whole Church was under renovation and for a few weeks the Confessional could not be used so the pews were used.

It might be that where you went the Confessional is under renovation and that instead of denying penitants their right to confess the priest held it in the Church.
Your last sentence is rather scolding. Did you actually talk to the priest about your concerns or even someone in the parish office or did you simply judge the priest??

 

[jmj603]

everyone needs to confess at least once face-to-face.

What are you talking about? I never heard that.

 

[PattiDay]

During Lent a very large church nearby has perhaps ten priests hearing confessions all around the church. The lines for the priests hearing confessions with the seperation screen are decidedly longer than for those priests without the seperation, which leads me to believe most people feel more comfortable with the screen. I don’t imagine that the priest would have denied you the opportunity to use the confessional if you had requested it, but perhaps you felt too embarrased at that point to ask. I hear the pain in your words that you denied yourself the opportunity to receive absolution and grace. Go as soon as you can and don’t beat yourself up about this. You did nothing wrong.

 

[Dorothy]

What are you talking about? I never heard that.

I never heard of that either. No one is mandated to go to confession face to face. The Church is sensitive to the penitent and allows them their choice of face to face, or with a screen.

 

[blue]

Did you do wrong? I guess you left unforgiven not sure if “wrong” is correct. You may confess when your ready, contrite and the way you are comfortable. Call ahead to see if the screen is avaible or go to the confessional w/screen and signal w/cough or to the pew and nod toward confessional when seen ( of course providing the priest is free ). Side note- My wife is always so happy when going to confession. She sings and smiles and is truly full of joy, while I am sweating it out and very sorrowfull. If its just between you and him and not your family, but the Lord, let er rip. Peace to You

 

[Seatuck]

I believe there was an earlier post a few days back that stipulated that confession had to be offered with the separation, but that being said, everyone needs to confess at least once face-to-face. Our parish offers it, but it is in a closed room with two chairs. And in that “friendly” environment, like two friends are talking, it is amazing how relaxed you become.
Compared to the hidden by the screen, I will always choose face-to-face because when you can see the face of the priest, and you have eye contact, the whole “he represents JESUS” grace comes to life, reaches out and touches your soul.

But I agree with you, you still need the quiet space for only “two”.

Nonsense. Where do you get that?

 

[SMHW]

"Julian0404:

…but that being said, everyone needs to confess at least once face-to-face.

jmj603:

What are you talking about? I never heard that.

Nonsense. Where do you get that?

My goodness, people! Julian thinks that face-to-face confession is so awesome :extrahappy: that no one should deny himself the opportunity to experience it…

…and he gets grief about it and is made to seem as if he’s trying to create a new Church law!!!

 

[SMHW]

I believe there should have been an option to allow anonymous confession. I take it this was the only priest offering confessions. Perhaps there were other circumstances that led the priest and penitent to be outside of the confessional. And once outside where the priest could see whoever was approaching then all anonymity was already lost… Of course there was still the issue over others being able to hear.

That said, only you know how great was your need for confession. In general, I wouldn’t beat yourself up over a lost chance to go to confession. Just find another opportunity.

 

[BlueRain]

Thank you, yeah I’m not being harsh on the priest. I feel like it was I who denied God’s gift.

I got the impression that people are used to doing that way.

I hope to go to Confession as soon as possible.