Does a reconciliation service do the same job as face to face confession?

[steve111]

Hi

New to this, so pardon a stupid question. A neighbouring parish holds reconcilliation services a couple of times a year. The priest guides the congregation in making a silent confession and everyone is collectivly absolved (if that is the right word) without having to speak to the priest individually. I’m pretty bad about getting along to normal confession but I do try to get along to these.

My question is, does it do the same job as more traditional face to face confession? It’s certainly more accessible, I’m just not sure if it has quite the same status.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

First of all, all communal penance services must have individual confessions. A general absolution is only allowed in an emergency situation where there is no time for individual confessions. But even in these instances, the person should mention the sins the next time he is able to go to Confession privately—not because the sins haven’t been forgiven, but because he owes God the expression of sorrow and repentance that is expressed by individual confession.

Usually parishes have communal penance services in Advent and Lent to handle the large crowds and to express sorrow for their sins in a communal setting. But twice a year is NOT OFTEN ENOUGH ! We all need to go to Confession at least once a month. Yes, once a month!

There is no adequate excuse for not going to Confession regularly. If we knew that we were going to die, next week, we would make sure we got to Confession this week—even if we had to sit at the rectory door until the priest came out. The fact is, we DON’T know the we are not going to die next week. This is something to think about…………and act on!

Besides, our Blessed Lord suffered all those hours to express His love for us. The least we can do is respond to HIs offer to forgive us, don’t you think?

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.